“Today, we declare to the world that Florida stands united with Israel,” Jimmy Patronis, CFO of the State of Florida, declared following cabinet vote to place Airbnb on state’s Scrutinized Company’s List.
By United with Israel Staff
Florida’s Cabinet voted Tuesday to place Airbnb on the state’s Scrutinized Company’s List, reported WFSU, a public broadcasting station for northern Florida and southern Georgia.
The move comes after Airbnb announced plans last November to boycott roughly 200 Jewish listings in Judea and Samaria.
The Company claims it is not boycotting Israel and will continue to operate 20,000 local listings. Guy Gilady, who serves as the Deputy Consul of Israel for Florida, slammed Airbnb’s decision.
“Actions speak louder than words…and companies should not be allowed to put a smokescreen of PR moves in statements to obfuscate the public, disguise their bias and maintain a discriminatory policy,” Gilady said.
Resolution Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida, proposed a resolution for Florida to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which passed at the cabinet meeting.
“As a state, we must continue to demonstrate our broad and deep support of our ally and economic partner…by implementing Pro-Israel polices. Today, we declare to the world that Florida stands united with Israel,” Patronis declared.
Nikki Fried, the first Jewish woman on Florida’s cabinet, also spoke out at the meeting Tuesday, WFSU reported.
“This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak to at the temple… visiting camps and being a member of the Jewish community, this resolution is near and dear to my heart,” she said.
Cabinet members also voted to keep the state’s pension plan from investing in Airbnb if it becomes publicly traded, the report continued. Desantis’ first International visit will be in Israel this coming May.
“We unequivocally reject and oppose the BDS movement and are disappointed by today’s vote,” Airbnb said in a statement following the cabinet’s actions. “There are over 20,000 Airbnb hosts in Israel who open their doors and showcase the best of Israeli hospitality to guests from around the world, which boosts local families, businesses and communities. Our community of hosts in Israel has already welcomed more than 1 million guests and we will continue to invest in Israel.”
Earlier this month, Desantis called for sanctions against Airbnb if the company doesn’t reverse its decision to boycott the Jewish-owned listings in Judea and Samaria.
Sign the Declaration to Keep Jerusalem United
Jerusalem Must Remain the United Capital of Israel
I declare that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the Jewish People and support all efforts to maintain and strengthen a united Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.