NEW YORK, United States โ Congressman Randy Fine, the first Jewish Republican elected to Congress from Florida, delivered a forceful address at The Jerusalem Post 2026 New York Conference, warning about rising antisemitism in the United States, praising President Donald Trump’s support for Israel and the Jewish community, and calling on Jews to confront growing challenges with confidence and determination.
Speaking before an audience of Jewish leaders, policymakers, media figures, and community activists, Fine framed the current moment as a critical period for both American Jews and the State of Israel. He argued that the Jewish people have historically overcome adversity through resilience and a willingness to defend their interests.
“In the 3,000-year history of the Jewish people, those who have prospered the most have been those who have leaned into the fight,” Fine said. “We are fortunate to have friends in that fight, and we have no greater friend than Donald J. Trump.”
Warning About Rising Antisemitism
A central theme of Fine’s remarks was the growing concern over antisemitism in the United States and around the world.
Jewish organizations across North America have reported significant increases in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. Community leaders have raised concerns about harassment on university campuses, attacks against synagogues, anti-Jewish rhetoric online, and growing hostility directed toward Jewish institutions.
Fine argued that confronting antisemitism requires active engagement rather than retreat.
He encouraged Jewish communities to remain visible, outspoken, and unapologetic in defending their identity and values.
According to Fine, history demonstrates that Jewish communities have succeeded when they have acted with confidence and unity during periods of adversity.
Praise For President Trump
Fine devoted a significant portion of his speech to praising President Donald Trump and his record on issues affecting Israel and the Jewish community.
“Israel has never had a greater ally than President Trump, but American Jews have never had a greater ally than President Trump either,” Fine said.
The congressman cited Trump’s longstanding support for Israel and argued that the administration has consistently taken actions aimed at strengthening the alliance between the United States and the Jewish state.
Fine also contrasted what he described as differing approaches toward antisemitism within America’s two major political parties.
“It is why, in the Republican Party, we are rooting out antisemitism, while in the Democratic Party, they are embracing antisemitism,” Fine said.
His remarks reflected broader political debates currently taking place in Washington regarding responses to antisemitism, campus protests, and U.S. policy toward Israel.
Iran Remains A Strategic Threat
Fine also addressed security concerns involving the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Describing Iran as a long-term threat to both Israel and the United States, he emphasized the importance of preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability.
“We face the challenge of ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon,” Fine said.
He expressed confidence in the current administration’s willingness to address the issue.
“Fortunately, we have a president who doesn’t just make promises. He keeps them.”
Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to be a major concern for Israeli officials and many Western governments. Israeli leaders have repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains one of the country’s highest national security priorities.
A New Generation Of Jewish Leadership
Beyond politics and security, Fine focused on what he described as a cultural shift taking place within parts of the Jewish community.
He argued that a younger generation of Jews is increasingly willing to speak openly about antisemitism, defend Israel, and reject intimidation.
“There is a new kind of Jew, the one who is not afraid, the one who is willing to fight,” Fine said.
The congressman encouraged audience members to become active participants in public life, civic engagement, and advocacy efforts.
“I can fight for you in Washington, but I am just one voice,” Fine said. “We must stand up, and we must fight with all of our strength and all of our power.”
His comments drew attention to the role that grassroots activism, community leadership, and political engagement play in shaping public policy and public opinion.
Looking Forward With Confidence
Concluding his remarks, Fine delivered a message centered on optimism and perseverance.
He rejected narratives that portray Jewish communities as vulnerable or powerless and instead emphasized continuity, strength, and confidence in the future.
“We are here to stay. We are going nowhere,” Fine said.
“We are proud of who we are, and together we will ensure that the United States remains safe for Jews, that Israel remains strong, and that our days ahead will be greater than those behind us.”
The speech was among several presentations at the Jerusalem Post Conference focused on the challenges facing Jewish communities worldwide, including antisemitism, security threats, political advocacy, and strengthening ties between Israel and Diaspora Jewry.
Fine’s remarks reflected a broader theme heard throughout the conference: that the response to growing antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment must be rooted in confidence, public engagement, and unwavering support for the Jewish people’s right to security, self-determination, and national sovereignty.
Who invented the term anti-Semitism and to what purpose?
Who invented the term antisemitism and to what purpose?