MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — More than a dozen Miami-Dade County leaders, including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Steven Meiner, held a news conference Thursday to denounce rising antisemitism in Florida and around the world.
The annual event, now in its fourth year, is hosted by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and took place on the eve of the fifth day of Hanukkah.
Leaders gathered to address disturbing trends in antisemitic incidents and discuss community safety following a recent mass shooting at a beach in Sydney, Australia, that left 16 people dead, including a rabbi with ties to the South Florida community.
“Let us all be inspired to do acts of goodness in the world,” said Rabbi Fred Klein during the event.
Steven Scheck, chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, added, “This year is the most important year we have ever held it, tragically that remains true today.”
He also noted, “We are here today because Jewish people are being singled out, on campuses, in workplaces, online and in public spaces.”
Daniel Frank, Florida director of the Anti-Defamation League, highlighted recent data.
“Florida again ranked in the top 10 states for incidents in 2024.” Brian Siegel, Miami/Broward director of the American Jewish Community, added, “One in three American Jews have been directly targeted by antisemitism.”
Organizers stressed the urgency of their message in light of hundreds of attacks nationwide and the mass shooting in Australia.
Seth Salver, mayor of the Village of Bal Harbour, said, “We hosted a menorah lighting on our beach because we wanted to send a message to our community that we will not cower in fear. We will not be afraid.”
“I want to make it very clear, Miami-Dade County is no place for hate. There is no hate tolerated,” said Levine Cava.
Mayors and community leaders also urged residents not to be bystanders.
“It’s incumbent upon us to stand up and speak out,” said Opa-locka Mayor John Taylor.
Key indicators cited by organizers include:
- Antisemitic incidents across the U.S. have increased 344% over the past five years.
- Florida ranks seventh nationwide for reported antisemitic incidents.
- Eighty-three percent of antisemitic assaults in Florida occurred in Miami-Dade County.
- Thirty-six percent of antisemitic incidents in Florida took place at Jewish institutions, double the national average.
The event brought together mayors with busy schedules and tight agendas to make a shared promise: antisemitism will not be ignored in their communities.
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