Florida Governor Candidate James Fishback Rejects Tradition of Visiting Israel, Calls Western Wall “Stupid”
ORLANDO, Fla. — James Fishback, a Republican candidate for Florida governor, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after declaring he would break with longstanding political tradition by refusing to visit Israel if elected. In a speech delivered at the University of Central Florida, Fishback disparaged the Western Wall—one of the holiest sites in Judaism—referring to it as a “stupid wall.”
“I will not visit the State of Israel,” Fishback told the crowd of students. “I would rather travel to Brazil and other countries to bring jobs to Florida, and not visit countries just to kiss a stupid wall.”
The remarks signal a sharp departure from the norms of Florida politics, where support for Israel has historically been a bipartisan pillar. Fishback, a 31-year-old hedge fund manager and founder of the debate organization Incubate Debate, is running on a “Florida First” platform for the 2026 election. His campaign has increasingly adopted isolationist rhetoric, positioning him against what he terms “foreign lobbies” and distinguishing his candidacy from the staunchly pro-Israel stance of current Governor Ron DeSantis and other GOP leaders.
Breaking with a ‘Rite of Passage’
For decades, visiting Israel has been considered an unofficial rite of passage for Florida governors and aspiring national politicians.
Ron DeSantis: In 2019, Governor DeSantis held a ceremonial cabinet meeting in Jerusalem and was photographed praying at the Western Wall, where he placed a prayer note asking for protection from hurricanes.
Rick Scott: Former Governor (now Senator) Rick Scott also made high-profile visits to the site to demonstrate solidarity with the Jewish state.
These visits are typically viewed as essential for cementing ties with Florida’s Jewish community—one of the largest in the United States—and for strengthening economic and trade partnerships. Fishback’s refusal to engage in this tradition, coupled with his derogatory description of the site, marks a significant pivot toward a more aggressive, non-interventionist foreign policy stance.
Calls for Divestment and “America First” Focus
Beyond the refusal to visit, Fishback has outlined policy proposals that would fundamentally alter Florida’s economic relationship with Israel. He has pledged that, if elected, he would direct all state government entities to divest from Israel Bonds. Currently, Florida’s treasury holds millions of dollars in these bonds, which are widely regarded by state officials as safe, high-yield investments that also support a key democratic ally.
Fishback argues that these investments prioritize foreign nations over Floridians. “That money should have been invested in our communities,” he said in a recent statement, framing the issue as a choice between domestic welfare and foreign aid. He has also been critical of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), labeling it a “foreign lobby” and pledging to refuse donations from any organization affiliated with foreign governments.
Backlash and Condemnation
The “stupid wall” comment has drawn immediate and fierce condemnation from Jewish leaders and political opponents, who characterize the remarks as insensitive and potentially antisemitic.
Critics argue that reducing a site revered by millions for millennia to a “stupid wall” betrays a lack of diplomatic temperament and respect for religious diversity. Opponents in the Republican primary have seized on the comments to paint Fishback as too radical for the general electorate. They contend that his isolationist approach risks alienating key voter blocs and damaging Florida’s international standing.
“Visiting the Western Wall is not just a photo op; it is a sign of respect for our heritage and our closest ally in the Middle East,” said one prominent Florida GOP strategist. “To mock it is to mock the values many Floridians hold dear.”
A Crowded Primary Field
Fishback is competing in a crowded Republican primary field that includes heavyweights such as U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. While Fishback trails in early polling, his provocative statements and proficiency on social media have allowed him to capture significant attention, forcing establishment candidates to respond to his populist, anti-establishment attacks.
As the race heats up, Fishback’s strategy appears to be betting on a base of voters who are skeptical of foreign entanglements and traditional political alliances, even at the cost of offending established constituencies.
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