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Florida Distributes $25 Million to Continue Protecting Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the distribution of $25 million to 134 Florida Jewish Day Schools to increase safety and security measures. This funding was allocated to the Department of Education during the 2023 Special Legislative Session. Since 2019, Governor DeSantis has allocated a record $43 million to safeguard Jewish Day Schools. To see the distribution amounts, click here.

“During a time of increased antisemitism around the world, Florida will continue to protect the Jewish community,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today’s funding will give Florida’s Jewish Day Schools the tools they need to continue to keep their students safe.”

“Because of Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida’s Jewish Day Schools will be safer than ever before,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “We will continue to stand with and support the Jewish community.”

Following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians, Governor DeSantis called a Special Legislative Session to ensure the protection of Florida’s Jewish community and to levy additional sanctions on Iran. As a result, Governor DeSantis signed legislation providing an additional $25 million to protect Jewish Day Schools and $20 million to protect Jewish institutions and houses of worship.

Governor DeSantis’ recent actions in support of Israel and Florida’s Jewish community also include:

  • Sending passenger planes to rescue nearly 700 Americans from Israel immediately following the Hamas attack.
  • Directing the Florida Highway Patrol to protect Jewish Day Schools and synagogues across the state.
  • Delivering two cargo planes carrying 85 pallets of donated supplies to Tel-Aviv, Israel, at the request of hospitals and other government agencies in Israel.
  • Directing the State University System of Florida and the Florida College System to waive certain transfer application requirements for Jewish students who have a well-founded fear of antisemitic persecution at their current postsecondary institution.

Gov. Scott Highlights Security Funding at Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today visited the Torah Academy of Boca Raton and Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center to highlight the $2 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools in this year’s Securing Florida’s Future budget.

The $2 million in security funding will help eligible Florida Jewish Day Schools provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems, and other safety equipment.

Gov. Scott to Visit Jewish Day Schools to Highlight Security Funding

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, May 16th, Governor Rick Scott will visit the Torah Academy of Boca Raton and Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center to highlight the $2 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools in his Securing Florida’s Future budget.

WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 10:45 AM
WHERE: Torah Academy of Boca Raton
3881 NW 3rd Ave.
Boca Raton, FL 33431

WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: 4:00 PM
WHERE: Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center
1789 Mandarin Rd.
Naples, FL 34102

Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Support Israel and Highlights Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Rick Scott signed HB 545, a bill that prohibits state agencies and local governments from contracting with companies that are boycotting Israel.

Governor Scott said, “In December, I led a trade mission to continue to build Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. I applaud the Legislature for passing HB 545, and this bill shows the world that Florida will not do business with those that boycott Israel. I’m also proud to highlight this year’s Securing Florida’s Future budget which includes a $2 million investment in Jewish Day Schools. Every student deserves to be able to learn in a safe environment and we will continue to do all we can to keep our students safe.”

Governor Scott also highlighted the $2 million investment in security funding for Jewish Day Schools included in the Securing Florida’s Future budget. Funding will be used to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.  Last year, Governor Scott approved more than $650,000 for security at Jewish Day Schools.

Throughout the Governor’s time in office he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and support for Israel. In 2011, Governor’s led a trade mission to Israel which ultimately established the successful Florida-Israel Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between Space Florida and Israel, to support research, development, and aerospace and technology projects. In 2016, Governor Scott signed legislation which prohibits the State Board of Administration from investing in companies that boycott Israel. Governor Scott also supported the U.S. Embassy moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In December, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida business and education leaders on another trade mission to Israel. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $283 million a year.

Governor Scott Proposes $1 Million in Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Katz Hillel Day School of Boca Raton to announce his proposal for $1 million in security funding for Jewish Day Schools in his 2018-2019 recommended budget. This funding would be available to all Florida Jewish Day Schools to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.
Governor Scott said, “Every Florida student deserves to have the opportunity to learn in a safe and comfortable setting. After Florida’s Jewish community received hateful threats last year, we saw the need to provide additional security so the children that attend Jewish Day Schools can learn without having to worry about feeling threatened. While last year’s investment will make a huge difference, we must continue to do more. I look forward to working with the Legislature to provide this important funding and will continue to work with our federal partners and members of Florida’s Jewish community to ensure the safety of families and students.”
Currently, thousands of Florida students attend Jewish Day Schools. Earlier this year the Governor signed the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget, which provided more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools.

Governor Scott Highlights Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

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Governor Rick Scott visited the Brauser Maimonides Academy and the Orlando Torah Academy to highlight the more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget. This investment follows recent threats against Jewish schools and communities across the country. Funding will be used to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.
Governor Scott said, “The State of Florida has absolutely zero tolerance for the recent hateful and anti-Semitic threats against our Jewish communities. I am proud that the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget I signed last week includes more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools. We want to make sure our students stay safe and focused on what is most important- getting a great education, and I appreciate the Florida Legislature for taking quick action to come together and fight for this important funding. We will continue to work closely with the members of Florida’s Jewish community and our partners in the state and federal government to do all we can to help keep all of our students and families safe.”
Senate President Joe Negron said, “We will not accept the recent threats against our Jewish community or any attempt to make our hardworking teachers and students fearful in their own schools. This investment in security funding for our Jewish Day Schools shows that we remain fully dedicated to protecting the free exercise of religion in our communities. The right of a free people to practice any religion, or no religion, must be protected in our state. I am incredibly grateful to the Senators and Representatives who supported this funding, and I thank Governor Scott for his partnership.”
House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Florida has a history of standing with the Jewish people against acts of violence, hatred, and intolerance. I am proud that we are continuing to build on this commitment by making an important investment in security funding for Jewish Day Schools. I appreciate Governor Scott and my colleagues for supporting this funding as we continue to work together to keep our students safe and focused on achieving their dreams.”
Representative Randy Fine said, “There has recently been a dramatic rise in the threats against Jewish Day Schools and I was proud to join Governor Scott and my fellow Legislative members in taking immediate action to help protect our Jewish communities. This funding will help provide Jewish Day Schools with important security resources and ensure our students, teachers and parents feel safe. I was honored to join Governor Scott today in recognizing this crucial investment today.”

Gov. Rick Scott to Highlight Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, June 6, Governor Rick Scott will highlight security funding for Jewish Day Schools included the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget.
WHAT: Budget Highlight Ceremony
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: Brauser Maimonides Academy
5300 SW 40th Ave,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
 

MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, June 6, Governor Rick Scott will highlight security funding for Jewish Day Schools included the Fighting for Florida’s Future Budget.
WHAT: Budget Highlight Ceremony
WHEN: 12:00 PM
WHERE: Orlando Torah Academy
8651 Commodity Cir
Orlando, FL 32819