Okaloosa County leaders show solidarity with Jewish community

FORT WALTON BEACH - Local leaders of Okaloosa County and members of the Jewish community came together at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds on Sunday for an evening of psalms and songs that showed solidarity for the people affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel that started 10 days ago.

In attendance during the events were the mayors of Shalimar, Fort Walton Beach and Cinco Bayou, along with Okaloosa County Commissioners Mel Ponder and Carolyn Ketchel. Congregations and officials from the Temple Beth Shalom in Fort Walton Beach and Chabad of the Emerald Coast in Destin also participated.

'An attack on Jewish people around the world'

After songs and psalms were read, local leaders could address the members in attendance. First was Ponder.

Ponder said the definition of the word solidarity is unity, mutual interest or agreement on a feeling or action. He said that Okaloosa County is home to the third-largest Jewish population in Florida.

After reading messages from scripture that were aimed toward the people of Israel, he said leaders in Florida, such as Gov. Ron DeSantis and the rest of his cabinet members, took a "bold stand" for the people of Israel.

"This is not only an attack on the Jewish people in Israel, but also an attack on the Jewish people around the world and here in Florida and right here in Okaloosa County," Ponder said. "I am here to tell you that I and those present tonight unequivocally support and stand with the nation of Israel."

Ketchel, echoing many of the sentiments of Ponder, said, "I am your sister. As a community leader, I stand with Israel. These are uncivilized acts and we will not allow this to go on in the world anymore."

Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson said he has had a very personal connection to the area as he had two extended trips to Tel Aviv during his time as a defense contractor.

He said that he has seen firsthand the capability of the Israeli military, calling them some of the most dedicated, tenacious and best-trained fighters in the world.

"We must stand strong with the Jewish community and with the people of Israel and provide the Israeli military every tool necessary to avenge the hell that was felt on Oct 7," he said. "I believe I speak for the majority of the citizens of Fort Walton Beach as well as all of Okaloosa County when I stand here in support of our local Jewish community and all the God-fearing people of Israel."

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'What we are doing here today matters'

Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks told the group, "What we are doing here today matters.

"Showing our support to the state of Israel matters. It is needed. It is recognized and it will spread," he said. "Israel is our ally. The Jewish community is our community. We are one."

Mayor Jean Hood of Cinco Bayou, during her remarks, went back to a previous psalm that was mentioned at various times in the evening.

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me," she said. "I want you to know that the residents of Cinco Bayou, as well as all of Okaloosa County, stands in solidarity with you tonight."

Rabbi Yeshayahu Tenenboim of Chabad of the Emerald Coast, said the support meant a lot.

"It's just outstanding to see people that we never met and people that we didn't know care about us and Israel and the Jewish community," Tenenboim said. "Many people came from far and wide. It was beautiful."

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Okaloosa County leaders show support for the people of Israel