MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Today, one year following the horrific October 7^th attack on Israel by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists, Senator Rick Scott visited Temple Beth Shalom in Miami Beach for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation October 7^th Commemoration to observe the horrific day that killed dozens of Americans, murdered families, raped innocent women, beheaded babies, and took so many hostage. During the observance, Senator Scott reinforced his support for Israel and shared remarks to highlight his solidarity with the Jewish community. Read more regarding every action and statement Senator Scott has done in support of Israel following the October 7th Iran-backed Hamas terrorist attack: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/israel.

Read Senator Scott’s remarks as prepared for delivery below.

Thank you for having me here today.

It’s clear that we need to use this moment to stand with Israel and the Jewish people.

Today marks one year ago since the October 7th attacks. The world watched in horror as Iran-backed Hamas terrorists attacked our great ally Israel.

We saw reports of children being kidnapped, families being murdered in their homes and the bodies of innocent Israeli citizens being desecrated in public displays of terrorism and brutality.

One year later, there are still Americans and Israelis being held hostage by these monsters.

I have placed a poster outside my office that features the faces of the hostages being held by Hamas, and I won’t be taking it down until they are home.

One year later, we are watching Iran directly attack Israel and target its civilians. 

It’s heartbreaking and infuriating, but the Jewish people are strong. Israel is strong. America is strong. 

And as you always have been, the Jewish people will continue to serve as a light in the darkness and press on. 

As your U.S. Senator, I will always stand proudly with Israel and our Jewish Community and against all forms of antisemitism.

We cannot shy away from condemning these acts.

Antisemitism will never be tolerated.

I will always stand with you and every member of our Jewish community in standing against discrimination and intolerance.

Unfortunately, we are living in a scary time.

We are seeing a rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel actions in Florida, the United States and around the world.

Antisemitism is disgusting, evil and has no place in our society.

It should never, ever be tolerated and I strongly believe that all Americans must stand united against antisemitism and support our Jewish neighbors in the face of all despicable attacks.

In Florida and across America, we must continue to make clear that we stand with the Jewish community and fight against antisemitism anywhere it is found. This is a common cause that I urge every American, regardless of political party to unite around. 

In March I visited Israel, Everywhere you look in Israel the scars of terror are present, but through the devastation, I saw an unbreakable resolve in the Israeli people and their government. I made it clear to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when I met with him in Jerusalem that I will always stand with Israel.

While in Israel, I saw two important things very clearly. First, I saw the absolute evil of Israel’s enemies and their brutality. I saw where Jewish people were killed just for being Jewish, where women were raped and murdered and babies butchered. I talked with people who experienced the attack firsthand and thankfully survived, and they told me what happened to them, their families and friends.

I saw parents setting up memorials at the Nova Music Festival site for their children who have been taken hostage or murdered. I stood in a destroyed home and listened to the last words of a young Israeli woman via audio recording as she talked to her father before Hamas gunned her down. I met with the families of American hostages whose devastation and grief is overwhelming. And I saw firsthand what Israel faces from Iran and its proxies and what they would do to us, too, if they can. 

Second, in meetings with the Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli leaders, I saw the incredible and unprecedented work Israel is doing to preserve civilian life.

My latest trip to Israel is my sixth visit since I was elected as Governor of Florida in 2010 and my third as Florida’s U.S. Senator. The State of Florida and Israel have always had a strong relationship, and each time I visit I am reminded of that bond between our people and the importance of supporting the Jewish state.

This is a very dark time, but here is my message to you, the United States and around the world:

FLORIDA STANDS WITH ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE.

AMERICA STANDS WITH ISRAEL AND THE JEWISH PEOPLE.

Terrorism will NEVER WIN.

We will never forget October 7^th and we will never stop fighting to bring all the hostages home.