TAMPA, Fla. — Jewish day schools across Florida will be receiving a boost as part of a new bill signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Starting today, that new state law will take effect, allocating $20 million to bolster security at Jewish schools throughout the state. The measure comes as acts of anti-semitism have been on the rise.

What You Need To Know

  • State funding is being provided for Jewish day schools across Florida through a new bill signed by Governor Ron DeSantis

  • An estimated $20 million is expected to be provided for schools as acts of anti-semitism have been on the rise recently
  • Funding will go toward guards, cameras, fencing, impact windows, perimeter lighting and related security costs at schools
  • Leaders of the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation have said the funding is essential to ensure students are safe

Leaders of the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation have said the funding is essential to ensure students are safe. Citing a recent rise in anti-semitic incidents since the October 7th attack in Israel by Hamas. 

In a report earlier this year, the Anti-Defamation League says at least 500 anti-semitic incidents took place on college campuses. And 256 were reported in K-12 schools. This new funding will go toward guards, cameras, fencing, impact windows, perimeter lighting and related security costs at Jewish schools. Leaders of the Tampa JCC say the funding is essential to ensure students are safe.

“We, and most Jewish organizations across the country, have been receiving bomb threats on a regular basis," says Mark Segel, Executive Director of combating Anti-Semitism for Tampa JCCS & Federation. "Fortunately, almost all of them have turned out to be hoaxes but we can’t assume that. We have to plan for the worst and hope for the best.”

“We have kids of many diverse backgrounds in our schools so being able to focus on bringing them together and being able to focus on creating a community- not just within the Jewish community but allowing other people to enjoy our community- is part of what helps us fight anti-semitism,” said Jessica Scruggs, Executive Director of Early Education and Youth Programs for Tampa JCCS & Federation.

Leaders with the Tampa JCC have also said they have been proactive and transparent with their community in this process, being upfront with what they’ve done for security already.

Segel added the funding will provide peace of mind even beyond the Jewish community.