{
  "id": 1583341,
  "title": "Florida primaries put Jewish politicians, Israel critics and antisemitism in spotlight",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/florida-primaries-put-jewish-politicians-israel-critics-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T23:08:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/us-elections/article-905823"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As Florida's primary season concludes, attention turns to several races that have Jewish politicians, critics of Israel, and antisemitism at the forefront. The state, home to a significant Jewish population, is witnessing a clash between pro-Israel figures and emerging white nationalist sympathizers on the Republican side.\n\nJames Fishback, a former investment banker, is making waves as a low-polling candidate in the gubernatorial race. Despite trailing his rival, US Rep. Byron Donalds, Fishback has drawn concern from Jewish conservatives and party elites. He has associated himself with far-right figures like Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist and antisemitic influencer, and employs antisemitic coded language in his campaign. His college campus visits have been well-attended, raising concerns about the potential rise of antisemitism among the youth.\n\nOn the Republican side, tensions are escalating between rising antisemitic and anti-Islamic sentiment. US Rep. Randy Fine, who identifies as a hardline pro-Israel voter and wears a kippah, has faced criticism for his denigrating comments toward Muslims, including comparing them to dogs. Fine, who has made his Judaism central to his political identity, is now facing a primary challenge from Dan Bilzerian, an antisemitic conspiracy theorist who has claimed that Israel \"wanted Oct. 7 to happen\" and called reports of Hamas raping victims during that day \"bull—t.\" Fine has accused Bilzerian's supporters of painting a swastika on a campaign sign, a claim Bilzerian denies. While Fine may struggle to win the primary, his rhetoric has drawn condemnation from Jewish groups and even influenced some Republican leaders.",
  "summary": "No other low-polling candidate this cycle has grabbed as much attention as James Fishback, the former investment banker running for governor in Florida.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "PBS NewsHour",
        "title": "Live Results: Florida midterm primaries",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/live-results-florida-midterm-primaries",
        "published": "2026-08-18T00:00:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}