DeSantis Campaign Press Release - Ron DeSantis Stands with Israel

DeSantis has expressed unequivocal support for Israel and the Jewish people and has taken strong actions to stand by their side. While others just talk about what should be done during tough times like this, DeSantis steps up to the plate and actually delivers results.

• Immediately after the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, Governor DeSantis enhanced protection of Florida's Jewish communities ensuring law enforcement, colleges and universities, and state attorneys received guidance on Florida's strong laws to protect Jewish communities. DeSantis increased law enforcement patrols and presence at synagogues, Jewish Day Schools, and other Jewish institutions resulting in a number of arrests over the last few weeks by law enforcement in communities and on college campuses. These actions are in addition to arrests of reprehensible Neo-Nazis over the last few months.
• On October 12, Governor DeSantis issued an Executive Order requiring Florida's Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) to carry out logistical, rescue and evacuation operations for Florida residents in Israel seeking transportation back to Florida. While the Biden Administration was slow to respond and is charging Americans for using its flights, DeSantis has provided multiple passenger planes free of charge with kosher food to nearly 700 mainly Floridians to travel to America. These flights have been done in partnership with Project DYNAMO, a veteran-led nonprofit based out of Tampa. Along with meals, Florida has provided services such as crisis counseling, comfort stations, and hygiene kits to aid in the transition. Governor and First Lady DeSantis were proud to welcome home the first plane of Floridians on October 15th.
• DeSantis sent two cargo planes with 85 pallets of key supplies to Israel that were largely donated by private parties, from drones to personal protective gear, including body armor and helmets, to medical supplies to children's toys.
• DeSantis also directed Florida's colleges and universities to terminate the Students for Justice in Palestine chapters on campuses, announced a major proposal to impose the strongest state-level sanctions on Iran and Florida has taken the formal step to hold Morningstar-Sustainalytics accountable for facilitating BDS against Israel.
• Additionally, DeSantis was the first presidential candidate to:
  • Say America should not accept refugees from Gaza to the U.S., including people with anti-Semitic, anti-American, or other toxic views who shouldn't be admitted into the country.
  • Call for foreign students celebrating terrorism to have their visas canceled and be sent home and call to withhold funding from colleges and universities that promote antisemitism.
  • Oppose U.S. tax dollars in assistance to Gaza that will benefit Hamas.

Visit this website for more details on DeSantis' long record as Governor and in Congress supporting Israel and the Jewish people.