Florida leaders gather for pro-Israel event, condemn Hamas at Jacksonville City Hall.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rep. Dean Black, R-Jacksonville, hosted a pro-Israel event in front of Jacksonville City Hall Monday to support Israel and condemn Hamas.

Black was joined by other Florida leaders including: Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, Rep. Jessica Baker, R-Jacksonville, Jacksonville City Councilmen Nick Howland and Ken Amaro, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, U.S. Republican Reps. Aaron Bean, John Rutherford, and other elected officials.
Dozens of community members also attended the event.
“The truth is, Israel is not guilty of any genocide,” Black said. “This is Hamas’ fault. They started the war. The killing didn’t stop. All that is necessary is for Hamas to surrender.”
Black told Florida’s Voice that Jewish people are God’s “chosen people.”
“But notwithstanding that, they [Israel] were attacked by a vicious terrorist organization who didn’t kill civilians inadvertently in defending themselves, they launched a war of aggression and it was against civilians purposefully, that’s evil, that’s wrong,” Black said.
Black said that people should be able to “fight evil” and “stand with righteousness” and that narrative is “getting turned on its head in the media.” He said the Florida leaders gathered Monday because they “need to turn that right side up.”
A group of counter-protesters stood in support of Palestine during the event, yelling chants including “free Palestine.”
Bean pointed to the counter-protestors and asked “what the heck are our higher institutions doing anyway?”
He said the counter-protestors are “the product” of the higher education system and there is work to “clean up” in the education system.
“Sometimes to face down people that have no idea what they’re talking about, it can get a little uncomfortable, do you know what I’m saying Northeast Florida?” Bean said, referring to counter-protestors.
Dozens of protests supporting Hamas’ actions on Israel have taken place at Florida colleges and universities since the attacks on Israel.
In response to the pro-Hamas protests at colleges and universities, Gov. Ron DeSantis and State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues have ordered universities to dismantle various student chapters that have been aligned with support for “Hamas terrorism.”
Bean pointed to the 7,000 rockets launched into Israel and Hamas targeting innocent civilians. He said on Oct. 7, Hamas murdered more than 1,400 innocent civilians and “slaughtered” them in “the most inhumane way possible.”
“Over 4,500 Israeli citizens that were injured that day, we have over 220 taken hostage. Grandmas, how about that? Who does that? I’ll tell you who does that, evil does that. That’s what evil does,” Bean said.
Howland said Israel is the “only democracy in the region” with the right to defend itself and “destroy Hamas.”
“That is the only solution to protect innocent Israelis and Palestinians. That is the only solution for peace,” Howland said.
Rutherford pointed to Israel being the United State’s ally and partner.
“Now therefore be it resolved that the House of Representatives stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists,” Rutherford said.
Following the event, Florida’s Voice asked Black what his thoughts were regarding the counter-protesters and he said they are “misguided.”
“I don’t know how you can stand with an organization that burned women and children alive, an organization that beheaded civilians,” Black said. “I don’t know what to say about that, but we know where we stand and we made that point clear today.”
Black announced that Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., sent his regards for the event and sent a letter expressing his support. Black read the end of Scott’s letter during the event, which said the following:
“We stand with Israel and believe that every American ally and partner must quickly condemn the invasion and acts of horror by Hamas. My office stands ready to help and urges any Floridian with knowledge of an American in need to contact us immediately.”
Black said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also sent his regards and a letter of support. Black read the ending of Rubio’s letter:
“Israel will need us in the days, weeks and months ahead and we will be there for them just as you are all here today. We remain united for Israel.”

 

https://flvoicenews.com/florida-leaders-gather-for-pro-israel-event-condemning-hamas-at-jacksonville-city-hall/