Jewish Mayors and Municipal Leaders Association Kickoff Meeting

Miami Beach, FL – In an effort to counter the current wave of antisemitism and false narratives about the State of Israel and Jewish people, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner will chair the kickoff meeting of the Jewish Mayors and Municipal Leaders Association (JMMLA) on Monday, May 18 to coincide with Jewish American Heritage Month.

Serving as the inaugural chair of Combat Antisemitism Movement’s (CAM) newly formed Jewish Mayors and Municipal Leaders Association, Mayor Meiner will lead a coalition of local leaders dedicated to addressing the unique challenges facing Jewish communities and municipal governments today.

“I am profoundly honored to lead this new association and collaborate with other associations of mayors throughout the United States as we work together to fight all forms of bigotry and Jew hatred,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

In 2024 — the most recent year for which statistics are available from the FBI — a total of 11,679 hate crime incidents were logged in the United States involving 14,243 victims. Slightly less than a quarter of the incidents — or 23.5%, involved religion while 53.2% centered around race, ethnicity or ancestry.

The agenda includes high-level discussions on JMMLA’s strategic goals, upcoming initiatives, and an open forum regarding the rise of antisemitism, combating hate and issues affecting municipal leadership.

Midday, attendees will convene at 1 p.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (2000 Convention Center Drive) for a formal proclamation presentation and press conference featuring Florida International University President and former Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.

The event will conclude with a tour of the newly opened Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach Education Center.

Jewish American Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the contributions of Jewish Americans to the life and culture of the United States.

###

To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).