Randy Fine gives heartfelt speech as pro-Israel resolution passes House, three Democrats vote against

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, celebrated the House’s passage of a resolution showing Florida’s support for the State of Israel against Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Oct. 7.

HR 11-C condemns the anti-semitic violence, as well as expresses Florida’s “unwavering support” for Israel and Jewish citizens in the state.

The legislation passed 103-3, with Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville voting against it.

“I bring this resolution not only as an opportunity to stand with the Jews of Israel, but in recognition, as I said before, of our failure as a state to eradicate [anti-Semitism],” Fine said.

Eskamani highlighted concerns of how the resolution urges the U.S. government to end all financial aid and resources to Palestine and Iran.

“If you could just clarify for me, are you referencing humanitarian aid or are you referencing different types of aid?” she asked.

Fine defended the wording of the bill and confirmed that it included humanitarian aid, which he argued was being used to supply Hamas.

“I really never thought my kids would have to go through what they’re going through,” Fine said in reference to anti-Semitic remarks Jewish Floridians have faced in the aftermath of Hamas’ attacks.

“I never thought that they would go through things worse than I did. But they are and they’re not alone,” he said.

“I understand that people who oppose this or believe other things, maybe it’s because it’s so hard to believe that we don’t live in a world of sunshine and rainbows and pixie dust and unicorns,” he added.

“This is a fight of good versus evil and it is a fight in Israel and it is a fight right here,” he said. “I said it two weeks ago, if they succeed in Israel, they will come for me, and they will come for you, and they will come for all of the Jews that sit in this room.”

In Eskamani’s explanation for voting against the bill, she said while there were parts of the resolution she supports, she was “taken aback” by parts of the resolution she said called “for an end to all humanitarian aid to Palestinians impacted by the war between Israel and Hamas.”

“This sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts; and it is the responsibility of the United States to protect innocent life,” Eskamani said. “That may mean the delivery of aid, which is also an opportunity to build trust with those impacted in conflict and hopefully help to influence long term peace, too.”

A resolution, H.R. 9-C, sponsored by Rep. Katherine Waldron, D-Lake Worth, passed the House unanimously Tuesday.

“As home to one of the largest concentrations of Jewish people in the United States, Florida has and will always stand with the Jewish people all across the world,” Waldron said in a press release.

The Senate approved a similar resolution 39-0 Wednesday sponsored by Sen. Lori Berman, D- Boynton Beach, that showed support for the State of Israel.