The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller will host the fifth annual St. Johns County-Israel Friendship Day next month, the office announced Wednesday.
Held in partnership with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners and local Jewish leaders, the event will take place at the County Administration Building in St. Augustine.
“For the first time in years, the St. Johns County–Israel friendship day will be celebrated knowing the hostages have been released and peace, though fragile, is possible,” Clerk Brandon Patty said in a press release. “We look forward to gathering together with residents across our community to stand for freedom and security and against antisemitism.”
St. Johns County was Florida’s first local government to ban investments in companies that boycott Israel, the release noted.
“Israel Friendship Day is more than a ceremony—it’s a testament to our shared values of respect, unity, and cultural pride,” said St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Chair Krista Joseph. “On this day, we honor a heritage that strengthens our County.”
Patty’s office noted that the first Jewish settlers arrive in St. Johns County in the 16th century and founded the area’s first synagogue in 1898.
“The St. Johns County-Israel bond is strong due to a blend of shared democratic values, mutual strategic interests, deep historical and cultural ties, and robust political and economic support in the U.S.,” said Miriam Shpeen Feist, CEO of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. “This ‘special relationship’ is one of Northeast Florida’s most vital partnerships.”
Rabbi Mendel Sharfstein, Chabad of St. Johns County; Rabbi Benjamin Dyme, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue; Rabbi Levi Vogel, Chabad of St. Augustine; Nelson France of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida; and St. Johns County Sheriff Robert A. Hardwick will be on hand for the event.
