Q. Can you tell us more about the origin of St. Johns County-Israel Friendship Day?
A. In 2021, St. Johns County became the first local government in Florida to address discriminatory anti-Israel practices by preventing investments in companies that are on Florida’s List of Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel. We then decided to double down and create a St. Johns County- Israel Friendship Day on Nov. 8 to publicly share the bond our county and residents share with Israel.
Q. What is the history of the Jewish community in St. Johns County?
A. The history of the Jewish community in St. Johns County is extensive. Many believe St. Augustine was one of the first locations in the country to be inhabited by Jewish settlers in the 16th century. Since then, the Jewish community has enriched the cultural diversity of the county with its vibrancy and the variety of Jewish congregations in the county.
Q. Why is this day important?
A. Taking time to stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors in support of Israel and in defense of our shared values of freedom, human rights, and security is critical in today’s world. This day sends a clear message to those who wish to spread hate towards them and others that St. Johns County will not tolerate antisemitism or any discriminatory beliefs towards our residents. As an elected official and resident, myself, I could not be prouder of our government for being one team and remembering it is on all of us to keep St. Johns County exceptional and welcoming to those who share our American values.
Q. What’s different about this year’s ceremony compared to previous years?
A. At this year’s St. Johns County- Israel Friendship Day, our office partnered with the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida to include an art installation. There is an art show being displayed until Nov. 10 in the St. Johns County Administration Building’s Rotunda celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary. The installation portrays the early decades of Israel after its independence.
Q. What is the best way for residents to contact you?
A. Residents can call my office at (904) 819-3601 or my cell at (904) 599-8688. My email address is BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com. Many of your questions can be answered and many services are provided, such as paying traffic citations or searching records, by visiting our website, www.stjohnsclerk.com.
