Correspondence: Updated 01/01/2024 — Alameda City Council, January 2, 2024

From: Abu Lafya
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer Cc: City Clerk; Manager Manager
Subject: [EXTERNAL] A ceasefire will allow Hamas to do this again Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:46:43 PM
Dear Alameda city council,
Forcing a ceasefire on both sides in Gaza is not a neutral position, it is what Hamas desperately wants now. Adopting a resolution like that is tantamount to siding with Hamas, the perpetrator of the October 7th massacre, who started the war. Hamas will use it to restore its power and cause another war in a few years.

The city of Alameda should concern itself with making life in the city better for its residents, not with foreign policy. It does not have the necessary context or expertise to do so. It will alienate residence and sow an unnecessaries division in the population. The best course for you is to refrain from making any statement regarding Gaza and concentrate your efforts in local governance.

A forced ceasefire will allow Hamas to regain power. Recent history shows that yet another war will break out in a few years, as they did in the past (2008, 2014, 2018, 2021 all ended in a ceasefire that did not hold), with more civilian casualties. Since most casualties are in the beginning of the war, then the rate decreases significantly. it means that stopping now will only mean that all recent casualties will just repeat in a few years.

On the other hand, eliminating Hamas from Gaza will mean that these wars will no longer happen. A simple calculus will show that this will be better for civilian casualties.

Eliminating Hamas, a US designated terrorist organization, will be good for both sides. Since 2006 $5 BILLION of aid went to Gaza. It should have flourished. Instead, this money has been diverted into war, tunnels and weapons, while the average civilian is poor and struggling.

On the Israeli side, some towns have seen a constant barrage of rockets aimed at civilians, each one is a explicitly targeting civilians. No country or civilian population should be made to live in such conditions.

I urge you to avoid any calls for a ceasefire.

Thank you,
Abu Lafya.

From: Carole Brandmeyer
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda 10 - D
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:59:14 PM
Hello Clerk of Alameda and the Entire City Council,
As a resident of the city of Alameda for a combined residency of 38 years who has worked and lived in and enjoyed the community of Alameda , I urge you to support our Mayor Izzy Ashcroft in supporting the ceasefire of the war .I am totally against war . It saddens my heart to view the devastating pictures on TV and hear of the senseless harm & killings of people which include men, women and children. All of this FOR WHAT? I encourage especially Tony Daysog and Tracey Jensen to do the correct thing and vote yes with Mayor Ashcroft
since they will be on the march 5, 2024 ballot.

Let us be a part of helping to save lives and mass destruction. Thank you for taking time to hear my thoughts.

Sincerely ,
Carole Brandmeyer
From: Alison Limoges
To: City Clerk; CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 10-D Re: Ceasefire letter Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 12:00:22 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk and City Councilmembers,
I am writing as a concerned, 12-year resident of the Alameda Community. I live here, volunteer here, pick donated fruit for the Alameda Food Bank here, play music and play with my grandchildren here. As a fellow active community member I urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate Ceasefire in Gaza. The recent escalation of violence there has resulted in horrific loss of life and widespread suffering for innocent Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our City Council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

I was raised in NY State by parents of mixed faiths who taught me to be a Humanitarian -- to see, feel and believe that people of all faiths and backgrounds are humans. And to know that, ultimately, we are all related! To me Ceasefire and multilateral Diplomacy are the only paths to creating a lasting peace in Gaza and the Middle East.

During a recent walkout, students at Encinal High School reported feeling unsafe demonstrating solidarity with Palestine. The conflation of Zionism with Judaism has also led to Jewish community members feeling unsafe and targeted. Mayor Ashcraft’s letter sends a message to impacted community members that their representatives hear their safety concerns.

Ceasefire is a moral issue. As a resident of Alameda, I believe that our community has a role to play in advocating for a peace in Gaza. The images and reports of civilian casualties, including children, are deeply distressing. It is clear that a lasting solution can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts and a commitment to dialogue. Our Congresswoman Barbara Lee has signed on to the congressional ceasefire resolution and was courageous in her disavowal of the war in Iraq.

Endorsing a ceasefire in Alameda not only follows her leadership, but adds constituent weight to her position and adds our city to the growing list of municipalities taking a moral stand.

Ceasefire is a local issue. US Campaign for Palestinian Rights estimates that Alameda taxpayers give $1,115,883 to fund Israel’s violence against Palestinian people. Those tax dollars could be coming back into our community for needed services. Additionally, Alameda is home to hundreds of union members and community members whose unions and community organizations have endorsed an immediate ceasefire.

I understand that international conflicts are complex, and our local government may have limited influence on global affairs. However, by taking a principled stand, Alameda can contribute to the collective voice advocating for peace and the protection of civilian lives.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will consider the urgency of the situation. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Alison S. Limoges

From: John Yee
To: City Clerk; CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 10-D
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 8:11:56 PM

Dear Alameda City Councilmembers,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Alameda to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The recent escalation of violence has resulted in tragic loss of life and widespread suffering for innocent Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Ceasefire is a safety issue. The ongoing war in Palestine makes many of our community members less safe, including Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Jews. In Alameda, our unofficial motto is “Everyone belongs here,” yet we are hearing that Palestinian, Arab and Muslim community members are afraid of being doxxed or losing their jobs for attending events or speaking out in solidarity with Palestinians. During a recent walkout, students at Encinal High School reported feeling unsafe demonstrating solidarity with Palestine. The conflation of Zionism with Judaism has also led to Jewish community members feeling unsafe and targeted. Mayor Ashcraft’s letter sends a message to impacted community members that their representatives hear their safety concerns.

Ceasefire to stop war crimes. The rules of war, or international humanitarian law (as it is known formally) are a set of international rules that set out what can and cannot be done during an armed conflict. Part of the rules deal with the treatment of innocent civilians. IHL regulates how wars are fought, balancing two aspects: weakening the enemy and limiting suffering. A ceasefire would minimize more violation.

Sincerely,
John Yee

From: Toni Grimm
To: CityCouncil-List
Cc: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 10-D
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:14:57 PM
Dear Vice-Mayor, and Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of the letter written by Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and I urge you all to approve it and distribute it.

Obviously the tragic loss of life, over 20,000 non-combatants, is the most appalling result of indiscriminate "dumb" bombs, but I would like to mention another element of this humanitarian disaster. Over 300,000 homes have been destroyed in Gaza, which is close to 70% of their housing stock. According to the United Nations, almost two million residents, 84% of the population, have been displaced.

As a housing advocate, I know that housing is a human right and necessary for human beings to survive with dignity. The residents of Gaza do not deserve this inhumane punishment. Alameda's city council, and especially Alameda's mayor, have long been concerned with homelessness and housing, so I ask that you expand that concern to the Gaza tragedy and demonstrate your moral leadership.

Thank you,
Toni Grimm
Alameda resident
Virus-free.www.avast.com
From: jean_wagnon
To: City Clerk; CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 10-D
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 8:55:41 AM
Dear Alameda City Councilmembers,
I am writing as a concerned member of our community to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The recent escalation of violence has resulted in tragic loss of life and widespread suffering for innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

Our silence may be interpreted as condoning what is happening. Please add my community to those who stand for peace and humanitarian values.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will light this candle in the darkest of nights.

Sincerely,
Mana-Jean Wagnon
2834 Johnson Ave
From: Vladlena Gulchin
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fostering Peace and Unity in Alameda County Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 11:57:08 AM
Dear Alameda Mayor, City Council and respected government officials, I hope this message finds you well and in good health. I am writing to you as a concerned citizen, and, more importantly, as a proud American Jew deeply invested in the values that underpin our democracy. My commitment to these principles stems from a firsthand understanding of the harsh realities of anti-Semitism, having fled as a refugee from the former Soviet Union.

The recent draft letter from Mayor Ashcraft to the senator has raised significant concerns within our community. As a staunch believer in the constitutional duty of state and local governments to safeguard public safety, I am troubled by the potential ramifications of the divisive tone in the letter. It is essential that our local leaders promote unity rather than contributing to the escalating tensions.

To provide context to my concerns, I have included an impactful speech by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlEB0sgap4U ). This
speech not only sheds light on the fears haunting the American Jewish community due to rising anti-Semitism but also offers a fair historical background of Jewish people in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Turning to Mayor Ashcraft's letter, my worry is that it inadvertently adds to the division within our community, placing Jews, a marginalized and mostly unprotected group, under further scrutiny and risk. According to FBI statistics, there has been an alarming over 300% increase in antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023.

Furthermore, an unsettling 50% of hate crimes in the United States target American Jews.

I feel compelled to address the call for a ceasefire mentioned in Mayor Ashcraft's letter. While advocating for peace is noble, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of the situation. Hamas broke the ceasefire on October 6, 2023, and again on November 24, 2023, even as Israel awaited the release of additional hostages. Israel proposed another ceasefire in December of 2023, but Hamas refused to cooperate. Simply calling for a ceasefire without delving into the complexities may inadvertently support terrorism and undermine the security of both Jews and Palestinians.

Moreover, it is disheartening to witness the lack of awareness about the ongoing threats faced by Israelis, particularly in the wake of recent events. Rockets fired by Hamas at midnight on December 31, 2023/January 1st, 2024 at midnight, during New Year celebrations, highlight the gravity of the situation. Most Israelis now sleep in shelters since October 7, and children take turns physically going to school to ensure sufficient shelter space during bombings. Israeli parents grapple with the challenge of protecting their families, with older children and teenagers fearing to stay home alone.

The media often fails to portray these daily struggles, contributing to widespread misinformation. It is crucial to recognize that Israel has invested significantly in protecting its citizens through the construction of bomb shelters and the Iron Dome.

In contrast, Gaza lacks shelters, and Hamas misuses funds intended for humanitarian aid and infrastructure development for destructive purposes.

It's essential to address the misrepresentation of Israel's actions in preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Contrary to media portrayals, Hamas is responsible for stealing humanitarian aid, including crucial supplies like food and medications. Tragically, Gazans are exploited as human shields in various aspects— physically, morally, and psychologically—manipulating global sentiments against Israel. This distortion is not only unfair but also morally unjust. It's imperative to shed light on these nuanced details to ensure a more accurate understanding of the situation.

If we genuinely want to contribute to the well-being of both Israel and Gaza, it is imperative to call on the American Government to condemn Hamas and support efforts to dismantle it. Then, rebuilding Gaza into a prosperous and peaceful region should be a collective goal, benefitting local citizens and welcoming tourists from around the world.

While international affairs merit attention, I implore you, as a representative of our local community, to concentrate efforts on addressing the rising antisemitism within Alameda. The fear and anxiety among our Jewish residents are palpable, necessitating immediate and targeted actions to ensure their safety.

In closing, I trust in your moral compass and expertise to address these pressing issues at the local level, thereby fostering a community that upholds the values of inclusivity and tolerance. Let us work together to combat hate and promote a harmonious environment for all residents.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your leadership in navigating these challenging times.

Sincerely,
Vladlena Gulchin
From: Marta Zora
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Item 10-D of the Jan 2 Council agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 4:36:15 PM
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:

From: Marta Zora <[email protected]>
Date: January 1, 2024 at 9:33:02 AM PST
To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Cc: [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: Item 10-D of the Jan 2 Council agenda

Dear Alameda City Council,
I am an 8 year resident of Alameda. I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy.

Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

I understand that Alameda City Council, like other local governments, has been deluged by activists demanding a local response to foreign affairs. Most of the people who have spoken in Alameda made inflammatory comments, claiming Israel is an “apartheid state carrying out a genocide.” By placing the issue on the official agenda, Mayor Ashcraft has fanned the flames of these lies.

As we have clearly seen from the “debates” in Richmond and Oakland, the only thing formally discussing this war does is legitimize anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rhetoric. We will not solve the Middle East Crisis in the Alameda City Council. But your ethical leadership is needed to ensure that everyone is welcome on the island.

The only thing Item 10-D on the January 2nd agenda accomplishes is increasing division locally by legitimizing hateful rhetoric. I urge you to reject the referral and reject the idea of the Council sending a letter to federal officials on this topic.

Sincerely,
Marta Zora
From: Dan Tell
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Public correspondence on ceasefire in Gaza letter Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 10:46:15 AM
Good morning,
Councilmember Dayson encouraged I should forward this to include in the correspondence record for the upcoming meeting.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Dan Tell <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, Dec 30, 2023 at 9:53 AM
Subject: Public correspondence on ceasefire in Gaza letter To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft <[email protected]
>, <citycouncil-
[email protected]>
Dear Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft and Councilmembers Vella, Spencer, Daysog, and Jensen, I write you today as a concerned constituent and resident of Alameda over the referral for an item to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. I have read the Mayor’s proposed letter and while I appreciate the effort to propose a balanced perspective, I still worry it sends a message that will be ineffective globally and still have a profound negative effect in your community.

I have spoken before council before on issues like policing in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, but I write today rather than speaking for concern of putting my face before the community on this issue. I am Jewish, and while I have always believed in the importance of using my white-passing skin to speak up in defense of other minorities, today it is my people at risk, and I fear publicly standing before council and making myself a target for hate.

I do not say this lightly as two short months ago I gave a speech in Germany where I spoke of the personal effects of antisemitism, pogroms, and the Holocaust on my life and the history of my family. I was commended by the German audience for my bravery, but I returned to my own country and found fear amplified. Mixed in with legitimate criticism of Israel, its actions and its policies has been a freshed voice of antisemitism. I shuddered thinking of how just a few years ago a literal torch-wielding mob in Charlottesville chanted “Jews will not replace us!” while our then-president called them “very fine people.” These same attitudes have seen this conflict as an opportunity to once again amplify antisemitism, commingled with criticism of Israel, to make it clear that Jews should feel unwelcome in this world and in our communities.

I hope you can appreciate that I had no fear standing before a German audience speaking of the personal effects and history of antisemitism and the Holocaust, because I trust in the cultural contrition and acceptance of the German people. I spoke to an audience of science education professionals in Jena, Germany, where historical markers along the road through the city identify the trail where my people were marched to their deaths. Yet while I trust the children of those who attempted the extermination of my own people to be understanding and empathetic, I write to you rather than speaking up publicly because I no longer feel safe as a Jew in my own community and country in the here and now.

I will agree with anyone the situation between Israel and Gaza is tragic and nuanced. I have long been critical of Israeli policy towards Gaza, I have done what I can to speak up in American Jewish communities and supported individual Palestinians through charity. I have criticized the corruption of Israeli government officials and the brinksmanship that has pushed us to the current situation. But on October 7th, Hamas led an unforgivable attack. More Jews —not just Israelis but global visitors—were killed in a single day than any day since the Holocaust. And not just killed, but brutally tortured, abused, raped, mutilated and kidnapped all while Hamas gleefully filmed and broadcast this footage to the world. Perhaps you have already read the New York Times investigation published last week into the sexual violence committed by Hamas on that day and to hostages since—if not I would implore you to do so.

I write to you because I beg of you to not support a call for unilateral ceasefire. While I believe in peace as a goal in this world and mourn the deaths of innocents anywhere, we must also recognize the horrific cruelties executed against Jews on October 7. We must recognize that hostages are still being held and tortured by Hamas and their agents. We must recognize that the death toll was amplified in this conflict by Hamas’ own sacrifice of civilians that they refused to let evacuate or placed in front of their weaponized positions. We must recognize that the last ceasefire was broken by Hamas’ own terror attacks in Jerusalem and their inability or unwillingness to continue releasing Jewish hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners under the terms of the ceasefire. We must recognize that Hamas’ leadership has unapologetically vowed they will abide by no ceasefire and will continue their daily barrages of rockets to Israel and have promised to repeat the attacks of October 7th until the Jewish people are eliminated. We must recognize any such ceasefire would be one-sided and asks for Jews to stand by idly and accept the kidnap, rape, torture and murder of our people—of our children—rather than stand in self-defense and attempt to rescue them. Jews have not been in a position of self-defense since we were colonized by the Roman Empire 2000 years ago, and for this inability to defend ourselves we suffered cruelty after cruelty culminating in the genocide of nearly half of our population just 80 years ago, from which our numbers are only just now recovering.

I feel for the children of Gaza too. Just as I see my own child in the reports of child hostage and victims of Hamas, I see how my Muslim and Arab friends see their own families in the Palestinians. But we must recognize it is the cruelty of Hamas that prompted this and Palestinians can never be free while they are themselves held prisoner by the leadership of Hamas, who protect themselves in opulence in Qatar and Turkey while they sacrifice their own people to increase their wealth and clout.

Not long ago Oakland adopted a resolution calling for a ceasefire, and after some debate also refused to condemn the actions of Hamas or call for the release of hostages. Not long after the hanukkiah menorah at Lake Merritt was vandalized, one of the most public displays of antisemitism, but far from the only one as anti-Jewish graffiti has lined streets and storefronts in Oakland, San Francisco and elsewhere following anti-Israel demonstrations. Regardless of the legitimate concern for the Palestinian people, antisemites have used this as an opportunity to shield themselves and their hate, making it public how they also want American Jews to feel unsafe and unwelcome in our communities. I am deeply concerned your letter on behalf of Alameda will also increase the public hate against my family and Alameda Alameda families like mine. I felt this fear putting out Hanukkah decorations on my lawn this year and remain haunted by it, concerned the mezuzah on my door will invite vandalism, robbery or attack— but I cannot and should not have to hide my faith and heritage out of fear.

Neither Israel nor Palestine can know peace while Hamas is in power, just as the United States could not know peace in the time of the Confederacy. Hamas is not an organization prepared for or interested in good governance, and the Palestinian people deserve better as well. They too deserve a society where women and minorities will have equal rights. Where people can be free to practice their own faith and express their true selves and their true loves. Hamas believes in none of the values of diversity and inclusion. The road to peace will be in the reconstruction of Palestine after this war, and that is where I believe we should apply our global pressure, into supporting generous rebuilding of Palestine and the support of education and resources to help Palestine flourish into the state its people deserve and not one held captive by cruel terrorists and profiteers.

This is where I urge you to use your political power. Not to encourage Israel to abandon the hostages still held captive and capitulate to the terror of Hamas, but to encourage a vision for a peaceful Israel and Palestine of the future where the states can functionally coexist.

I will close by saying I have long been a proud American. I long believed that the assimilation of my people into American culture was our best path forward for survival. I have believed that even growing up being shamed, mocked and excluded because of my beliefs and heritage.

But lately I have though much about Germany at the dawn of the 20th century. In Berlin and Hamburg, rabbis proposed that the diaspora was the necessary fate of Judaism, that we were to be diffused into the world to serve other nations rather than be entitled our own, and that the romantic, intellectual culture of Germany made it as much our Promised Land as anywhere could be. These rabbis founded the Reform movement in Judaism that I grew up in. Within a few short decades, the intellectual liberalism of Germany was replaced with the cruel misguided populism of Naziism, and six million Jews would be enslaved, worked to death, and murdered. Both my and my wife’s families emigrated from Mogilev, Belarus, where in 1941 Nazi military police rounded up the remaining Jews in the city and unceremoniously murdered them.

I fear these same rising tides of antisemitism, I fear this country I thought was the hope for our people will descend into the same hate. Every Jewish family has known the fear of finding swastikas spray painted in their neighborhoods or near our houses of worship for decades— and now we fear repeats of the mass shootings that have already happened at American synagogues. I fear how the combination of antisemitism with anti-Israel policy makes clear that those who hate Jews believe we do not belong anywhere on this Earth, deserving neither our own state, nor to be welcome among the other nations of the world. Those who see this as the opportunity for our extermination are eager for governments and public officials to give them the perceived license to act on their hatred.

I implore you, do not encourage Alameda to be such a home to hate, but to be a beacon of hope and a safe haven for refugees. If you must speak for ceasefire please do so as individual private citizens, not as the voice and leaders of our city.

Dan Tell
From: Liberty Schubert
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 11:20:44 AM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

It is heartbreaking that those activists were praised for their rhetoric by the mayor. Ethical leadership requires you to reject this letter’s referral to the Council and to reject the contents of the letter. It is our duty as Americans to support our democratic allies in the fight against terrorism. Further, the only way for government to be effective is for each level of government to focus on the issues within its purview.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

We won’t solve international crises in the Alameda City Council. The only thing Item 10-D on the January 2nd agenda accomplishes is increasing division locally by legitimizing hateful rhetoric. I urge you to reject the referral and reject the idea of the Council sending a letter to federal officials on this topic.

Sincerely,
Liberty Schubert
From: Michael Harris
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 12:03:25 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Hamas can bring about a ceasefire tomorrow by releasing the hostages and relinquishing control of Gaza. The fact that they refuse to do so is unmentioned in the Mayor’s letter. So is the fact that there was a ceasefire in effect on October 6.

Sincerely,
Michael Harris
From: Katie B.

To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 1:17:46 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Katie Berger
Sent from my iPhone
From: Zack Lerner
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 1:21:33 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Dr. Zack Lerner APRN
Sent from my iPhone
From: Mollie Berenbom
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 1:22:53 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Sent from my iPhone
From: Rena Garden
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 1:34:26 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Rena Dulberg
Sent from my iPhone
From: Andrew Schlachter
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 1:42:29 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
--------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Schlachter, M.D.

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Medical Director-Neurosciences ICU
Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neurosciences institute
Assistant Professor-UMKC School of Medicine
Division of Anesthesia and Internal Medicine
Cell: (913) 526-2877
From: Rachel Stein
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 2:12:46 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Rachel
Sent from my iPhone
From: Alan Goldner
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 2:13:17 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Ellen Goldner
From: Jaclyn Perlman
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 4:54:28 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Sent from my iPhone
From: Karen Fiss
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 7:52:32 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am a history professor whose area of specialization is fascism in the 1930s ,as well as on postcolonial/decolonial issues and historical trauma in South Africa and Vietnam.

I am also the daughter of Holocaust survivors. I know from my parents' experiences what it means when the city one has lived in one’s whole life decides your existence is not worth protecting and starts passing laws or resolutions that target your racial, ethnic and religious identity. If you pass a highly charged resolution on foreign issues - such as Israel and Gaza - issues that fall outside your purview - you are actually engaging and fomenting state sponsored antisemitism. This is not the role of city governance. My parents understood from horrible personal experiences that governments should not target a minority community, which is why they became so involved in the civil rights movement.

Whatever your personal political beliefs, you are betraying your government responsibilities if you prioritize them in your work as a local city council member. Nothing you vote on in Alameda will actually have any administrative or legal impact on the conflict or on the US Federal government’s policies. Rather, the primary impact of your political action is fomenting division within your own community, which as an elected official you have been entrusted with protecting. You are also de facto condoning the targeting of Jews by any one else in our community who would see the resolution as affirmation or permission. It is abundantly clear that increased level of antisemitic incidents are already dangerous. Since October 7, they have risen 400%. Antisemitic attacks were already rising at an alarming rate before this conflict began. Jews experience the most religiously targeted hate crimes of any other group, far outnumbering the second-largest category of religious hate, anti-Muslim crimes. Stores and businesses owned by Jews are being vandalized in our city. Synagogues have had to increase security and limit access to their buildings as advised by the FBI which tracks such threats. Students in schools and on campuses are increasingly isolated and scared.

You should know that all Jews have experienced threats, loss of friendship and loss of business.

If you choose to pass a resolution on an overseas conflict, one that would clearly condemn Israel alone or would question its legitimacy as a nation, you are communicating to your Jewish constituents that they are not really part of your community. They have a “special status.” You would be deliberately targeting the Jewish population, who are also your constituents and live in your city alongside many other ethnic, racial and religious groups. You would be doing so, knowing full well that the vast majority of Jews support Israel’s right to exist and regard its security as intrinsically connected to our own safety as individuals and as a community that has suffered genocide. Jewish history is marked by centuries of discrimination and repeated attempts to annihilate it throughout the world. You would be turning a deaf ear to the fear and emotional distress that YOUR Jewish community is experiencing right now.

Adopting any resolutions on foreign policy, particularly when it impacts a protected class of citizens, is beyond the role of the Alameda City Council. The role of the City Council is to set "...goals and priorities for the City. The council approves the City budget, adopts ordinances to help the City serve its community members, and appoints members to various boards and commissions."
The current crisis is incredibly complex with deep historical and geopolitical roots in the Middle East. Again, whatever your opinions/beliefs on such matters, passing a one-sided political resolution goes far beyond your role as City Council members and should be kept separate from Council business - otherwise you are indeed knowingly participating in state- sponsored discrimination and targeted antisemitism. Israel is an important and central part of Jewish religion and identity for the overwhelming majority of Jews - whether you approve or not. I cannot think of any other racial, religious or ethnic group that is not allowed to define what constitutes hatred of its own people. What other minority has the terms of its own discrimination dictated to them? Who decided Zionism is Racism? What other minority is repeatedly told what is and is not racist discrimination targeting them? I can’t imagine doing that to any of my friends who identify as Black, LatinX or Asian... I can't imagine dismissing the rights and belief system of any religious, racial or ethnic community with whom I have so long worked alongside as an ally.

Once again, I urge you to respect your role as an elected official who represents your community, ALL of your community. Passing a resolution unilaterally condemning Israel and denying its right to exist will not further the cause of peace. It will not promote more dialogue and understanding of our shared humanity. It will sadly not protect innocent Palestinian civilians. It will only further foment further division, hate and antisemitism in our community.

Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda should NOT be considered, let alone passed.

Sincerely,
Professor Ren Fiss
From: Stephanie M.

To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 9:13:13 AM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
-Stephanie Mamane
From: Joan Edelstein
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk; [email protected]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 8:50:37 PM
Dear Alameda City Council,
Aside from “some have argued that a City Council should confine itself to local issues,” city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Had council members campaigned on foreign policy positions, they may not have been elected. If specific council members cannot remain silent, they should speak out about their concerns individually, not with a one-sided “representation” of their community.

Where was the City Council’s good conscience speaking out about the sexual violence against women - a war crime - in October, November, December, as the silence continues to be deafening? Where was the City Council’s good conscience in demanding the release of hostages - a war crime - in October, November, December? Where was the City Council’s good conscience to condemn, speak out about, and address the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in October, November, December?
The City Council states it does “not intend to take a position that makes any member of the community feel unsafe.” Many members of the community have stated they will, indeed, feel unsafe. In fact, already feel unsafe. Yet at the same time you say the City Council has no choice but to take a position that will make them feel unsafe. Unless council members have been ignoring the news, resolutions in Richmond and Oakland have further divided the communities and their constituents are feeling unsafe. In allowing any resolution to be passed, Council members concerned about the safety and cohesiveness of their community are knowingly fostering an environment of fear and hate within and against protected classes of citizens.

Setting an example of ethical leadership would be finding ways to unite the community in times of polarization, using evidence based strategies such as civil discourse rather than foment hate. All that item 10-D on the January 2nd agenda accomplishes is to increase division by legitimizing hateful rhetoric. Ethical leadership requires you to reject this letter’s referral to the Council and to reject the contents of the letter.

Sincerely,
Joan Edelstein
Sent from my iPad
From: Aysha Abraibesh
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] In Support of Agenda item 10-D
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 7:14:21 PM
Dear Alameda City Councilmembers,
I am writing as a concerned member of our community to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza (agenda item 10D). The recent escalation of violence has resulted in tragic loss of life and widespread suffering for innocent Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Endorsing a ceasefire in Alameda not only follows her leadership, but adds constituent weight to her position and adds our city to the growing list of municipalities taking a moral stand.

Ceasefire is a local issue. US Campaign for Palestinian Rights estimates that
Alameda taxpayers give $1,115,883 to fund Israel’s violence against Palestinian people. Those tax dollars could be coming back into our community for needed services. Additionally, Alameda is home to hundreds of union members and community members whose unions and community organizations have endorsed an immediate ceasefire.

Thank you,
Aysha
--
Aysha Abraibesh, MPA
From: Sarah Hussein
To: City Clerk; CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] In support of Mayor Ashcraft"s letter calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 11:30:11 PM
Mayor Ashcraft and the Alameda City Council members,
My name is Sarah Hussein. I've been a resident of Alameda for 2.5 years. I implore the Council members to support Mayor Ashcraft's letter calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza without the bias of politics.

Please consider these with a conscience rooted in humanity; If you desire homes instead of makeshift shelters on waste grounds, If you seek sustenance instead of famine and starvation, If you dream of skies free from the terror of countless bombs and missiles,
If you envision thriving infrastructure instead of ruins, If you long to hold your child close, not have them stranded in unfamiliar places,
If you wish for your daughters to blossom without the agony of loss and injury due to airstrikes,
If you aspire for your sons to flourish, not face humiliation and oppression,
If you yearn for a healthy, safe environment free from infectious diseases,
If you prefer pathways adorned with colorful leaves rather than remnants of destruction,
If you desire accessible healthcare, medicines, and surgeries with care and dignity,
If you wish for the deceased to be tended to respectfully, not abandoned in the streets,
If you seek all that is good for yourself, let us extend these desires to all fellow human beings.

Please, let's address the issue of Gaza without hesitation. Some groups opposing cities' calls for a ceasefire, citing it as solely an international issue, hold conflicting opinions. Their billboards all over America emphasize that Hamas is our problem.

Nevertheless, this conflict is undeniably our concern. Firstly, as part of the global community, we're intrinsically connected to crises affecting humanity.

Secondly, our government's historical support for this conflict implicates us. It's crucial that we unite our voices to hold our government accountable, urging them to act justly by demanding a ceasefire.

Thank you.

Respectfully,
Sarah Hussein
From: Aaron Louyeh
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D of the Jan 2 Council Agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 2:31:35 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft,
I am a Bay Area resident who often visits Alameda. I am disheartened to learn that Item 10- D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

City councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, taking Hamas’s side is nothing but antisemitism. I would like to ask the following:
1) Did Alameda City council condemn China for repressing its Muslim Uighurs population in northwest China, forcing nearly 1.8 millions of Uighurs into concentration and labor camps? This is far worse than any human catastrophe in Gaza and is on-going. 2) Did Alameda City Council condemn the action of Sudan, when ruling Arabs in the North began the rape and murder of thousands of black Africans (who were Christian or Animist) in South Sudan?
3) After 1947, the Arab nations uprooted and exiled over 700,000 of its Jewish citizens.

This population had nothing to do with the establishment of Israel, but because they were Jewish, they were targeted. Mostly were given 48 hours to leave the country or face the consequences.

Did Alameda Council condemn the Arab nations for exiling over 700,000 of its Jewish citizens from their homes? These communities had been living in their ancestral homes for hundreds and many thousands of years.

Yet when it comes to Israel defending its citizens from future massacres, there is an eagerness to pass resolution against Israel’s actions.

Regardless of the political view which one may hold, it is quite apparent that if resolutions against Israel “being the only Jewish state” are eagerly passed, while one remains silent against other atrocities, this gross double-standard is nothing short of antisemitism.

I understand that Alameda City Council, like other local governments, has been deluged by activists demanding a local response to foreign affairs. It is heartbreaking that those activists were praised for their rhetoric. I would like to point out: The chant “Free Palestine” is not a chant for a peaceful, two state solution. This chant followed by “from river to the sea” – calls for the genocide of the Jewish population in Israel. Mayor Ashcraft: Are you advocating for the genocide of Jewish people in Israel? Ethical leadership requires you to reject this letter’s referral to the Council and to reject the contents of the letter. Further, the only way for government to be effective is for each level of government to focus on the issues within its purview.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. Peace will come when Hamas’s leadership in Gaza is undone, and when a peaceful two state solution is implemented.

Sincerely,
Aaron Louyeh
From: Marta Zora
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: City Clerk; Manager Manager
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D of the Jan 2 Council agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 9:33:26 AM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am an 8 year resident of Alameda. I am disheartened to learn that Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy. Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Sincerely,
Marta Zora
From: Aaron Louyeh
To: Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D of the January 2 Council Agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 2:44:14 PM
Dear Alameda City Council:

I am a Bay Area resident who often visits Alameda. I am disheartened to learn that Item 10- D on the January 2 City Council Agenda is a letter demanding a change to U.S. foreign policy regarding the Hamas - Israel War.

This population had nothing to do with the establishment of Israel, but because they were Jewish, they were targeted. Mostly were given 48 hours to leave the country or face the consequences.

Yet when it comes to Israel defending its citizens from future massacres, there is an eagerness to pass resolution against Israel’s actions.

Ethical leadership requires you to reject this letter’s referral to the Council and to reject the contents of the letter. Further, the only way for government to be effective is for each level of government to focus on the issues within its purview.

Sincerely,
Aaron Louyeh
From: [email protected]
To: City Clerk; Manager Manager; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D on the 1/2/24 agenda
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 10:35:38 PM
Respected City of Alameda Council members,
As parents and grandparents to our children and grandchildren who live in Alameda I would like to ask you to not get involved in the Middle East conflict, and to refrain from adopting the proposed letter for the following reasons:

1. Getting involved in this issue will only divide the community, and encourage fear, hate,conflict, and suspicion. Please witness what happened in the neighboring cities Richmond and Oakland - the tensions are higher, the vandalism and mutual suspicion escalated.

The cities of Berkeley, San Jose, and Foster City on the other hand, decided not to adopt these resolutions, and the city of Santa Clara had adopted a very unbiased resolution against hate, without focusing on specific conflicts and events.

2. The century-old conflict in the Middle East is extremely complicated, and I don't think one can understand its nuances without studying it for years and living it in their daily lives. As a result, you do not have the necessary information and you run the risk of being influenced by a subjective, and shallow, narrative.

3. The City Council was elected to deal with municipal issues, and not with global issues that are better handled at the federal level.

4. There are currently several other major conflicts in the world that cause hundreds of thousands of casualties, SUDAN and UKRAINE are just two of these. The fact that your council was not asked to take a stand on these terrible conflicts makes me think that antisemitism is the driving force for the request to send this letter (per agenda item 10-D).

5. For your information:
- Israel recently offered Hamas, a known terrorist organization, a 2 week ceasefire (despite knowing that this will allow Hamas to regroup and rearm) in exchange for returning the abducted Israelis in Gaza and laying down their weapons, and HAMAS REFUSED.The moment Hamas will cease fighting and return all the abducted (among them women, babies, elders), the fighting will stop. - Hamas is vowing to repeat the horrific events of October 7 that you are probably aware of: gang rapes,beheading babies, slaughtering parents in front of their children, setting live people on fire, setting entire settlements on fire, and many more atrocities that cannot be described. Israel has to make sure these atrocities do not happen again

6. In summary: Please refrain from adopting the ceasefire letter. This has nothing to do with the city council charter, the historic and political facts are too complex to allow for an unbiased opinion, and the impact of such a letter on the citizens of Alameda will be negative: it will encourage fear, division, mutual suspicion and hate.

We all want to raise our children in a harmonious and peaceful environment Thank you for your consideration.
________________________________________
Arik P
From: Barbara Schick
To: City Clerk
Cc: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Trish Spencer; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Malia Vella Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please DO NOT pass a Ceasefire Resolution. Item 10-D of Jan 2 Council Agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 7:38:47 PM
Dear City of Alameda Council Members,
As a person that visits the City of Alameda for shopping, recreation, and official business, I highly recommend that the Council not pass a Ceasefire Resolution concerning the war in Gaza. Or if you decide to pass such a resolution that it not one-sided and divisive, and place the blame for the current conflict where it belongs - on Hamas. My reasons are as follows:
i) The City Council does not have unlimited time, resources, and stamina to deal with the multiple critical issues in Alameda [crime, homelessness, housing issues, infrastructure repair, all forms of hate (racism, anti-semitism, islamophobia), and public health, to name a few], so I believe concentrating your efforts on these regional issues would be a more beneficial use of your valuable than officially commenting on the Israel-Gaza conflict. ii) The history of Israel, Palestine, and the entire Middle East is complicated. So complicated that without appropriate and unbiased information, it is easy for people to become anti- semitic, islamophobic, anti-Israel and/or anti-Arab.
iii) If the Alameda City Council passes a ceasefire resolution, many people will assume (without ever reading it) that it agrees with unbalanced ones passed by other cities, which I believe will only inflame and re-traumatize our impacted communities.

iv) In 2005, Israel withdrew all Israel citizens and military personal from Gaza, leaving the Palestinians in Gaza to determine their own destiny. Soon after, Hamas (which is an internationally recognized terrorist organization) gained control of Gaza , and several military conflicts between Israel and Gaza ensued. Since the Hamas took control, there have been many ceasefires (six I believe), all of which were broken by Hamas. So I believe another ceasefire would only defend Hamas and let it regain its strength to attack Israel again. Both Palestinians and Israelis (Jews and Arab citizens) deserve a chance to determine their destiny without the interference of Hamas.
v) Alameda residents can directly contact their elected officials (President, Vice-President, and US Congress members) to express their opinions on international policy. vi) I agree with a statement of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) which I am paraphrasing here:

I am deeply concerned that the City Council may consider a divisive resolution about the Israel-Hamas War. As antisemitism and Islamophobia continue to escalate in the Bay Area, and as past examples in Oakland and Richmond show, such actions will only further inflame tensions and re-traumatize our impacted communities. Instead, Council should take steps to bring residents together and solve the crucial challenges facing the city. Furthermore, I ask the Council to take concrete steps to maintain order and decorum during Tuesday’s meeting and all future meetings. The antisemitic comments and actions, violent rhetoric, and amplification of conspiracy theories that have plagued past meetings on this issue have no place in Alameda.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Barbara Schick, PhD
From: Deborah Goldberg
To: Tracy Jensen
Cc: City Clerk; [email protected]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please pass Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:29:00 PM
Dear Councilmember Jensen,
We are writing to you as concerned residents of Alameda to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

We are a married professional couple (and homeowners) in Alameda with two young children in our local schools. As a Jewish American family with relatives in Israel, we are personally affected by this conflict. While our grief is profound, we are deeply troubled by the way it is being weaponized to justify Israel's war crimes backed by our tax dollars. We are not alone.

The worldwide movement against injustice in Palestine continues to gain momentum every day, with millions (including many Jews and Israelis - many right here in Alameda who we know) calling on their governments to halt support for Israel's indiscriminate killing of Palestinians which also places the Israeli hostages at risk.

Our Jewish family, just one of many, finds the mayor's letter as written to be representative of our humanitarian values. It is balanced and well-informed.

We firmly believe that our collective voices can send a powerful message to Congress and the President. It is our moral imperative to convey a critical mass of disapproval for supporting Israel's military campaign.

Your support on this issue is not only crucial to us personally but also to many other Alamedans of all backgrounds who seek a world built on principles of justice and compassion.

Thank you,
Deborah Goldberg & Raphael McBride
From: [email protected] on behalf of Jorge Becerril To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please stand for patients - prohibit animal experiments on city property Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 11:44:42 AM
Dear City Clerk Lara Weisiger,
As a local resident, I am writing to urge you to vote in favor of item 10-B during the Alameda City Council’s Jan. 2 meeting. Neither city residents nor locals who frequently visit Alameda want animal experiments conducted in their backyard. Patients need human-relevant research – not cruel, crude animal testing.

An ordinance that prohibits animal experiments on public land would show that Alameda supports ethical, science- driven research. An enormous body of scientific evidence raises serious concerns with the continued use of animals.

And researchers are increasingly moving away from animals for testing drugs and developing treatments.

Today, 95 percent of drugs that pass animal tests fail in human trials. Instead, devices called tissue chips, which use cells from human organs and tissues, are proving to effectively mimic the responses found in the human body.

Pharmaceutical companies are quickly expanding their use of these modern, human-derived methods.

In disease research, the use of animals is also failing to develop suitable treatments. In 2012, Dr. John Ioannidis of Stanford University wrote that it is “nearly impossible to rely on most animal data to predict whether or not an intervention will have a favourable clinical benefit-risk ratio in human subjects.” In addition, federal rules related to the welfare of animals in laboratories are weak and poorly enforced. Despite its name, the federal Animal Welfare Act allows all forms of animal experiments—including those that inflict pain.

And the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is supposed to enforce the law, has been repeatedly cited by its own inspector general for unnecessarily closing investigations and significantly reducing fines for violators.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health has its own rules related to the conduct of animal experiments, but they are mostly recommendations and never appear to result in fines or other punishments—even in cases of animal deaths or severe negligence. NIH’s method of “enforcement” is written correspondence between a violating institution and the agency. NIH does not conduct animal welfare inspections.

Allowing animal experiments on public property would endorse a poorly regulated, scientifically antiquated system.

In contrast, prohibiting such experiments on city land would be a win for patients and animals.

Please support item 10-B during your Jan. 2 meeting.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Mr. Jorge Becerril
35 Alpine Ter San Francisco, CA 94117-3166
From: Sharon Barkan
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Demanding Ceasefire from Israel - not a city matter Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 7:39:57 PM
Dear Mayor and Alameda City Council,
I would like you to keep your community safe and united by staying away from foreign affairs politics. People in Alameda voted for you based on what you can do for their city, schools, fire department, police department, etc. You were not voted to serve as mayor and city council members based on your views on foreign affairs.

Just like you are not going to demand the federal government to lower the interest rates, just like you did not meddle in the civil war in Syria or Brexit, there is no reason for you to voice your opinion, let alone demand a ceasefire. Why is there no voice for demanding the release of the 129 hostages?
All you'll achieve is a tragic tear and divide in your community.

Please focus on city matters and city matters only.

Thank you,
Sharon Barkan.

From: AFF4C
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen; Manager Manager; Lara Weisiger; Yibin Shen; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Support for Item 10-D on Jan. 2, 2024, City Council Meeting Agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:26:45 PM
Here is an additional anonymous submission supporting item 10D on the January 2nd agenda.

Our humanity cries out. If we standby while this genocide and ethnic cleansing continues, we than justify such barbarity is only our human condition! When this happened during WW2, the world banded together to exclaim ‘Never Again!’. As humans, it is our moral duty to upheld this pledge.

The genocide by Zionist forces is sacrilege to the Jewish religion. The sacred Jewish ‘Star of David’ has been misappropriated. This sullies the Jewish faith and culture. As Americans, our support for genocide violates our core values. This must stop! Future generations will look back at what we do today. Will they shake their heads, and wonder, why did we do nothing? What kind of people were we?
On Sat, Dec 30, 2023 at 9:45 PM AFF4C <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor Ashcraft, Vice Mayor Daysog & Council Members Vella, Spencer & Jensen:

Please find attached letters of support for item 10 D on the January 2nd agenda. These letters come from Alameda residents who, out of concern for their safety and livelihoods, preferred to submit letters of support anonymously.
--
Alameda Families & Friends for Ceasefire
Follow us on Instagram @ alameda4ceasefire and
Facebook @ Alameda Families and Friends for Ceasefire
--
Alameda Families & Friends for Ceasefire
Follow us on Instagram @ alameda4ceasefire and
Facebook @ Alameda Families and Friends for Ceasefire
From: marmorym
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Reference to item 10-D of January 2nd Council agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:43:21 PM
Dear Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft,
I hope this message finds you well. After thoroughly reviewing the proposed letter addressing the situation between Hamas and Israel, set to be sent to Senator(s) on behalf of the City of Alameda, I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding its content.

While I appreciate the initiative to condemn violence and seek a ceasefire, it appears that the letter may unintentionally overlook crucial aspects of the conflict. It is imperative to acknowledge that both the U.S. government and the Israeli government have been actively pursuing a ceasefire, but Hamas has consistently rejected these efforts. In addition, the existing ceasefire was broken by Hamas on October 7, and this pattern repeats with each attempt at peace.

In discussing the tragic consequences of wars, it is vital to recognize that Israel did not initiate the current conflict or any previous ones. Despite facing challenging circumstances, Israel is striving to protect uninvolved civilians in Gaza. Regrettably, when efforts are made to evacuate civilians from combat zones, Israel faces accusations of ethnic cleansing or genocide if uninvolved civilians are being killed in the combat zones.

I want to highlight some significant considerations often overlooked in the discourse.

While calling for a ceasefire is a noble cause, we must also consider the potential aftermath. The international community has previously contributed substantial funds to aid the Gazan population, but concerns persist about how these funds are utilized by Hamas. There is a history of financial assistance being diverted to build tunnels and procure weapons, with not even ONE shelter built for the Gazain civilians, which exacerbates the cycle of violence. It is essential to explore avenues beyond a mere ceasefire to genuinely support the people of Gaza and address the root causes of the ongoing conflict.

Moreover, other options should be taken into consideration when trying to help the Gazain population. The Egyptians, for example, who have a border with Gaza, can accept refugees for the time being, or the countries of the Arab League, which support the Palestinians in every conflict with Israel, could invite the Gazain population into their countries until the war ends. Let's work towards freeing Gaza from the grip of the terrorist organization of Hamas.

In light of these concerns, I respectfully request a reconsideration of sending the proposed letter. The listed bullet points underscore the need for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach that may better serve the cause of peace and the well- being of all those affected by the conflict.

Thank you for your understanding and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Yotvat Marmor
Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdmtfRj6KX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2t6NyGP1-w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJNccvNJtGk
1988 Hamas charter - Wikipedia
1988 Hamas charter - Wikipedia
From: Kobi Meir
To: City Clerk; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Cc: Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen; Manager Manager Subject: [EXTERNAL] Request to Reconsider Sending Proposed Letter on Item 10-D - January 2nd Alameda Council Agenda
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:24:22 PM
Dear Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft,
I hope this message finds you well. After thoroughly reviewing the proposed letter addressing the situation between Hamas and Israel, set to be sent to Senator(s) on behalf of the City of Alameda, I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding its content.

I want to highlight some significant considerations often overlooked in the discourse.

Thank you for your understanding and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Kobi meir
Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdmtfRj6KX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2t6NyGP1-w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJNccvNJtGk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_Hamas_charter
From: Shirley Shtiegman
To: City Clerk; Manager Manager
Cc: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer Subject: [EXTERNAL] Request to Reconsider Sending Proposed Letter on Item 10-D - January 2nd Alameda Council Agenda
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 4:16:15 PM
Dear Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft,

I hope this message finds you well.

My name is Shirley A. Shtiegman, and I write to you today as a mother, a feminist, a minority advocate, an Israeli Jew, but first and foremost today, as an American citizen.

After thoroughly reviewing the proposed letter addressing the situation between Hamas and Israel, set to be sent to Senator(s) on behalf of the City of Alameda, I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding its content.

I voted for president Biden and I trust my president to make the right decisions for the safety of all Americans. I lived in Manhattan during 9/11 and spent most of my life under the constant threat of terror organizations such as Hamas in Israel. I know the threat these terrorists present to Americans, especially those liberal minded people who foolishly support the Hamas. Hamas attacked humans of all genders and religion on Oct 7, without even sparing Muslims. They tortured and are still torturing hostages and Israel has not only the right but rather the obligation to protect its citizens (Arabs included!), just like Biden does. The hostages need to be released immediately and Hamas to surrender - there is no other way to guarantee our freedoms and human rights. If all the local residents asking for ceasefire cared about the people of Gaza, they would have called for Hamas to release the hostages and stop hiding behind their own children. If all these residents really cared about the people of Gaza, they cold not possibly support the Hamas, a terror organization just like ISIS that spends all its resources on tunnels and weapons instead of on the wellbeing of its citizens.

I can go over too many statements that were presented to many city councils in the area and prove to you without a reasonable doubt their inaccuracy. I’m not saying this because I’m going to do that. I’m saying this because this is not a courtroom. You do not have all the facts verified nor the knowledge to take a stand. There are humans suffering on both sides and if you chose to ignore or minimize any one of them you will be betraying people who trust you. Your obligation is to ensure the safety and well being of ALL your citizens, Jews included. A call for ceasefire is one-sided, discriminatory and places a minority of your citizens in danger.

I am deeply distressed by the notion that our city council is considering taking a stance on an issue that is beyond its jurisdiction and goes against the CA Constitution. The conflict in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hamas, is a matter of international concern, one that involves nuances and historical contexts that cannot be adequately addressed in a local government setting. It is a matter of international affairs and national security, whereas your primary obligation is to the residents of your own city limits, all of them without discrimination.

If Alameda feels compelled to comment on world affairs, it is paramount that such commentary is balanced, nuanced, and in alignment with the positions of our elected federal government. Local governments have a responsibility to their citizens to ensure their safety and well-being, and delving into international politics, especially in a one-sided manner, can create divisions and tensions within our diverse community.

I urge the council to reconsider any call to Congress and/or resolution that takes a unilateral stance on the Middle East conflict.

Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the well-being of our community.

Shirley A. Shtiegman
From: Linda P. Wulf
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] The Hamas-Israel conflict
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:32:24 PM
Dear Members of the Alameda City Council,
Regarding an item on the City Council agenda for January 2nd, 2024, pertaining to the Hamas-Israel conflict:

The issue is one of U.S. foreign policy. The Hamas-Israel conflict has no relevance to the Alameda City Council and seems thus to be a distraction from the real issues facing Alameda. The fact that the council meeting is expected to go on until the small hours of morning is an illustration of the hours being diverted from effective local government.

A resolution on this subject serves only to divide the people, to stimulate hate-filled accusations, and to increase feelings of antagonism and us- versus-them attitudes.

By international law, it is incumbent on Hamas

to return to the ceasefire it broke on Oct 7 by beginning a barrage of many thousands of rockets across the border,
to release hostages unconditionally, and
to stop sheltering below civilian institutions such as schools and hospitals.

But the argument is moot for the Alameda City Council, because such national and international issues are not part of local government.

Yours,
Linda Press Wulf and Stanley Wulf M.D.

From: Lili Naveh
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Cc: Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; City Clerk; Manager Manager; Trish Spencer Subject: [EXTERNAL] What Behooves you??
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:15:44 PM
Re: Request To Reconsider Sending Proposed Letter
on Item 10-D related to the War between Israel and Hamas January 2nd/2024 Alameda Council agenda
Esteemed Alameda Mayor - Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and City Council Members.

I am writing to you as a citizen who is very concerned about the peace, safety and wellbeing of all the residents in Alameda Township, and the Bay area communities at large.

On Nov 26/2023, over 30 million people witnessed the unprecedented and shameful disarray, provoked by hoodlums, as the Oakland City Council unanimously and regrettably, passed an infamous Israel-Hamas War
resolution, de-facto endorsing terrorism.

The Oakland mayhem featured over five hours of public disturbing comments infested by antisemitic hyperbolic jeering, appalling bigotry, widely concocted conspiracies, hateful decorum, and boorish ignorance.

This same "Roman Gladiator" blood thirsty circus preceded the Oakland one also at Richmond Township, and then again post-ceded in San Francisco, then San Jose as if a senseless mass hysteria, inflicted the measured reasonable sensibilities of the Bay area electives.

And now, the township of Alameda, foolishly and irresponsibly, wishes to emulate and replicate that irresponsible populist fad, by pedaling, likewise infamous resolution, at the next council meeting on Jan 2nd/ 2024
This act is only an offence to civility and decency as well as pure indignation to a conscientious leadership.

The township was not compelled to meddle on behalf of the Ukrainian/Russian war, the civil war in Myanmar, war in Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, or Syria, to name a few international bloody conflicts.

So what has behoove you to tread in this Israel-Hamas particular one?? One conflict is not more important than another and to single out one conflict shows a gross overt bias!
Why would you highlight a Middle East foreign affairs, complex and nuanced topic about which you lack historical depth, understanding, or other qualifications, and for whose handling you were not elected to your local public positions??
Parroting and recycling slippery structural concepts as:
"Imperialism" "Post Colonialism" "Genocide" to name a few, tagged to the hot-headed discussions on this thorny conflict, compounded within post-structural framework, is dangerously superficial, and is pure intellectual and moral laziness, since NOT the FACTS, nor investigatory depth or critical thinking matters, but only non-complexed, ignoramus hysterical communication and "contextual relativist "exchanges count.

The outrageous efforts to push this biased and divisive resolution, compounded by wanton disregard to the concerns of the large segments of the township's community; are truly a profile in political populist cowardice.

These efforts have outdone what even the Governments of Iran and Russia could have attempted and it is perplexing to see the council parroting the talking points of some of America's enemies.

Projecting, imposing and propagating your own personal restricted outlook, which is shackled by your own domestic political interests and scanty cultist identity, into a compounded post- World War II global geopolitical larger reality, only reflect cognitive limitation, intellectual blindness, and pure hubris.

Humility would be much more befitting of the Mayor and the rest of the Council Members! It would, definitely, be by far a more decent service to the community you, all nominally represent. Your time and work, first and foremost, are supposed to be dedicated to the local public priorities, you were elected - for the betterment of life conditions of all ethnic groups in the township
Wasting taxpayer money, as well as municipality workers' brain power, precious work time, assembly resources, and other public assets on a genuinely toxic conflict concerning one of the world's most entrenched Foreign Affairs issues, is literally a gross poor judgment and an abuse of power.

Beyond this colossal waste of resources, which is fueled by ignorance and morally bankrupt equivocation, it is shocking to see the Township avoiding the issues it is solicited to address, namely the outrageous growth in homelessness, urban crime, and loss of individual safety on the streets.

Given the Municipality's dubious decades-long record in failing to confront these local problems, it is hard to imagine that the Middle East will be better off with a morally bankrupt and toothless resolution.

But more so, the resolution is divisive to the community, discriminating, alienating and antagonistic to a large segment of the city's productive population.

If not aborted, it will only further inflame hate and tensions between already traumatized communities, and thus make you accountable and unworthy of the public position you have shamelessly abducted.

Needless to remind you how flashing out the moral vacuity of 3 Ivy League University's presidents at a recent hearing for the House’s Education and Workforce Committee, tarnished and rightfully so, thier reputation and future with remarks as : “it depends on the context” or “if the speech turns into conduct,”
Such rhetoric and pushing toxic resolutions only further inflame tensions, create a forum for hate, and are despicable enablers to antisemitic conduct.

You will be judged and ultimately replaced for what you are neglecting to contribute to the betterment of the townships citizens, and resolutions like this will only shorten your political longevity.

Prayers to all the citizens of Alameda whose leadership has clearly lost its way.

Sincerely,
Lili Naveh
Oakland CA
From: [email protected] Ilovebob
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL]
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 7:12:46 PM
I don't think it's appropriate for Alameda's town council to make any statement about the Israel Hamas war.. That is a national issue not a local one. Thank you, Irene Patterson 1106 Chestnut St, Alameda, CA 94501
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] A ceasefire will allow Hamas to do this again Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:08:48 PM
From: Abu Lafya <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:46:43 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] A ceasefire will allow Hamas to do this again Dear Alameda city council,
Forcing a ceasefire on both sides in Gaza is not a neutral position, it is what Hamas desperately wants now. Adopting a resolution like that is tantamount to siding with Hamas, the perpetrator of the October 7th massacre, who started the war. Hamas will use it to restore its power and cause another war in a few years.

On the other hand, eliminating Hamas from Gaza will mean that these wars will no longer happen. A simple calculus will show that this will be better for civilian casualties.

I urge you to avoid any calls for a ceasefire.

Thank you,
Abu Lafya.

From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Israel/Gaza resolution
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 11:04:05 AM
From: Arbel R Shemesh <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 10:57:02 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Israel/Gaza resolution
Greeting to the Alameda city council,
I read your resolution to be voted on in your next meeting. It is better than others I have read and I commend you for that, however, the whole idea of your city council voting on this war is worse than useless. There are forces at play here that you do not understand and you are becoming their pawns.

You are well meaning and are being used. The aim of the people behind all these resolutions is not to create peace, but to create more divisions which will only lead to more war. I encourage you to stay neutral. I know you think your resolution is neutral, but it will not effect anything in this war across the world, but it will effect the local climate and make our Bay Area less safe.

Thank you, Arbel Shemesh
Sent from my iPhone
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Keep the Focus on Alameda - No Divisive Motions Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:12:15 PM
From: Nadav Bronicki <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:19:35 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Keep the Focus on Alameda - No Divisive Motions Dear members of the Alameda City Council,
It is with profound regret that I saw a motion on the Middle East appear on your agenda for a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday). Although a resolution calling for a cease-fire may appear unifying, in truth it is anything but!
An immediate cease-fire would entail that the terrorist government of Hamas remain in power in Gaza. Hamas has ruled the Gaza strip sine 2007 (Israel left Gaza in 2005), and is the genocidal terrorist organization responsible for the 10/7 massacre as well as the war.

The Egyptian government has recently offered a ceasefire, under which Hamas would leave Gaza, and Hamas predictably refused - though Israel accepted. In other words, achieving peace in the Middle East is not as simple as finding the right words - an immediate cease-fire, by leaving Hamas in power, ensures the next war and signs the death warrants of countless more innocents.

More saliently, however, the job of the city council is not to conduct foreign policy - it is to care for the citizens of Alameda. Many in the community - Jews and Muslims alike - are hurting due to the conflict. Bringing the war in the Middle East into the city council will only inflame that pain and division, not to mention encouraging provocateurs to bring horrific bigoted rhetoric into city council meetings, like the unreservedly pro-Hamas speakers who have appeared in Oakland, Berkeley, and elsewhere. I would argue it is malpractice for the city council to prioritize taking a stance on foreign policy over doing its job.

I encourage you to retract the motion the Mayor has presented, or else to vote it down. Though it comes from the best of intentions, it will only make matters worse in Alameda, and will do nothing good for the Middle East.

From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Please oppose making local government take on foreign policy issues.

Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:12:44 PM
From: Masha Merkulova <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:13:53 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please oppose making local government take on foreign policy issues.

Dear Alameda City Council,
I am disappointed to find out that the City council has an agenda item that has nothing to do with our local issues but instead an empty statement that will not help anyone but will make your Jewish residents feel further isolated and attacked.

First, city councils are not elected to speak on behalf of their communities regarding foreign policy.

Further, there is more than one morally reasonable response to the ongoing war.

Of course, the loss of innocent lives anywhere is painful. It horrifies me that Hamas chose to start this war, continues to hold hostages, and hides behind the civilians of Gaza. I pray for peace.

Sincerely,
Masha Merkulova
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Re: Resolution on Gaza
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 11:05:29 AM
From: Marc Klein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 8:44:37 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Resolution on Gaza
Dear members of City Council:

Here’s what the mayor of Berkeley had to say about a Gaza resolution put before his city council:
“Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin told me his city has no plans to consider a resolution on the conflict, no matter what activists demand. Personally, he would like to see all the hostages freed, a pause in fighting and a two-state solution pursued.

But he said the city won’t be “bullied” into weighing in. At a recent meeting, he said, “we had people literally going to the bathrooms, banging on the walls to try to make noise and disrupt our meeting. It was pretty rowdy.”
“We’re going to continue to do the people’s business,” he told me.

Council members will continue to speak out on their own, but Arreguin said the city won’t use “taxpayer resources in a public meeting to do that when we have public safety issues, homelessness, a housing crisis.”
“I don’t think Berkeley passing a resolution is going to change the outcome of the conflict,” Arreguin told me. “I don’t think Benjamin Netanyahu or Hamas is going to change their thinking on the basis of what the city of Berkeley does.” Wait, is this the same Berkeley City Council that has made its thoughts known through resolutions on international issues for decades, from the Ukraine-Russia war to the Iraq War to apartheid in South Africa?
“I think a majority of Berkeley was opposed to Russia’s war in Ukraine. We oppose the war in Iraq, we oppose apartheid in South Africa,” Arreguin said. “But there are divisions within the community about what’s happening in Israel and Gaza.” Arreguin said he is concerned about the rise in both Islamophobia and antisemitism. “I think my responsibility as a mayor is to focus on ensuring the safety of the community,” Arreguin said. “Unfortunately, resolutions like this are not are not productive and are going to create further division and create an environment where not everyone feels safe.” You can find the entire story here:

Why do so many local governments feel compelled to
weigh in on the Israel-Hamas conflict?
msn.com
The mayor of Berkeley has the correct approach on this issue. Why act on a resolution that will only divide the community? Look what happened after Oakland passed its resolution. A couple days later a Chanukah menorah was destroyed by vandals at Lake Merritt.

There also have been problems at Oakland public schools where classes have been interrupted by demonstrations.

Why take the chance that this could also happen in Alameda? Rather you can follow Berkeley’s lead and decline to act on a resolution that will only cause division in Alameda.

Sincerely,
Marc S. Klein
1326 Versailles Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501
415-516-7853
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] What Hamas Did During Invasion of Israel on Oct. 7 Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 7:30:11 PM
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 12:46:44 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] What Hamas Did During Invasion of Israel on Oct. 7 Dear Mayor of the City of Alameda,
Please be informed about what Hamas did to the women of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Reject Item D on Tuesday's agenda. It is divisive does not belong on a local city government's agenda. Stick to city business and, please, read (below) about Hamas' crimes against Israel's women.

Susanne DeWitt
[email protected]
https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-
780279?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=High+Court+invalidates+law+for+repealing+the+Reasonableness+Clause&utm_campaign=January+1%2C+2024+2&vgo_ee=DkSde6%2B%2FkucAzGFjq%2Bc19YjEYSAPeSvZ%2F9WAbV4TchY0BrM3%3AMf8BP7DTVnBNO4wp4sFleWMg3yug1ccV Full extent of Hamas's sex crimes on October 7 may never be known - Telegraph probe Failure of collection of evidence, and stigma are some of the reasons the violence may never fully be known.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF JANUARY 1, 2024
Evidence on the mass rape of women, three months after the October 7 Massacre, is still being collected. On Sunday, The Telegraph reported that the full extent of Hamas’s sex crimes may never be known – for a variety of reasons.

In an interview with Haim Otmazgin, a ZAKA volunteer and first responder, The Telegraph details barriers to uncovering the evidence of mass rape and sexual abuse on October 7.

Otmazgin said he was not looking for evidence of sexual abuse when he joined the mission to recover the dead, murdered, and mutilated victims of the Hamas attack, but he found it when he entered Be’eri, one of the worst hit Kibbutzim on the border of Gaza.

While Otmazgin was collecting the bodies in the field, Shari Mendes, stationed on an IDF base, was one of those receiving the corpses as they came in.

Zaka personnel work at a field with destroyed cars from the October 7 massacre, near the Israel-Gaza border, November 23, 2023. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)Enlrage image Zaka personnel work at a field with destroyed cars from the October 7 massacre, near the Israel-Gaza border, November 23, 2023. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) While Otmazgin was collecting the bodies in the field, the IDF base was receiving the corpses. Shari Mendes was one of the individuals receiving the bodies. “Many young women arrived in bloody shredded rags or just in underwear, and their underwear was often very bloody," Mendes said. "Our commander saw several female soldiers shot in the crotch or the breast. There seemed to be systematic genital mutilation of a group of victims.” Forensic reviews of video footage, interviews, and these images illustrate a pattern of sexual violence perpetrated against women in Hamas’s attacks.

First responders overwhelmed, much evidence not collected One of the barriers outlined in this report is that only some of the evidence Otmazgin collected that day is reaching the public domain now, partially due to the panicked initial response from authorities and volunteers. Both Otmazgin and Mendes told The Telegraph they were overwhelmed on the day of the attacks and that their work was focused on finding survivors or preparing bodies, and that everyone was in a hurry at the morgue to release bodies to the families for burial. They were not looking for clues about exactly what happened to them, so much evidence escaped collection.

An investigation by Yediot Ahronot at the beginning of December detailed the failures of Israeli authorities to preserve forensic evidence in the aftermath of the Hamas attack. Unnamed officials described a pattern in which immediate identification was prioritized over evidence collection. Jewish law requires burial within 24 hours after death.

Otmazgin did admit that he and his colleagues had missed some of the evidence because he had covered the bodies or adjusted their clothing “out of respect” when he came across them.

Another obstacle is that most survivors are not speaking out. Prof. Ruth Halperin-Haddari, an Israeli legal scholar who served 12 years on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, estimates that there are at least 10 survivors who were subjected to sexual violence. The Telegraph reported that she said that most victims were murdered by Hamas attackers immediately after the rapes.

It often takes years before assaults are reported, and victims could be unwilling to speak out because of a “very heavy cost” for the families. “It’s a small country, everyone knows everybody,” Halperin-Kaddari said.

Police have launched an official investigation into reports of sexual violence on October 7.

Some of the freed hostages are also survivors of sexual assault, explained Renana Eitan, the chairman of the psychiatry department at Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Medical Center. Dr. Eitan told The Telegraph that doctors specifically asked the patients not to speak publicly about their cases out of fear that they would be retraumatized.

However, she said the hospital is cooperating with the police investigation. The Telegraph did speak to a source familiar with the investigation and said that there are growing tensions between Israeli hospitals treating former hostages and police pushing them to provide details of suspected rape cases. Hospitals dismissed the calls, arguing doctor-patient confidentiality.

From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: No on item 10-D
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 5:18:44 PM
From: Steve Weiss <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 4:05:41 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] No on item 10-D
Dear Alameda City Council,
As a resident who frequently visits and conducts business in Alameda, I'm deeply concerned about Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda, which calls for a shift in U.S. foreign policy concerning the Hamas-Israel War.

City councils are not elected to represent their communities on foreign policy matters, and there are diverse, morally reasonable perspectives on the ongoing conflict. Recognizing the deluge of activism demanding a local stance on foreign affairs, it's crucial to avoid escalating tensions by addressing inflammatory comments about Israel being labeled as an "apartheid state carrying out a genocide."
Drawing from experiences in Richmond and Oakland, it's clear that formal discussions at the local level only serve to legitimize divisive rhetoric. While the Alameda City Council may not resolve the Middle East Crisis, your ethical leadership is essential to ensure inclusivity on the island.

Item 10-D on the January 2nd agenda risks fostering local division by legitimizing harmful rhetoric. I respectfully urge you to decline the referral and reject the notion of the Council sending a letter to federal officials on this matter.

Sincerely,
Steve Weiss
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: Reference to item 10-D of January 2nd Council agenda Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:10:06 PM
From: marmorym <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 3:43:15 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Reference to item 10-D of January 2nd Council agenda Dear Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft,
I hope this message finds you well. After thoroughly reviewing the proposed letter addressing the situation between Hamas and Israel, set to be sent to Senator(s) on behalf of the City of Alameda, I feel compelled to express my concerns regarding its content.

I want to highlight some significant considerations often overlooked in the discourse.

Thank you for your understanding and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Yotvat Marmor
844 Constitution Drive
Foster City
Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdmtfRj6KX0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2t6NyGP1-w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJNccvNJtGk
1988 Hamas charter - Wikipedia
1988 Hamas charter - Wikipedia

From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: Vote NO
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 7:54:14 PM
From: Walt Jacobs <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2024 6:35:10 PM
To: '[email protected]' <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; '[email protected]' <[email protected]>; '[email protected]' <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote NO
I am Judy Jacobs and a resident of Alameda for the last 70 years,I am urging you to reject outside attempts to adopt divisive resolutions about the Israel-Hamas War..

As antisemitism and islamophobia continue to escalate in the Bay Area, the introduction of one sided resolutions about the war will only further inflame tensions between already traumatized Muslim and Jewish communities and create a forum for hate.

As the whole country witnessed in Oakland and Richmond, the consideration of these divisive resolutions results in hours of public comment by antisemitic jeering and hateful conspiracy theories, as well as general confusion and lack of decorum.

During the time of rising hate and antisemitism, I am asking you to lead with empathy and ensure all local residents feel supported and welcomed. The ongoing war has deeply impacted many members of our community. Inaccurate and one-sided resolutions will not solve the conflict or bring us any closer to peace, We must bring our community together and not pull ourselves apart. Let the countries meet, discuss and come up with a peaceful plan. I vote NO to getting involved.

Thank you council members for your compassion and understanding.

With much appreciation and gratitude.

Judy L Jacobs
28 Balleybay
Alameda, Cal 94502

Alameda City CouncilJanuary 2, 2024

Alameda City Council
January 2, 2024