Unified. Moving. Inspiring.
Those may not be typical words describing a state legislative session, but all were apropos for the start of Florida’s Senate session on Monday.
A Somber Beginning
Several events came together that morning. Agudath Israel of Florida’s executive director, Rabbi Moshe Matz, gave the opening prayer. He was invited by Senator Jason Pizzo, D – Miami Dade County, a few weeks ago. However, Rabbi Matz’s appearance on Monday became quite poignant in the aftermath of the weekend shooting in the Chabad shul of Poway, California. Rabbi Matz referenced the tragedy in his prayer, asking that we “use our G-d given wisdom to promote His values and practice His will. In these challenging days. . . we beg the Almighty for his Divine protection and guidance and to be true ambassadors of love and respect, to speak loudly and with one voice against the scourge of anti-Semitism.”
The Senators were moved and reflective. House President Bill Galvano then called for them to stand in a moment of silence for respect and remembrance of those affected by the terror attack in California.
The Senate Takes a Stand
The most memorable event, however, was the unanimous passing of House Bill 741 (HB741). The House version by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, was approved 114-0 nearly three weeks ago. However, Senate Bill 1272 (SB1272), sponsored by Republican state Senator Joe Gruters of Sarasota, had not yet passed out of committee.
In response to the California attack, the Senators voted by a two-thirds majority to waive the rules and take up the House version. They fast tracked HB741, skipping the normal committee process and bringing it straight to the floor for a vote.
The bill was approved 40-0 and now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
HB741’s Provisions
The bill adds discrimination based on religion to the list of what is prohibited in Florida schools.
As per the State Department, it defines anti-Semitic speech as:
– expressing hatred of Jews
– criticizing the power of the Jewish community
– accusing Jewish people or Israel of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
Discrimination includes:
– using classic anti-Semitic symbols and images to demonize Israel or Israelis
– comparing Israeli policies to Nazi Germany
HB741 also requires public schools to treat discrimination against Jewish people the same as other acts of racial discrimination.
Senators Show their Support
During debate, a number of Senators rose to express encouragement to the Jewish community. “Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and we have the ability to do something about it,” said Senator Gruters. Senator Annette Taddeo, D – Miami Dade County, emphasized the need to do good in the face of hatred, adding that the Senate was “doing a mitzvah.” And Senator Pizzo noted that it was “rather serendipitous” that Rabbi Matz was there that day.
Agudath Israel supported the bill from the beginning and is gratified to see its unanimous passing. “We are happy to see the State of Florida make a unified statement and react proactively to the rise of overt anti-Semitism,” says Rabbi Matz.
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One Response
A few months ago, a Chabad rabbi gave the opening prayer of the Florida legislature. He was graciously introduced by a legislative official, who identified the rabbi by his name (I don’t remember) and stated that he was an emissary of the Chabad rebbe, but the official pronounced the first two letters of “Chabad” the way they would be pronounced in the work “chicken.” I guess we would all prefer that mistake to the way that America learned from recent events that the first consonant sound of Chabad is the same as in Chanukah, i.e., what the linguists call the fricative.