As part of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Partnership2Gether relationship with Zichron Yaakov, a visiting delegation gathered at Florida Atlantic University with Federation leadership and community partners for a series of high-level meetings focused on public affairs, U.S.–Israel relations, and the future of Jewish life on campus.
The visit provided a comprehensive look at how Israel advocacy is advanced across multiple arenas, from state policy and federal legislation to the day-to-day realities facing Jewish students, and reinforced the importance of strong, strategic partnerships between U.S. and Israeli communities.
Florida’s Leadership in Pro-Israel Policy
The delegation began with a briefing on Florida’s nationally recognized pro-Israel legislative framework. Florida Israel Institute representatives Joseph Sabag and Daniel Raviv shared how Florida became the first state to divest from Iran in 2007 and later adopted one of the strongest anti-BDS laws in the country. These laws have been actively enforced in high-profile cases, demonstrating that Florida’s commitment to its economic and moral relationship with Israel is more than symbolic.
The group also learned about Florida’s adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism into state law and its application across public institutions, including education. Looking ahead, discussions focused on expanding collaboration between Florida and Israel through the Florida-Israel Institute, with a goal of strengthening partnerships between universities, researchers, and innovators, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, healthcare, and technology.
This meeting concluded with a meaningful visit from FAU President Adam Hasner, the university’s first Jewish President. President Hasner reinforced his unwavering commitment to making FAU the safest and most inclusive school in the country for Jewish students. He also highlighted the university’s landmark investment in Israel Bonds, which now makes FAU the highest-investing university in the nation.
Inside the Current Landscape in Washington
The delegation then received an inside look at the realities of Israel advocacy in Congress in a meeting with Alexander Rogoff, staff for U.S. Congressman Jared Moskowitz. While Israel continues to enjoy significant bipartisan support, participants learned about the scale and complexity of the legislative effort, including dozens of bills introduced since October 7 and major initiatives aimed at countering Iran’s illicit activities.
At the same time, the conversation addressed growing challenges, including the impact of social media, especially TikTok, in spreading misinformation and shaping public opinion, as well as generational shifts that are weakening emotional connections to Israel among younger Americans. The discussion emphasized that continued engagement, education, and relationship-building with emerging leaders is essential to sustaining long-term support.
The Front Lines of Jewish Life on Campus
The visit concluded with in-depth conversations with Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach professionals and student leaders at FAU Hillel. The delegation heard firsthand how educators and community partners are supporting students amid a national rise in antisemitism through relationship-based engagement, visible pro-Jewish pride initiatives, and immersive Israel experiences.
From anti-hate campaigns and Shabbat programming to leadership retreats and Birthright trips, the group saw how these efforts are not only strengthening Jewish identity, but also building bridges with the broader campus community. Stories shared by Israeli and American educators illustrated both the emotional weight of this moment and the resilience, creativity, and commitment required to meet it.
“Partnerships like ours with Zichron Yaakov underscore just how powerful it is when our communities stand together,” Said Brandey Edelson, VP Public Affairs at Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “Their visit allowed us to align on strategy, deepen our shared understanding of the challenges we face, and strengthen the relationships that make real advocacy possible. When Israeli and American leaders learn from one another in this way, both communities leave better equipped to protect Jewish life, combat antisemitism, and ensure a vibrant Jewish future.”
A Partnership Built for Impact
Across every stop, one message was clear: Israel-U.S. partnership is strategic, and essential. Through the Partnership2Gether relationship with Zichron Yaakov, Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County continues to turn shared values into shared action, strengthening advocacy, education, and Jewish life both locally and abroad.
Introducing: The Weekly Brief
This feature is part of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Weekly Brief—a recurring social series spotlighting the moments, leaders, and impact shaping Jewish Boca and our global Jewish community. Explore more stories on our social media.
