Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills last week to help ensure the safety of the Jewish community there.

One of them will ensure funding for security improvements at Jewish day schools and preschools, the other regulates a definition of anti-Semitism. The laws come into force tomorrow.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, there were more than 460 anti-Semitic incidents in Florida in 2023, the most recent figures available.

The new legislation requires the Florida Department of Education to establish a program that provides ongoing funding to Jewish day schools and preschools for certain security purposes.

To be eligible for the aid, schools must undergo a risk assessment and the funds will then be used to address any deficiencies identified by safety officials.

State funds may be used for, among other things, the purchase and installation of security cameras, outdoor lighting, fences and shatter-proof windows, the hiring of licensed security personnel, and expenses related to the safe transportation of students and staff.

Earlier this year, Florida distributed $25 million to help about 130 Jewish day schools and preschools fund security measures following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the rapid escalation of anti-Semitism around the world. The new law provides for continued funding, but no dollar amount has been specified.

“Agudath Israel commends Governor DeSantis for his continued support of Florida's Jewish communities,” said Rabbi Moshe Matz, director of Agudath Israel's Florida office. “Since October 7 and throughout his administration, Governor De Santis has stood with the Jewish community in the fight against anti-Semitism in words and actions. We thank him for signing this important legislation and for his unwavering support.”

The bill was introduced by Republican Rep. Randy Fine, who was in Israel the same day DeSantis signed it, meeting with members of the Knesset. Fine posted his thoughts on the signing, saying, “It wouldn't be a trip to Israel without seeing one of my anti-Semitism bills enacted!”

Fine hopes to become the Republican nominee for the 19th District of the Florida State Senate. In the primary election, he will face Charles “Chuck” Sheridan for the Republican seat.

Governor DeSantis also signed a law that officially adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Center's (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism to “support the monitoring and reporting of anti-Semitic hate crimes and discrimination and to raise awareness of and combat such incidents among the residents of this state.”

A formal definition is needed because anti-Semitism continues to rise in the United States.