StopAntisemitism, a U.S.-based organization combating antisemitism, expressed strong disapproval in a post on X: "StopAntisemitism is disgusted to see James Fishback, candidate for Florida Governor, denigrate the Kotel, the holiest site to the Jewish people. Listen to the incel groypers he’s preaching to [respond] with applause."
The group highlighted the audience's reaction, suggesting the comment was aimed at energizing certain online communities. Civil rights lawyer and former Fox News contributor Leo Terrell condemned the statement, saying it "made my blood boil" and urged others to call it out, noting that similar remarks about sacred sites of other religions would not be tolerated. Terrell had previously described visiting the Kotel as a career highlight.
Bryan E. Leib, a former congressional candidate and Newsmax contributor, called the remark "ignorant and offensive" in an op-ed published on February 6, 2026, urging Florida Republicans to reject it as a "character reveal" rather than policy.
Leib questioned why the Florida GOP and other leaders had not yet condemned Fishback, adding that the candidate was implying millions of Florida voters who have visited the Kotel "are not worthy to be Americans."
Fishback, a hedge fund manager who announced his gubernatorial bid in 2025, has drawn prior controversy, but this incident hasn't done him any favors, particularly in Florida, home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the U.S.
Critics, including Leib, described the comment not as "edgy" but as a deliberate provocation crossing into antisemitism.
Fishback has not publicly responded to the backlash.
