A Proclamation by the Board of County Commissioners, St. Johns County, Florida
WHEREAS, the relationship between the United States and Israel is based on the twin pillars of shared values and mutual interests; and
WHEREAS, Israel is a beacon of light as the only truly free democracy in the Middle East; and guarantees in its Declaration of Independence “full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture”; and
WHEREAS, Israel was founded in 1948 as a national home for the Jewish people; and it is believed by some that Jews were among the earliest settlers of St. Augustine, Florida, coming to the city with Spanish founders in the 16th century; and
WHEREAS, the first organized Jewish congregation in St. Johns County was founded in 1898 and congregations of Reform, Conservative, and Chabad congregations continue to flourish; and
WHEREAS, the people of St. Johns County, Florida, value the many ways our Jewish neighbors have enriched the cultural diversity of our county’s tapestry; and they stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Israel in promoting freedom, human rights, and security,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida, recognize November 8, 2026, as the JOHNS COUNTY – ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP DAY
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida this 3rd day of November 2026.
