MIAMI (VINnews) — James Fishback, a former Republican candidate for Florida governor, was escorted from Miami-Dade County Commission chambers Tuesday after condemning the county’s expanded investment in Israel bonds.
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Commissioners approved a new investment policy that raises the cap on Israel bonds from 3% to 5% of Miami-Dade’s $8 billion portfolio. The change passed without discussion under commission rules that generally bar public comment on items already heard by a committee.
Fishback approached the microphone during public comment on an unrelated matter. He told commissioners he would not address the Israel bonds item because he did not want to be removed.
He then asked whether they served “the people of South Miami or of Jerusalem” and said the money should be invested locally. Plainclothes deputies approached the lectern and escorted him out as he continued speaking.
“We need a country that puts America first,” Fishback said as he was led toward a rear exit. In a text afterward, he said deputies removed him to street level.
Chair Anthony Rodriguez had instructed speakers not to address the Israel bonds legislation. Multiple people who opposed the change expressed frustration that they could not speak on the item before the full commission.
Jared Simon, who helped lead opposition to the expanded rules, told commissioners they had not even discussed the policy. He later told the Miami Herald that his group was not aligned with Fishback.
Kevin Deutsch, who supports the policy sponsored by Commissioner René García, said staff told him he could not speak on the item and that he was denied a chance to respond to critics.
García said after the vote that the change only increases the limit and does not require purchases. Investment decisions remain with the clerk and county staff, he said, to seek the best returns for the community.
Fishback finished third in last month’s Republican gubernatorial primary. During the campaign he sharply criticized Israel and faced accusations of antisemitism over some of his remarks.
The commission’s Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Committee approved the Israel bonds provision in July before it reached the full board.
no place for ant-semites in Florida
He should move to New York, where they will appreciate his political views. Stay out of Florida… hate has no place here!
John Jay forewarned us of the dangers of foreign powers and influences in Federalist Papers 2- 5; plus, redressing your grievances is ensured in accordance with
Article 1, Section 5 of the Florida Constitution. If anyone can’t honor that? Transfer somewhere else.
Myself and other Jews were denied an opportunity to speak at this meeting, while the antizionist hate movement was platformed by the commission despite these bigots’ use of deception to get on the speaker list. Please consider contacting Miami-Dade County officials to voice your concerns about the anti-Jewish hate they platformed on taxpayer time.
-Kevin Deutsch, Founder, After October 7,
As a FL taxpayer, I think the State & Counties should invest in (Israel or other) State bonds ONLY IF they offer a favorable comparable return.