BOCA RATON, Fla. (VINnews) — Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, senior rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue, is urging local Jewish residents to engage in the Democratic primary process to oppose a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a far-left political organization known for its strong criticism of Israel and support for progressive causes including the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

In a social media post this weekend, Goldberg called on “decent people of Boca Raton” to take action against Oliver Larkin, the DSA-backed Democratic congressional candidate in Florida’s 25th District. Critics accuse Larkin of defending Hamas and holding positions that threaten Jewish and pro-Israel interests in South Florida’s heavily Jewish districts.

Recent polling shows U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D) maintaining a strong lead in the Aug. 18 Democratic primary. A Beacon Insights survey conducted June 25-26 found Moskowitz leading Larkin 51% to 19%, with 30% undecided, among likely Democratic primary voters. The poll, with a margin of error of ±3.6%, was commissioned internally by the Moskowitz campaign.

Florida’s closed primary system requires voters to be registered with a major party to participate in that party’s primary. Goldberg’s message highlights the strategic importance of registration or affiliation updates ahead of the primary, as tens of thousands of Orthodox and other Jewish voters in the Boca Raton, Miami Beach and surrounding areas could influence the outcome.

The appeal was amplified by other rabbis, including Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, who thanked Goldberg for his leadership and warned against electing another member of what he called the “Hamas caucus” to represent one of America’s largest Jewish communities.

Goldberg, a vocal advocate for Israel who leads one of the Southeast’s largest Orthodox congregations, has long emphasized evaluating candidates based on their support for Israel rather than strict party loyalty. In past writings, including “Don’t Vote Republican or Democrat—Vote Israel,” he has encouraged the Jewish community to prioritize pro-Israel records across party lines.

The race comes amid ongoing concerns in South Florida’s Jewish community about rising antisemitism and candidates’ stances on Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the ensuing war. Boca Raton and surrounding Palm Beach County areas are home to a significant and growing Jewish population.