MIAMI (WSVN) - Leaders from across South Florida came together in Miami to speak out against hate.
Mayors from different municipalities and community leaders gathered Thursday in an effort to denounce antisemitism and send a strong message that hatred in South Florida will be confronted.
At the annual gathering, held at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, candles were lit during the fifth night of Hanukkah. Speakers frequently referenced how a small light can destroy darkness.
In light of the recent mass shooting in Sydney’s Bondi Beach and the 2023 October 7 attack, these leaders have taken action to be a light and reassure the Jewish people and those of different faiths that they can feel safe in their communities.
“After incidents like Sydney, Australia, not only did our police activate its high-risk patrols, I personally called the heads of the state’s law enforcement, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, the sheriff, and we made sure that we had additional patrols,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.
The Miami Beach mayor said the city will have increased security in neighborhoods, synagogues and Jewish holiday gatherings.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also called for residents to be alert.
“So I call upon everyone, don’t be a bystander to hate, don’t be a bystander to antisemitism,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Other speakers said the recent uptick in antisemitism in the United States and around the world has caused a chilling effect for American Jews.
“We are here today because Jewish people are being singled out,” said Steven Scheck, Chair of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Relations Council.
“More than half of American Jews, 56%, say they have changed their behavior out of fear of antisemitism,” said Brian Siegal of the American Jewish Committee.
They also stood firm that hatred would be confronted in South Florida.
“I promise that in Miami, fear will never be allowed to silence faith, identity or belonging,” said Siegal.
“If you violate a Miami Beach ordinance, and there’s a hate crime attached to it, you will get mandatory jail time,” said Meiner.
As a crowd gathered to light the next candle Wednesday afternoon in observance of Hannukah, many stay hopeful that its light will fend off darkness.
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