Holocaust Memorial Unveiled in Florida, Survivor Presented With Medal of Freedom

Florida has become the second state in the nation to unveil a Holocaust memorial. Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside First Lady Casey DeSantis, hosted the official unveiling ceremony at the Capitol Complex’s “Memorial Park.”

In his remarks, Governor DeSantis emphasized Florida’s ongoing commitment to supporting Jewish communities, noting that the state has allocated $20 million to enhance security at Jewish day schools across Florida.

Governor DeSantis also condemned the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israelis by Hamas, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding historical truth. He issued a stern warning that any teacher who attempts to minimize or deny the Holocaust would face termination. “You have a right to free speech, but a teacher who tries to minimize the Holocaust will no longer be teaching,” DeSantis asserted. “The problem is Hamas terrorists, and the solution is to eliminate Hamas. If Hamas had the capability, they would initiate a second Holocaust. That is their goal.”

Former State Senator Eleanor Sobel (R) also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude to the original bill sponsors, including Representative Jared Moskowitz (D), and recognizing State Senator Randy Fine for his steadfast efforts to combat anti-Semitism, referring to him as “The Bulldog.”

The ceremony concluded with Governor DeSantis presenting the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to Holocaust survivor and longtime Florida resident David Schaecter.

The event was attended by Israel Consulate General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Representative Meg Weinberger, Senator Tina Polsky, and other members of the Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus. Schaecter, who has dedicated his life to educating Floridians about the Holocaust, expressed his gratitude just before the memorial’s unveiling.

Governor DeSantis also highlighted Florida’s continued efforts to combat anti-Semitism, including evacuating Americans from Israel following the October 7 attack, directing the Florida Highway Patrol to safeguard Jewish schools and synagogues, and easing transfer requirements for out-of-state Jewish students facing discrimination.

Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has prioritized Holocaust education in Florida’s K-12 schools.

“This memorial, constructed from iron and limestone, displays the faces and names of Holocaust survivors who later made Florida their home,” DeSantis explained. “The state collaborated with Florida-based Jewish groups and Holocaust remembrance organizations to collect survivors’ names and images, ensuring that visitors to Florida’s capital can honor the lasting impact these extraordinary individuals had on our communities.”

In his closing remarks, Governor DeSantis said, “Florida is a better place because of the Holocaust survivors who have called our state home. We’re grateful for their contributions, and we’re proud to stand with the Jewish community.”