The City Commission of Sunny Isles Beach voted 3–1 to adopt a resolution recognizing an annual Jewish Solidarity Day in the city, with the initial observance set for the first Sunday in May pending scheduling details. The vote followed an extended discussion among commissioners, a statement from a local rabbi and public comment.

Commissioners debated whether the observance should be tied to national Jewish Heritage Month in May or moved to December to coincide with Hanukkah. Supporters said the day is meant to celebrate Jewish peoplehood and bring together a geographically and denominationally fragmented local Jewish community. Opponents raised concerns about perceived religious content, overlap with existing budgeted events and potential publicity or security implications.

Rabbi Keller told the commission that the 50-day mourning period after Passover could limit attendance at events in May and suggested December as an alternative so observant residents could attend holiday activities; he also urged framing the day as a communal observance rather than a religious ceremony. Multiple commissioners emphasized that any city-sponsored observance must avoid religious endorsement and should be presented as a cultural or heritage event.

Commissioner Joseph, sponsor of the resolution, said the intent was to “celebrate Jewish solidarity” and to encourage the community to gather; he and other supporters said the day is about Jewish heritage rather than religious worship. Vice Mayor Lamarr supported the measure but repeated that it must contain no religious component to comply with constitutional limits on government endorsement of religion. Commissioner Stuyvesant voted no, saying she feared the resolution could draw unwanted attention and additional security costs for residents.

The commission directed staff to codify the day in the city’s calendar; the city attorney noted that if the commission later decides to change a date set by resolution, it would need to amend the resolution. The resolution also references including an aligned item in the city’s annual budget, but the city attorney clarified that budget allocation would be determined separately through the budget process.

The formal action recorded: the resolution passed on a roll-call vote — Commissioner Joseph: yes; Commissioner Stuyvesant: no; Vice Mayor Lamarr: yes; Mayor Svetchen: yes. Supporters and opponents in the chamber offered several options for timing and format; the commission asked staff to return with any clarifications needed to ensure the event’s format and timing comply with legal constraints and community needs.