Groups demonstrate in Florida for Hamas, Israel as tensions amp up
TAMPA, Fla. – Rallies consisting of pro-Israel and pro-Hamas supporters gathered in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa on Sunday amid war between Israel and Hamas.
Over the weekend, Hamas invaded Israeli territory and murdered innocent citizens, according to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said the group started “a brutal and evil war.”
Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, condemned rallies in Florida supporting Hamas as war in the war escalates.
“To those here in Tampa marching in support of Hamas – I condemn your actions,” Collins said. “The Hamas are not heroic resistance fighters, they are terrorist thugs purposefully targeting civilians.”
To those here in Tampa marching in support of Hamas – I condemn your actions.
— Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) October 8, 2023
The Hamas are not heroic resistance fighters, they are terrorist thugs purposefully targeting civilians.
WTSP reported a rally with clashing groups took place Sunday in Temple Terrace.
The group Resistance Tampa Bay advertised the rally on social media.
“As we take to the streets to defend the heroic Palestinian resistance rewriting history before our eyes, uplift our people in Gaza and honor the martyrs of Palestine,” the group posted on social media ahead of the rally.
The group released a statement Sunday which said they wish to “extend its steadfast and unwavering support to the people of Gaza, Palestine, and all those who stand in solidarity with them.”
Counter protestors were also present at the Tampa rally.
“The world is falling apart right now and we need to come together with a great sense of understanding and hope for peace, but we will not stand while innocent children get slaughtered whatsoever,” Israel supporter Yoni Waysman said to WFLA.
Gov. Ron DeSantis condemned rallies in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale over the weekend supporting Hamas, calling them “abhorrent.”
“Hamas is a terrorist group that is dedicated to the destruction of Israel and commits atrocities to further that end,” DeSantis said. “We are proud of the relationship between Florida and Israel and remember well the support we received from the IDF following the Surfside tower collapse.”
DeSantis said Florida “stands with Israel as it faces one of its greatest challenges.”
The rallies in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale supporting Hamas are abhorrent.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 8, 2023
Hamas is a terrorist group that is dedicated to the destruction of Israel and commits atrocities to further that end.
We are proud of the relationship between Florida and Israel and remember well the…
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor released a statement Sunday morning.
“We are devastated for Israel and our Jewish community – and stand in solidarity against the terrorist attack that occurred this weekend,” Castor said. “I have been in touch with our Jewish community leaders to relay that we have heightened security at all synagogues and Jewish community centers.”
We are devastated for Israel and our Jewish community – and stand in solidarity against the terrorist attack that occurred this weekend. I have been in touch with our Jewish community leaders to relay that we have heightened security at all synagogues and Jewish community…
— Jane Castor (@JaneCastor) October 8, 2023
In Fort Lauderdale, a rally by Defend Israel Emergency was held Sunday as reported by local outlets. A pro-Hamas rally was held nearby.
Fort Lauderdale Police said on social media that it was prepared for two planned demonstrations. Law enforcement described a “brief confrontation” between the two groups with one person arrested for “causing a disturbance.”
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis also condemned the attacks in Israel Sunday morning.
“I condemn the murders and kidnappings of innocent civilians committed by terrorists in a surprise attack,” Trantalis said.
I am shocked and saddened to see the heinous and despicable attack that occurred this weekend against our nation’s steadfast ally, Israel. I condemn the murders and kidnappings of innocent civilians committed by terrorists in a surprise attack.
— Mayor Dean J. Trantalis (@DeanTrantalis) October 8, 2023
I call on our community to stand…
On Saturday, Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, showed support for Israel on X.
“We must stand together as Americans and condemn the cowardly acts against our friends standing tall every day to defend democracy in Israel. These attacks will not stand,” LaMarca said.
We must stand together as Americans and condemn the cowardly acts against our friends standing tall every day to defend democracy in Israel. These attacks will not stand.
— Chip LaMarca❗️ (@ChipLaMarca) October 7, 2023
