The City of Sunny Isles Beach: Messages From Mayor Svechin & Commissioner Stuyvesant

This month, I am traveling to Israel for a conference with the Combat Antisemitism Movement Organization to learn about building a stronger city, to visit our sister city of Netanya, and witness the carnage of October 7th. Following October 7th, I along with the City Commission immediately condemned terrorist organizations like Hamas and we supported Israel’s right to defend itself. Could we do more? Given that college campuses across the country are burning the U.S. Flag, wearing terrorist garb, and chanting to end the only democratic state in the Middle East, as well as all Jews, understandably Jews in this country do not feel safe.

We are a community made up of over 100 countries, as well as many ethnicities and languages. Our diversity is strong. Now is the time to support your neighbors who may not feel as secure as they did before October 7th. If you see bigotry and hate towards Jews, do NOT stay silent. Silence is complacency. There is not a single group which has not been harmed at some point in history. The difference now is that we have access to more information than ever, and regrettably, more falsehoods.

Take the time to reassure your elderly neighbors wearing “Jewish Stars” that you are there for them. Next time you see a family of observant Jews walking on Friday night or Saturday during the day, nod to them—acknowledge their commitment to G-d. We are all G-d’s children. Let the history books of 50 years from now reflect the deep commitment of the community of Sunny Isles Beach to protect their Jews. It is said that the hate that starts with the Jews does not end with the Jews. Am Yisrael Chai

“One of the enduring facts of history is that most Antisemites do not think of themselves as Antisemites. We don’t hate Jews, they said in the Middle Ages, just their religion. We don’t hate Jews, they said in the nineteenth century, just their race. We don’t hate Jews, they say now, just their nation state.

Antisemitism is the hardest of all hatreds to defeat because, like a virus, it mutates, but one thing stays the same. Jews, whether as a religion or a race or as the State of Israel, are made the scapegoat for problems for which all sides are responsible. That is how the road to tragedy begins”
– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacs

You can contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at: lsvechin@sibfl.net. Or: (305) 792-1753.

New Community Conversations Series: Family Edition
Fabiola Stuyvesant, Commissioner - Building upon the resounding success of Commissioner Viscarra’s Residents’ Academy and Vice-Mayor Lama’s Senior Roundtable, I’m excited to announce the launch of the SIB Community Conversations Series: Family Edition (CCS).

At the CCS meetings, I will host a series of conversations centered on family, education, and community matters. The idea is to create a safe space to address the various challenges families face. From navigating complex educational landscapes to fostering stronger community ties, we will explore an array of pressing issues. Some of the initial topics we will tackle include:

Parenting in the Digital Age: Sharing online safety tips and nurturing healthy screen time habits.

Building Resilient Families: Empowering families with techniques to fortify resilience, manage stress, and navigate life transitions.

Parenting Through Different Stages: Addressing the distinctive joys and hurdles encountered at various developmental phases.

Education and Academic Success: Offering guidance and strategies to support children’s academic journey, from homework assistance to college readiness and financial literacy.

Cultural Diversity and Inclusion in Families: Facilitating discussions to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and cultivate culturally competent children.

Family Bonding and Healthy Quality Time: Sharing inspiring ideas for enriching family activities and traditions to strengthen relationships and mental health.

Navigating Special Needs and Disabilities: Offering information about available resources for families raising children with special needs.

The series will feature diverse formats, such as engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, insightful guest speakers, enriching Q&A sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. Stay tuned for our inaugural gathering this summer, as we embark on this transformative journey of learning, growth, and collective action.

You can contact Commissioner Fabiola Stuyvesant at: seat3@sibfl.net. Or: (305) 792-1751.