James Fischback, a former candidate for Florida’s governorship, faced removal from a Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners meeting. Fischback protested the county’s decision to increase investment in Israel-backed bonds. His remarks questioned the loyalty of commissioners, emphasizing the need for investing locally in Miami-Dade County.
The county recently increased its investment cap with Israel from 3% to 5%, allowing investments of $400 to $450 million. This decision has attracted criticism from various quarters, including Fischback, especially amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Fischback, a Republican known for his controversial views, participated in the gubernatorial race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis. He received 10.4% of the vote in the primary, gaining notoriety for making inflammatory statements, including comments directed at Rep. Byron Donalds.
During the campaign, Fischback positioned himself as a candidate opposing contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and pledged to avoid investing in Israel-backed bonds. He criticized other candidates for prioritizing Israel’s interests over local concerns.
Members of the public also voiced disapproval of the portfolio change, highlighting the tense political climate surrounding U.S.-Israel relations. Ivar Fandel, wearing a “let Gaza live” shirt, addressed the board, stressing the need to prioritize local issues amid budget constraints and geopolitical tensions.
Fischback’s complaints emphasized Florida’s policy prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds to buy foreign government bonds, with Israel as the sole exception. He argued for adhering to principles that avoid investing taxpayer money in foreign governments.
Despite the controversy, Fischback continues to publicly challenge what he sees as undue support for Israel from U.S. politicians. He maintains that allegiance should focus on local governance and needs.
Leave a Reply