Members of Tampa’s and Gulf Coast’s delegations in the Senate chamber (L-R): Jennifer Feld, Eric Pastman, Chandaye Pastman, Emily Eisenberg, Steven Schwersky, Carolyn Fink, Stuart Berger, Joe Probasco and Pamela Garron.
On January 26-27, approximately 150 Jewish leaders, advocates and community members representing approximately 30 organizations and cities from across Florida, gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tallahassee for two days of learning and meetings with Florida lawmakers during the 2026 legislative session. Participants represented 13 Florida Jewish federations, the Consul General of Israel in Miami, Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, ADL, AJC, AIPAC, Jewish Agency for Israel, JNF, CAMERA, Hadassah, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, NOLEPAC and other Jewish organizations.
The Fly-In took place as Florida lawmakers considered legislation impacting how antisemitism is addressed statewide. Upon registration, attendees received packets containing one-page briefs describing the three identified legislative priorities and lists of key sponsors. (1) HB 111/SB 1072, establishment of a statewide antisemitism taskforce, which would include appointees from elected officials as well as government agencies, serving two-year terms and would meet quarterly and enhance the state’s existing policy actions. (2) HB 415/SB 486 would require the creation of Title VI Coordinator positions in all K-12 school districts and at all public college campuses in Florida for the purposes of tackling all forms of discrimination in education – including an unprecedented amount of antisemitism faced by Jewish students. (3) Community leaders also advocated the renewal of funding for the Florida Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Former Consul General of Israel Maor Elbaz- Starinsky.
Monday’s events opened with acknowledgement of the return of Ran Gvili’s remains to Israel after 863 days, followed by remarks by Zohar Vloski, Lt. Col. (Res.) Global Director of Zionist Education, Jewish National Fund – USA, on behalf of Consul General of Miami and the state of Israel.
Karen Cyphers, Tallahassee Jewish Federation president, introduced a panel discussion, “Florida-Israel: A Strategic Economic Partnership,” which explored Israeli companies collaborating with Florida organizations to solve problems in the state, sharing that expanding the growing impact of Florida-Israel economic collaboration. Moderated by Florida-Israel Business Accelerator’s (FIBA) co-executive director Rakefet Bachur-Phillips, the panel featured Matt Swanson, SelectFlorida (Coral Gables); Moshe Amore, C4 Advanced Tactical Systems (Orlando); David Columbe, Xtend Reality USA (Tampa); Greg Berlet, Ossio (Palmetto); and Matan Lev-Ari, IDE Technologies.
Tampa’s Joe Probasco introduces keynote speaker Lara Burns.
The day’s featured speaker was Lara Burns, head of Terrorism Research, Program on Extremism, George Washington University. An attorney and retired FBI Special Agent with more than 23 years of experience leading teams in complex international terrorism investigations, Burns rapidly revealed the dangers of the Council of American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood, sharing evidence of money trails connecting the organization to Hamas and other foreign terrorist groups, that there is a “history of the network here, it’s not an accident or spontaneous eruption that happened as an aftermath of October 7.”
Steve Schwersky, Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Burns continued, “It’s part of an agenda put into place in our country 30 years ago.” She described the Muslim Brotherhood as a political ideology founded in Egypt in 1928 that began emerging in the United States in the 1960s, particularly on college and university campuses. “The group created front organizations with the goals of getting in front of the media, [with] fundraising, propaganda and political arms,” Burns said, noting that three organizations were established to carry out these functions. Emphasizing the need for public engagement, she added, “We need to be using our voices and not be afraid.”
On behalf of Florida’s Jewish communities, Liat Alon, Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation’s chief learning and engagement officer, presented Maor Elbaz Starinsky with an engraved tzedakah box, in honor of his efforts to bring connections between Israel and Florida, including launching the inaugural Israel Days Fly-In in 2023. The former Consul General of Israel in Miami, Elbaz-Starinsky said, “Nothing would have been done without the support of the people of Florida, including the elected officials.”
(L-R): Karen Zemel, Broward Federation’s JCRC chair, presents an engraved tzedakah box to Rep. Michael Gottlieb, pictured with his wife Georgia.
The group then traveled en masse to the Capitol, where attendees were invited onto the Senate chamber dais to pose for photos with their local delegations. They were later welcomed onto the House floor, where they heard remarks from Rep. Sam Garrison of District 11. Garrison, the Florida House speaker designate, underscored the long-standing and strategic partnership between the state of Florida and Israel. He also offered attendees insight into how the House functions behind the scenes.
A legislative breakfast launched the convening on Tuesday morning, with remarks from numerous elected officials including Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier; Representative Jennifer Cannady, District 50; Representative Debra Tendrich, District 89; Representative Yvette Benarroch, District 81; Representative Mitch Rosenwald, District 98; Representative Michael Gottlieb, District 102; and Senator Shevrin Jones, District 34.
Following these remarks, Gottlieb was honored for his service, with special recognition for serving as the chair of Florida’s Jewish Legislative Caucus, as well as his efforts to establish a statewide antisemitism taskforce. A bipartisan group of state lawmakers, the mission of the Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus is to confront rising antisemitism, foster tolerance and protect the rights of Jewish residents in Florida.
Karen Zemel, chair of Broward County’s Jewish Community Relations Council, in her remarks acknowledged that Gottlieb showed “support of Israel during times of crisis” and “reaffirmed Florida’s solidarity with Israel.” Zemel shared that Gottlieb has “brought people together, individuals of all identities, to combat hatred” and “every Floridian deserves to live without fear.”
In accepting the honor, Gottlieb thanked attendees for taking the time to dedicate a few days to furthering Jewish advocacy, strengthening Florida-Israel ties, meeting lawmakers and celebrating Jewish/Israeli culture.
Gottlieb explained, “It is now more than ever, with antisemitism having risen over 1000 percent in 10 years and rising still internationally as we defend ourselves, that we need to remain committed and vigilant in protecting our heritage, culture and Jewish values. We are literally facing a new war, not on the ground but a war of culture and social media contempt.”
He continued, “As legislators we will continue to support Israel and Jewish life in Florida. We will continue to Protect our right to be free from harassment as we pray and for our children to attend Jewish day schools, without threat of harm. We will continue to build our community, focusing on education and culture. We will continue to combat injustices and fight for the oppressed.”
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus was instrumental in passage of critical legislation reaffirming the state’s opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The law strengthens Florida’s stance against economic discrimination targeting the State of Israel. Passed in 2025, the legislation was immediately implemented, as reflected in revisions to the Florida Division of Arts and Culture’s General Program Support and Special Cultural Project grant applications. Those revisions require mandatory certification that grant recipients will not engage in antisemitic discrimination or speech related to the State of Israel. Grant recipients found to have engaged in BDS activities are subject to a penalty payable to the State Treasury equal to three times the amount of the grant.
The day culminated in a ceremony at the Florida Holocaust Memorial with remarks and prayers led by Reps. Gottlieb, Benarroch, Tendrich and Cassel, and from a Holocaust survivor, in front of the Fly-In delegates. .
The Gulf Coast delegation included: Stuart Berger, Chandaye Pastman, Eric Pastman and Steve Schwersky. The group held meetings with State Representatives Kimberly Berfield and Lindsay Cross, as well as the aides of Adam Anderson and Berny Jacques; and Senators Danny Burgess, Nick DiCeglie and Ed Hooper.
Steve Schwersky, president of the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast), remarked, “This was my first time attending the Fly-In. It was time well spent. I believe we had a valuable impact on our legislators. All of the representatives that I spoke with were attentive. Based on feedback, the bills we were lobbying for should have no problem passing. The rise in antisemitism is obvious but meeting our elected officials face to face drove home our message and our concerns. Our voices are the most important tool we have for fighting antisemitism. We should use them as often as possible.”
Gulf Coast’s JCRC chair, Eric Pastman, and wife Chandaye have attended AIPAC-related events in Washington, DC. This was their first time attending a Tallahassee Fly-In. “Although antisemitism has grown dramatically, we are both thankful to live in the state of Florida, where our politicians take the issue seriously and attempt to solve it. We wanted to express our appreciation for their efforts,” said Pastman. “The lawmakers we met with were all supportive of our three issues.”
The Tampa delegation included: Rakefet Bachur-Phillips, Emily Eisenberg, Sylvie Feinsmith, Jennifer Feld, Carolyn Fink, Pamela Garron, Lucas Martinez, Pam Miniati, Joe Probasco and three University of South Florida students. The group met with State Representatives Fentrice Driskell, Traci Koster and Karen Gonzalez Pittman, as well as the aide of Michael Owen, and Senator Danny Burgess.
Joe Probasco, past president of Tampa JCCs & Federation and board of trustees of Jewish Federations of North America, has attended previous Fly-In events. “I felt an even greater urgency to be there this year, as the challenges facing our Jewish community only continue to grow. Joining Jewish leaders from across Florida to advocate as one — for security, education and a Florida where Jewish life can thrive — we contribute to a future that is safer, stronger and more inclusive for all Floridians.”
Probasco emphasize that legislators needed to hear that Florida’s Jewish community speaks with one voice. “We are exceptionally diverse, yet always unite on security, education and combating antisemitism — and I believe they heard that message loud and clear.” He was struck by how appreciative lawmakers were to hear that actions from prior sessions are making real impacts on Jewish life in Florida, and that simply hearing “thank you” meant a lot to many elected officials. He remains encouraged by how many sincerely care about our Jewish community.
Jennifer Feld, president of Tampa Jewish Family Services, shared, “While this was my fifth year lobbying in Tallahassee, it was my first year attending with the Fly-In. Given the rise of antisemitism and the critical need to support Israel at this time, I felt it was important to travel to the Capitol this year. As a mother of two public school children, I was passionate about the proposed Title IV legislation because it would directly affect them by creating accountability in antisemitism reporting.”
Carolyn Fink, a past president of Hillel Academy and incoming president of Congregation Kol Ami, said she attends every year. “With so much happening in Florida and Israel this year, it felt especially important to be there in person,” she said. “I wanted our legislators to understand the real-life impact of their continued support for the Nonprofit Security Grant, which provides critical funding to strengthen the security infrastructure of Jewish facilities. Without this funding, Hillel would need to use more operating dollars toward security hardening instead of education and programming. Continued support for the Nonprofit Security Grant directly supports Jewish education and sustains a vibrant Jewish life in Tampa.”
On Tuesday afternoon, during International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a memorial ceremony culminated the two-day event. Held outdoors at the Florida Holocaust Memorial, located in Memorial Park across from the Capitol, the ceremony took place after the legislative meetings concluded. Featuring a double-sided, dark iron and limestone design, the memorial features the names and faces of Holocaust survivors who moved to Florida.
A Holocaust Cattle Car Exhibit, provided by Hate Ends Now, was situated adjacent to the Capitol, and offered an immersive educational experience for attendees and the public. That evening, the old Capitol was illuminated with yellow lights courtesy of the Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus.
Fink concluded with, “I was pleasantly surprised by the genuine interest in hearing our perspectives. Even with how busy they all were, they still took the time to meet with us. They are all just people who genuinely want to make a difference in our lives and understand the real impact their decisions can have. Advocating alongside so many committed Jewish leaders is energizing. It’s a reminder that we’re stronger together, and sharing our stories can make a difference.”
Feld agreed, “It is empowering to advocate for these issues, as we were quite literally talking to the people who make the decisions shaping our state. Showing a united front with Jews across the state was an added bonus. We had power in numbers. It was an altogether invigorating, wonderful trip.”
Next year’s Israel Days Fly-In have been scheduled for March 8 – 9, 2027.
Preceding Monday’s opening Fly-In event, the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator (FIBA) partnered with FloridaCommerce to host the 2nd Israel Pitch Day at the Capital. This exclusive showcase brought some of Israel’s most advanced and highly vetted technology companies directly to Florida’s policymakers, state agency leaders and investors. Known globally as the “Startup Nation,” Israel is home to breakthrough innovation in critical sectors including cyber security, defense, bio-tech and water. This event provided FloridaCommerce leadership, Israeli founders and CEOs, policymakers, investors and media, with direct access to companies poised to support the state’s longterm economic growth, workforce development and technology leadership. Featured companies included: Exodigo; IDE Technologies; Kela Cyber; MySkyEco. com; Ossio; and Xtend Defense.
Rakefet Bachur-Phillips and Pam Miniati are FIBA’s co-executive directors.
Miniati shared, “Israel Pitch Day is a powerful example of how collaboration drives innovation. By bringing Israel’s most promising technology companies directly to Florida’s policymakers and state agency leaders, we are helping bridge global innovation with statewide priorities in infrastructure, security and economic development. These founders are building solutions the world needs, and Florida is the ideal environment for them to scale and succeed.”
Bachur-Phillips said, “Florida and Israel share a deep commitment to innovation, and this event demonstrates just how powerful that partnership can be. The companies joining us represent the very best of the Startup Nation, visionary founders, breakthrough technologies and a readiness to expand into the U.S. market. We’re proud to connect these entrepreneurs with Florida’s policymakers and agency leaders as they establish roots, build teams and create long-term impact across the state.”
FIBA is a Tampa-based innovation hub that supports the growth and acceleration of innovative companies with proven solutions in global markets. By fostering strategic connections and partnerships between companies and Florida’s dynamic business ecosystem, FIBA empowers tech-driven solutions across industries such as aviation, healthcare and defense.