St. Johns County Celebrates Fifth Annual Israel Friendship Day
- 4 November 2025
- Category: SJC News District 4
- Tags: 2025
Commissioner Krista Joseph represented the Board of County Commissioners and spoke at the event.
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, in partnership with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, hosted the fifth annual St. Johns County–Israel Friendship Day this morning at the St. Johns County Administration Building. Here is a video recap produced by the County’s Office of Public Affairs.
The event brought together local leaders, community members, and faith representatives to celebrate the strong bond between St. Johns County and the State of Israel, reaffirming a shared commitment to unity, respect, and the fight against antisemitism.
“For the first time in years, we celebrated St. Johns County–Israel friendship day knowing the hostages have been released and peace, though fragile, is possible,” Clerk Brandon J. Patty said.
Speakers included (in order):
- Krista Joseph, Chair, St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners
- Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein, Chabad of St. Johns County
- Robert A. Hardwick, Sheriff, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
- Brandon J. Patty, St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller
- Ayellet Black, Deputy Consul General of Israel
- Rabbi Benjamin Dyme, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue
- Mariam Shpeen Feist, CEO, Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida
- Rabbi Levi Vogel, Chabad – Lubavitch of St. Augustine
Following the event, Congressman Randy Fine (R- Florida, District 6) delivered remarks at the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners meeting ahead of the presentation of the St. Johns County–Israel Friendship Day proclamation presented to Jewish community leaders. The proclamation was accepted by Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein, Chabad of St. Johns County.
Today’s ceremony continued a meaningful local tradition of honoring cultural diversity and friendship between St. Johns County and Israel.
Here is the Proclamation that was presented:
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 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; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida, recognize November 8, 2025, as the
St. Johns County – Israel Friendship Day
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida this 4th day of November 2025.
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