James Fischback, a former Republican candidate for Florida governor, was forcibly removed from a Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday after protesting the county's decision to increase its investments in Israel-backed bonds. Fischback voiced his opposition, questioning the county's priorities and arguing that public funds should be invested within Miami-Dade.
"Do you serve the people of Hialeah or of Haifa? Do you serve the people of Aventura or of Tel Aviv? Do you serve the people of South Miami or of Jerusalem? This money should be invested here in this community. It should be invested in Miami-Dade County," Fischback stated before being escorted out.
The confrontation occurred following the county's vote earlier in the summer to raise its investment cap with Israel from 3% to 5% of its portfolio, potentially allowing for investments of approximately $400 million to $450 million. This policy change has faced criticism from individuals like Fischback, who object to public funds being allocated to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Fischback, who garnered national attention during his gubernatorial campaign for his views on race and confrontational public appearances, had previously positioned himself as a candidate who would divest from Israel-backed bonds. He had also criticized other candidates for what he described as "singular allegiance" to Israel.
Other attendees also expressed concerns about the county's investment decisions. One individual, identifying as Ivar Fandel, wore a shirt stating "let Gaza live" and referred to the agenda item discussing the investment change in the context of the conflict in Gaza. During his campaign, Fischback had stated that Florida's policy prohibits taxpayer funds from being used for foreign government bonds, with Israel being the sole exception, and argued this should not be the case.
Fischback was among the 11 Republican candidates in the primary for Florida governor. He previously drew controversy for remarks made about other political figures, including calling Rep. Byron Donalds a "slave" to his donors and corporate interests. He later repeated similar accusations directed at Donalds at a news conference and with a megaphone.