ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., October 20, 2026 — The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, in partnership with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, will join local Jewish leaders to mark the sixth annual St. Johns County – Israel Friendship Day on Tuesday, November 3 at 8:00 AM. The event will take place at the St. Johns County Administration Building, 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine.
“St. Johns County is proud to recognize the generations of Jewish families who have helped shape the history and character of our community,” said Commissioner Clay Murphy, Chair of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners. “Israel Friendship Day honors that lasting legacy while celebrating the values of friendship, mutual respect and unity that continue to strengthen the bonds between St. Johns County, our Jewish community, and Israel.”
St. Johns County was the first local government in Florida to prohibit investments in companies that boycott Israel. The County reviews its investment policy annually to ensure compliance.
“On behalf of the Jewish community of Northeast Florida, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the elected officials of St. Johns County for their continued friendship with our Jewish community and their steadfast support of the State of Israel,” said Mariam Shpeen Feist, CEO of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida.
“Israel Friendship Day is an opportunity to honor our Jewish friends and neighbors, stand against antisemitism, and reaffirm the friendship between St. Johns County and Israel,” said Clerk Brandon J. Patty. “I am grateful to Chair Murphy and the Board of County Commissioners for their unwavering leadership and commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive community for all who call St. Johns County home.”
Jewish heritage in St. Johns County stretches back to the 16th century when the first Jewish settlers arrived. The founding of the first synagogue in 1898 marked a significant milestone, showcasing the community’s strong roots and its lasting contribution to the County’s cultural diversity.
Participating in the program will be Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein, Chabad of St. Johns County; Rabbi Benjamin Dyme, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue; Rabbi Levi Vogel, Chabad of St. Augustine; U.S. Congressman Randy Fine, 6th District of Florida; Director Russ Martin, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office; Bar Gershon and Mariam Shpeen Feist of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida.
