Antisemitism in Florida

Steven Chizzik, President

Istart my day, as many of you probably do, by going online and reading various news websites to catch up on overnight events and feel connected to what’s happening around me. It seems that not a day goes by where I don’t read about a Jewish person being attacked simply because he/she was walking in their neighborhood wearing a yamulka or dressing, perhaps, somewhat differently to what is mainstream.

These news stories are not only happening in European countries and distant places, but they are also regularly happening all across our country, right here in the United States of America!

How many of you know that, according to the Anti-Defamation League, Florida is home to the fourth highest number of antisemitic incidences in the United States?

Earlier this year, swastikas were found on a vacant restaurant in Wellington, Florida (east coast) and, in May, two people were waving a swastika flag right outside Disney World in Orlando as another person was shouting antisemitic remarks through a bullhorn at visitors as they approached the amusement park.

In another incident, Jewish residents in Boca Raton woke up to flyers with the face of Hitler on them outside their homes. Antisemitic incidents in Florida rose by 40% from 2019 to 2020. I’m sure they rose even further this past year as antisemitic vandalism incidents continue to rise in Florida.

These deplorable acts of antisemitism have forced Jewish institutions and synagogues to increase security and incur the costs of keeping our congregants safe. After consultation with the Collier County Sheriffs’ Department as well as our local FBI office, Beth Tikvah employs sophisticated monitoring equipment in addition to security guards.

Michael Igel, who last year was appointed to Florida’s Statewide Task Force on Holocaust Education, said, “It’s a sad day for humanity when even Disney World, the “happiest place on Earth,” is not immune to blatant antisemitism.”

Beth Tikvah hosted a packed synagogue this past season as State Attorney Andrew Warren gave us his perspective of antisemitism.

I am writing this column today in the hope that each of us condemns not only antisemitism, but all forms of racism and bigotry, and we each take every opportunity to come together to reject poisonous deeds and rhetoric. By doing so, we will all make this world a better place. There is no place for racism!

I hope everyone is safe and healthy and enjoying your summer wherever you are. I am looking forward to everyone’s return in the fall.

I would like to remind everyone again that Beth Tikvah is now offering new members their fi rst year’s dues free of charge. If you or a friend wishes to experience the warmth and community found at Beth Tikvah, please join us.

Beth Tikvah is the affiliated congregation in Greater Naples of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) for support of our Scholar in Residence, Naples Jewish Film Festival and All Things Jewish programs.

Beth Tikvah July/August happenings

Please check the Beth Tikvah website, www.bethtikvahnaples.org, for details of all our events.

• Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. via Zoom

• Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. in person and Zoom

• Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. in person and Zoom

You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.