As our world changes, one thing which must remain the same is our respect for each other. Atrocities against people must not be tolerated at home or abroad. Jeff Atwater believes it is the responsibility of the Florida Legislature to punish those responsible for unscrupulous practices against humanity. “We can’t set foreign policy as a state Legislature,” says Atwater. “But I will never turn a blind eye to international issues that affect the people of Florida and the United States.”

Florida’s Ally With the State of Israel

A strong ally of Israel, Jeff Atwater has stopped Florida’s investment board from doing business with companies involved with Iran, citing their constant threats against Israel and their development of nuclear weapons.  “As long as nations like Iran call for the destruction of Israel, I will not let one dollar of Florida’s investment funds flow to companies supporting the Iranian regime,” says Jeff.  “America must stand by our most steadfast ally in the Middle East, and join in her defense against rogue states, terrorist attacks and the intolerance used by dictators who seek to destroy her.”

As an advocate for the Jewish community, he has supported solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism, the designation of January as Florida Jewish History Month, funding for education programs concerning the Holocaust, laws making it easier for families to recover assets taken in the Holocaust.

In addition, Jeff spearheaded efforts to allow Florida state and local investment funds show support for Israel in a novel way: by allowing the purchase of Israeli bonds. “It was time for Florida to show there was more to our relationship with Israel than trade and diplomacy. I’m enormously proud of this achievement and the way these bonds will strengthen the ties between Florida and our nation’s closest ally,” says Jeff Atwater. 

Jeff was recently invited to participate in the 2008 AIPAC Conference for his work in the Legislature supporting Israel.

Fighting for an End to Human Trafficking

As a supporter of legislation to end the humiliating practice of human trafficking, Jeff Atwater is fighting to ensure form of modern day slavery was abolished. “Human trafficking encompasses illegal immigration, prostitution and forced labor,” says Atwater. “No one should be held hostage in our state for the financial gain and benefit of another.” Companies and individuals who conceal or withhold a person’s ID documents while forcing their labor or services will now face severe legal consequences.

Support for the People of Darfur

Jeff Atwater supported the people of Darfur by calling on federal leaders to engage the international community to protect the people from Sudanese militias and to bring a just and lasting peace to the region. “We’ve learned from too many years of experience that if oppression and genocide are ignored, millions perish,” says Atwater.