Jared Moskowitz safely won the Democratic nomination in Tuesday’s primary for Florida Congressional District 23. He will face Republican primary winner Joe Budd in November to replace Rep. Ted Deutch. Deutch was considered a champion of the Israel cause in Congress. Here’s a breakdown of the candidates’ positions on Israel and antisemitism.
Moskowitz, who Gov.DeSantis appointed to head Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, is Jewish, and his great-grandparents were killed in Auschwitz. He recognizes the growing problem of antisemitism around the world. According to his campaign website, he is “100% committed to continuing U.S. military assistance to Israel; keeping the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem; and strengthening economic, diplomatic and military ties with Israel.” He also opposes the BDS movement.
Moskowitz participated in Broward County Democratic Jewish Caucus’ candidate forum, where he spoke on his positions on antisemitism and Israel.
During the forum, he seemed to downplay antisemitism from the extreme left and quickly condemned it from the right. As reported in Jewish Insider, he said:
“The Republican Party has embraced this level of white supremacy. And so at the end of the day, it’s no longer where Democrats and Republicans can come together and fight antisemitism because antisemites have breached the door and are now in the Republican Party and serving in Congress. We’ve got some anti-Zionists on our side. But it’s nowhere near what’s going on with Republicans.”
He reportedly stated that he would be “slightly more aggressive” than Deutch in calling out antisemitism and anti-Israel policy and sentiments.
As for funding the Iron Dome, Moskowitz sees the importance of supporting Israel’s security measures. “When you’re voting against Iron Dome, which is a defensive weapon, I will stand up in the well of Congress, and I will fight you whether you’re a Democrat or Republican.”
He recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, supports expanding the Abraham Accords, and acknowledges terrorist attacks against Israel prevent peace in the region.
His Republican challenger, Joe Budd, has dedicated an entire page of his campaign website to his Israel policy position, which he lays out quite clearly.
Budd recognizes Israel’s security needs, its right to defend itself, and the importance of the U.S. not interfering with Israel’s sovereignty and right to self-determination. He also recognizes Jerusalem as the capital and supports President Trump’s relocating of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
Budd’s position further includes:
- Supporting sanctions and divestment of Iran.
- Providing strategic aid to Israel.
- Countering efforts to delegitimize and demonize Israel.
- Opposing B.D.S.
- Protecting pro-Israel advocates and advocacy groups on college campuses.
- Promoting strong participation between the U.S. and Israel in economic, cultural, technological, and academic exchange.
While the candidates are vying for this open seat, the district still leans Democrat after redistricting. The district encompasses East Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Northwest Broward County, and Parkland. It is considered a safe seat for the Democrats.
