Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan speaks at a Ramallah American Club event, in Jacksonville, Florida, Jan. 28, 2026. Photo: Mayor Donna Deegan's X account.

Jacksonville Mayor Condemned for Appearing With Palestinian Flag, Keffiyeh on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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Yesterday, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan spoke at an event in her city where a Palestinian flag and keffiyeh were prominently displayed on stage.

Lisa Katz, Chief Government Affairs Officer of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), released the following statement in response:

“Whether or not the timing of the event was intentional, the date mattered. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a moment for moral clarity and social unity, and it offers an annual opportunity to honor the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis, teach the next generation the lessons of the past, and confront antisemitism directly and unconditionally.”

“Standing in front of highly-charged political symbols on this day was profoundly tone-deaf at best and intentionally provocative at worst, and it predictably landed as hurtful to Jacksonville Jews already on edge over rising antisemitic threats.”

“The Jewish community, and all Jacksonvillians who believe in the ‘Never Again’ vow, deserve far better from their elected leaders. Mayors set the tone for their cities. City Hall should be a place where temperatures are lowered, not inflamed. Mayor Deegan must now acknowledge the pain she caused and reaffirm her commitment to leading city-level action against antisemitism.”

“Only by doing so can she ensure that future International Holocaust Remembrance Days in Jacksonville remain centered on memory, education, and solidarity, not division, conflict, and hate.”