Congressman Randy Fine represents Florida’s 8th District — and a new kind of Jewish courage in American politics. Known to admirers and critics alike as “the Hebrew Hammer,” Fine has made national headlines for his unapologetic defense of Israel, his fierce opposition to campus antisemitism, and his proud decision to wear a kippah daily — including on the floor of Congress.
In this episode, Fine opens up to David M. Cohen about:
Growing up as the “Kentucky Fried Jew” in a hostile environment.
Lessons learned from his blind father and his years at Harvard.
Why he believes “truth is an absolute defense.”
How his son inspired him to make his faith visible — and his politics fearless.
His mission to bring moral clarity back to American leadership.
A conversation about identity, integrity, and the courage to stand tall in an age of moral confusion.
Chapters
00:00 – Meeting Trump, Reflections on Leadership
02:00 – Growing Up Jewish in Kentucky
05:00 – Lessons From His Father
06:00 – Harvard Years & Early Ambition
09:00 – Antisemitism on Campus Then and Now
14:00 – Business Success & Lessons in Drive
18:00 – How Common Core Pushed Him Into Politics
20:00 – Becoming More Jewish in Office
23:00 – The Kippah Decision and Its Symbolism
27:00 – Florida Politics and Fighting Antisemitism
31:00 – Trips to Israel & Spiritual Renewal
33:00 – Strategy, Priorities, and the Foreign Affairs Committee
36:00 – Immigration, Integration, and American Values
38:00 – Mission, Challenges, and Legacy
You can find the condensed transcript & summary of this episode and more episodes at
https://open.substack.com/pub/thealgemeiner/p/the-hebrew-hammer-in-congress-faith?r=5m0oyd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
This episode of "The J100 Podcast" was produced by David Taragin.