A police officer walks near a police station that was destroyed after a battle between Israeli troops and Hamas militants on Oct. 8, 2023, in Sderot, Israel. A U.S. House caucus formed this month with the goal of planning for the region after the Israel-Hamas war ends. (Footage by Amir Levy/Getty Images)
In bipartisan fashion, figures in Florida politics renewed support for Israel one year after the attack by Hamas instigated a deadly conflict in Gaza, with Gov. Ron DeSantis underlining his commitment to Israel and the Jewish community.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people and took others hostage in a surprise attack on Israel. Since then, Israel has initiated a bombing campaign aimed at eliminating Hamas and rescuing hostages taken by gunmen into Gaza.
As of Thursday, ABC News reported, 41,788 people have been killed in Gaza with nearly 100,000 injured. In Israel, in addition to those killed on Oct. 7, more than 8,000 people have been injured.
“Terrorists tortured, raped, and massacred more than 1,200 civilians, including 39 Americans,” DeSantis posted to X Monday. “Hamas kidnapped over 250 men, women, children, and babies — and they are still holding more than 100 Israeli and American hostages. While we remember the horrors of October 7, we also recognize the courage of those who rushed toward danger to help save innocent lives from the terror attacks.”
The governor cited his support for Israel and Florida’s Jewish population, including sending planes to return Floridians stranded in Israel after the attack, declaring a state of emergency in Florida, cracking down on college campus protests, and funding for increased security at Jewish day schools.
Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio were part of a group of senators who introduced a resolution condemning Hamas’ attacks and calling for the release of American hostages.
“It is a day that so many will never forget, and not a day goes by that their loved ones wouldn’t do anything to see them again,” Scott said in a news release. “We must stand with all of those impacted by the heinous attack, continue to stand with their families, and support Israel in their fight. We cannot stop fighting until we bring them all home.”
Rubio called the attacks “barbaric and deadly.”
“Hamas and other Islamist militants made it clear that their ultimate goal is the complete destruction of Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East,” Rubio said in a news release. “The U.S. has a moral duty to defend our national security interests and to stand with the people of Israel. We will not waiver.”
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said the party “grieves the lives lost on one of the darkest days in our history.”
“One year since the attacks of October 7th, Israel faces increasing aggression and the risk of a broader regional war in the Middle East,” Fried said in a news release.
“Today, Florida Democrats call for continued U.S. support for Israel to defend itself against adversaries including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran — who represent a clear and present threat to Israel. As we pause in remembrance today, we renew our calls for the release of the remaining hostages and pray for peace and security to return to the region.”
Cabinet
Members of Florida’s Cabinet voiced support, too.
“One year ago, Hamas terrorists murdered, raped, and took hostage innocent civilians in Israel,” Attorney General Ashley Moody posted to X. “Every day we should remember that these terrorists are still holding hostages. Praying today for their safe return and the citizens of Israel, Florida stands with you.”
Wilton Simpson, state commissioner of agriculture, posted: “There aren’t enough weapons on this planet to give these terrorists what they deserve.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis posted to X: “Today marks one year since the heinous terrorist attacks on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas. We remember the lives lost and pray for the communities impacted by ongoing violence.”
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U.S. House
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat, is a co-sponsor of House resolution in support of Israel with a bipartisan group of more than 130 representatives.
“More than ever, it is important that there is no separation in the bond between the United States and Israel and that Hamas release the hostages,” Frankel said in a news release.
Republican U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart kept all American allies in mind when speaking out against terrorist organizations.
“I stand unequivocally with Israel to do whatever it needs to do to defeat Iran’s evil network of proxy terrorist groups which pose grave national security risks to America, Israel, and our allies,” Díaz-Balart posted to X.
U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, also a Republican, took an opportunity to show support for GOP policies, specifically those of former President Donald Trump.
“If we want to be serious about regional stability and our own national security, we MUST return to President Trump’s policy of maximum pressure on Iran to cripple their war machine,” Waltz posted to X.
State Legislature
State Rep. Randy Fine, Republican and self-proclaimed “Jewish and Proud” “Zionist,” posted Sunday that “October 7th would be a great day to rain hellfire and damnation on the Muslim Mullahs of Iran. #BombsAway.”
October 7th would be a great day to rain hellfire and damnation on the Muslim Mullahs of Iran. #BombsAway
— Rep. Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) October 6, 2024
“Today, I mourn those innocents who were killed by Muslim terrorists and my heart is with the hostages being held by these Islamic animals and the families that miss them so badly,” the state lawmaker posted Monday.
“I pray for the safety of those on the front lines against the evil in Gaza, and Lebanon, and Iran, and for the enemy on the other side to suffer. May Gd protect the light and rain hellfire and damnation down on the darkness.”
State Sen. Lori Berman, a Democrat, commended the resilience of the people of Israel. “Florida has always stood firmly alongside Israel, and I, as a proud Jewish Senator, remain committed to ensuring that this relationship endures,” Berman said in a news release.
Other congressional statements came from Aaron Bean, Kat Cammack, Laurel Lee, Jared Moskowitz, María Elvira Salazar, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Daniel Webster, Frederica Wilson, Neal Dunn, John Rutherford, Cory Mills, Darren Soto, Anna Paulina Luna, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Brian Mast.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost acknowledged “the horrendous October 7th terrorist attack and atrocities,” but also noted that it “led to the start of a devastating year-long war that has killed tens of thousands and caused millions of Palestinians to suffer and be displaced. The fear, grief, and loss are felt far beyond borders as the toll of war grows ever deeper with no clear end in sight.
“As we honor the memories of those lost, we must also carry forward a shared hope and commitment for peace. Today, let us reflect on our pain but remind ourselves of our collective responsibility to push for a ceasefire, hostages returning home, establish a lasting peace, and seek healing for those so devastatingly impacted.”
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