A.G. Gancarski
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet decamp for Israel in just a matter of days, helming a 90-person delegation.
Among those on the trip: Heads of state agencies, a dozen elected leaders from both parties, CEOs of private companies, and lobbyists representing a cross-section of Tallahassee interests.
A Cabinet meeting has been noticed, an event that includes a resolution affirming ties between Israel and Florida. DeSantis also will be signing legislation opposing anti-Semitism in Florida public schools, he said.
HB 741 aims to prohibit anti-Semitic speech and behavior in Florida’s public schools, colleges, and universities. It was approved 114-0 in the Florida House and 40-0 in the Florida Senate,
“We’ll do that in Jerusalem at the embassy, and it’s going to be a special moment,” DeSantis said Wednesday in Jacksonville.
DeSantis also revealed that the trip is, at least in part, being funded by Enterprise Florida. “That’s an Enterprise Florida deal,” DeSantis said, “so we’re doing it through there.
“I’m not sure exactly who all is going … there will be people who aren’t part of my official party,” DeSantis added.
“… It gives us an opportunity to strengthen our ties between Florida and Israel. I called for more ways to travel to other parts of Florida, and El Al immediately responded,” DeSantis said.
Routes to and from Central Florida will facilitate Israeli tourism to theme parks and the like, DeSantis added.
“We have a lot of researchers from universities,” DeSantis continued, “who will be meeting with Israeli researchers for things like water quality and water infrastructure. Israel does that better than anybody.”
Similar meetings will be held between Florida and Israeli contingents of first responders, DeSantis added.
As well, the Governor hopes the trip drives more investment and strengthens cultural ties.
