Florida-Israel group nixes Independence Day events over safety concerns

Advocacy group says it’s taking security assessment ahead of Miami celebrations ‘very seriously’

By ToI Staff 10 April 2018, 5:46 am

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Illustrative photo of Miami (Shutterstock/JTA)

An pro-Israel advocacy group in Florida has canceled its annual events marking Israeli Independence Day over unspecified security concerns.

In a statement, the Florida-Israel Friendship League said it had called off its celebrations, scheduled for next week in Miami, out of concern for public safety.

“Given the current security situation, unfortunately there won’t be a traditional Independence Day event like those put on by the friendship league for the last 11 years,” the group said in a Hebrew-language statement.

“The decision to cancel was made out of concerns for public safety. We take this very seriously and hope you do too,” it said.

The statement did not specify what the League’s security concerns were.

Thousands of Floridians are expected to mark Israel’s 70th anniversary next week at dozens of celebratory festivals, shows, parades and performances throughout the state.

Israel proclaimed independence on May 14, 1948, but celebrates its anniversary of independence according to the Hebrew calendar. This year it falls on April 19.