Former Florida governor hopeful hauled out of county meeting after protesting Israel investments

James Fischback ejected from Miami‑Dade Commissioners meeting over Israel‑bond policy

James Fischback, the former Florida gubernatorial candidate who drew national attention for his outspoken remarks on race and politics, was escorted out of a Miami‑Dade County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday afternoon after he publicly opposed the county’s decision to raise its investment in Israel‑backed bonds.

At the meeting, Fischback confronted the board’s leaders, asking, “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.” He added that the debate boils down to “whom do you serve?”

County officials did not offer a counter‑argument. Officers escorted Fischback out of the chamber before he could continue his protest.

The confrontation follows a vote earlier this summer in which the board approved increasing the county’s allowance for Israeli‑backed bonds from 3 percent to 5 percent of its investment portfolio. At a 5 percent cap, the county could invest roughly $400 million to $450 million in Israeli sovereign debt, according to county financial documents. The change has drawn criticism from community groups and local officials who argue that public funds should not be tied to foreign governments amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Fischback’s opposition is part of a broader stance he has promoted during his brief political career. He declined contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and pledged to divest from Israel‑backed bonds. In a 2023 interview with The American Conservative, he said: “Florida has a specific policy. You’re not allowed to use taxpayer funds to buy foreign government bonds, with one exception: Israel. And so my premise is, first principles, we should not be lending taxpayer pensioner money to any foreign government.”

During his 2022 campaign for governor, Fischback garnered 10.4 percent of the vote in the August 18 Republican primary, placing him among the field of eleven candidates seeking to succeed outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis. His campaign was marked by a series of controversial on‑camera moments, including remarks that were widely criticized as racially charged. In one televised exchange, he referred to Rep. Byron Donalds—then the Republican frontrunner and one of the only Black Republicans in Congress—as a “slave,” a statement that drew condemnation from Democrats and civil‑rights groups. Fischback later shouted, “You’re a DEI hire. You’re a slave. Go back to New York,” at a press conference where he had been joined by a crowd of supporters.

The Miami‑Dade Board’s decision to increase Israel‑bond exposure has also sparked protests from other members of the public. A woman named Ivar Fandel stood at the podium wearing a “let Gaza live” shirt and said, “Item 5B does exist in the context of a budget crisis as well as a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza at the hands of Israel.” Her statement was a reference to the agenda item that outlined the proposed change.

County officials said they were “committed to prudent fiscal management” and that the bonds were part of a diversified portfolio strategy. The board’s financial adviser noted that the Israeli bonds are considered “low‑risk” and that the county’s investment policy allows for a small allocation to foreign sovereign debt as part of its overall investment strategy.

Fischback has not yet responded to requests for comment. The county has declined to release a statement regarding the removal, citing its policy on the conduct of public meetings.

The incident underscores the heightened sensitivity in Florida and across the country over the U.S.–Israel relationship, particularly as the war in Gaza continues to dominate headlines. As political leaders debate the role of public funds in foreign investments, voices like Fischback’s—who question the priorities of elected officials—continue to generate controversy in the public arena.