Correspondence: Updated 01/03/2024 — Alameda City Council, January 2, 2024 (part 1 of 4)

From: Khaled Abraham
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 4:16:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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 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 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. As a constituent, I believe that our elected representatives have the power to influence positive change, and I urge you to use your platform to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Khaled Abraham
[email protected]
From: Venecio Camarillo
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 10-D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 4:12:10 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.

I have lived in Alameda for almost 10 years now, attending Ruby Bridges Elementary School and Encinal Jr./Sr. High School. I am also a Co-Founder of the Youth Activists of Alameda which worked directly with your offices to create lasting change in the City of Alameda. I currently attend Cornell University studying Healthcare Policy in New York and have had countless lockdowns and threats of shootings on our campus. The issue at hand not only affects national or international interests and safety, but threatens our lives here at home.

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.

It's interesting that I'm back here again, expressing pleas and concerns with the entire community, over an issue that should have been decided long ago. Almost 4 years ago now, this council pledged to make meaningful change that would protect the lives and members of our community. I implore you to make the same decisions as you did 4 years ago and support Mayor Ashcraft's letter calling for a ceasefire. We cannot continue to live in a bubble like we did before, thinking that these issues don't affect us. People in Alameda 4 years ago believed that police brutality could never happen in the City of Alameda, but it did and we took action.

Are we going to continue to wait until violence occurs here in our beloved city where supposedly everyone belongs? We cannot continue to standby and watch a war that is killing hundreds of thousands of people. We cannot continue to allow our students in Alameda to be threatened if they want to speak out and raise their voices.

Again, I implore this council to support this letter in support of a ceasefire. Thank you all for your time.

Sincerely,
Vinny Camarillo
Freshman at Cornell University
Co-Founder of the Youth Activists of Alameda
From: Auj Mohammadi
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 4:14:24 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Auj Mohammadi
[email protected]
From: Maya Ram
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 4:14:43 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Maya Ram
[email protected]
From: David Kafton
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: David Kafton; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] AGENDA ITEM 10-D -- ISRAEL-PALESTINE WAR Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:59:27 PM
Greetings!
I am a Bay Area resident who strongly opposes the City of Alameda adopting Mayor Ashcraft’s Letter, dated 12/21/23, about the Israel’s War with the HAMAS NAZIS & their supporters.

HAMAS and their supporters are responsible for all the Palestinian suffering in Gaza. This letter will not stop their barbarism against Israel, free the hostages, or stop Palestinian suffering in Gaza. A cease fire will only allow HAMAS to survive and appease other Islamic terrorists worldwide. There will be more war, more Palestinian suffering, more anti-Semitism, and the spread of Islamic terrorism.

Call for HAMAS to stop fighting and to free the hostages. Tell HAMAS to stop using Palestinians as HUMAN SHIELDS or to let Palestinians take shelter in Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Qatar, and Turkey.

HAMAS’ NAZIS are WAR CRIMINALS and have committed CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY. They must be killed or captured. The United States helped destroy ISIS in Iraq and we must do the same in Gaza. This will deter further aggression.

The Palestinians and their supporters declared war against Israel after the United Nations in 1947 partitioned PaIestine, giving Israel only 10% of the area the Romans named Palestine and the British promised Israel. The Palestinians got 90% of Palestine and are not satisfied.

Israel has been at war for 75 years because the Iranian, Palestinian, & other Arab dictatorships will not accept a diverse democratic nation with a Jewish majority.

Israel includes Christians, Jews, Druze, and almost two million Palestinians, about 20% of Israel’s population They live, work, and govern together in peace. They are worldwide leaders in science, technology, medicine, and the arts. Israel is a threat to the dozens of Muslim dictatorships who offer only oppression to the people who live under their totalitarian rule.

Free Muslims!
If you are serious about the City of Alameda’s participation in the Israel-Palestine conflict, I think you should hold several educational town hall meetings so the City of Alameda citizens can learn about this 75 year war which will go on and on as long as people continue to APPEASE the terrorists. Then your citizens can decide what they want to do.

Thank you very much for your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,
David Kafton, Ph.D.
[email protected]
510.717.9265
From: Daniel Kreindler
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Reference Item 10-D, Jan 2nd: No to ANY foreign policy resolutions at Alameda Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:50:51 PM
Resending with proper reference in Subject line.

Hi Mayor and Council Members,
My name is Daniel Kreindler, and I am a 24-year Bay Area resident and voter.

The letter proposed in Item 10-D, or any other such letter should should never be signed by the mayor, as the mayor. Sure, you can all write letters as private citizens, but not in our names.

None of you were elected to represent the residents of Alameda on any foreign policy matter. Now, you may think this letter is “benign” or “balanced”, but it is problematic.

I quote from the letter: "...the ongoing destruction of Gaza and escalating humanitarian crisis does nothing to achieve that objective. The seemingly unrestrained violence in Gaza serves no one’s interests ..."
I see three problems with this one sentence:
- First, stressing the "ongoing destruction of Gaza" without mentioning the "ongoing rockets fired at Israeli cities" or Hamas’ Oct 7th barbarous massacre is clearly one sided.
- Second, "seemingly unrestrained violence in Gaza” - who decided its unrestrained? Again, taking a clear side
- Third, "serves no interest
” - maybe it does serve an interest? From a strategic
deterrence point of view, visible destruction of buildings (after warning the residents to leave, in Israel’s case) is actually very strategic and often needed in warfare. Does your expertise cover the concept of deterrence in the Middle East? Members of this council are not military strategists or historians. What seems obvious at first glance may not be obvious at all. Do any of you understand any of these issues? Should you? Should residents of Alameda expect you to understand? The situation is way too complex, and we as residents do not expect you to understand nor do we need you to understand it.

In short, keep it local - that’s what you were elected to do! With respect,
Daniel Kreindler
From: "Du"aa Elnoory"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:46:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Du'aa Elnoory
[email protected]
From: Ryan Mar
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:52:14 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ryan Mar
[email protected]
From: Thanna Rajapakse
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:54:09 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Ceasefire is a moral issue. 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Thanna Rajapakse
[email protected]
From: Nisreen Zeidan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:42:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Nisreen Zeidan
[email protected]
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] “Agenda item 10-D”
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:59:32 PM
From: Austin Tam <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:12:09 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] “Agenda item 10-D”
Dear Alameda Councilmembers
My name is Austin Tam, a current member of Alameda County Democratic Central Committee in jAssembly District 18and California Democratic Party Executive Board to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We can no longer be complicit in ethnic genocide taking place with our own tax dollars.

Thank you,
Austin Tam, ACDCC 18
From: Sara Ilyas
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:34:09 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sara Ilyas
[email protected]
From: Lester Dixon
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:22:08 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Lester Dixon
[email protected]
From: Kai Reisa
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 10D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:15:15 PM
Hi,
My name is Kai Reisa and I'm an Alameda resident. As a Jewish resident of Alameda, I strongly support item 10D and urge the City Council to vote for the ceasefire letter. Standing against genocide makes us all safer and Alameda has the opportunity to join unions, cities, and countries worldwide in calling for a ceasefire. Our calls have an impact, and we have a responsibility to act and pressure the federal government for a ceasefire.

Sincerely,
Kai Reisa
From: Nelson Layag
To: City Clerk; CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 10-D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:02:35 PM
Dear Alameda Council
I'm an Alameda resident, a business owner, community volunteer, and parent. I'm voicing support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S. government continues to invest and support the killing of innocent lives in our name. Please add our city to join the other cities and the majority of Americans to call for the end of this immoral act by the government of Israel and their military. The more pressure we put on our national leaders, the more we can see progress towards peace and the saving of many lives. It's critical that institutions and local governments join the the millions of individuals in advocating for peace and the end of the killing of innocents. Thank you. -Nelson Layag
From: Kauser N
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:00:23 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kauser N
[email protected]
From: Erica Hartono
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:00:20 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Erica Hartono
[email protected]
From: Ayman Jowdat
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:58:11 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ayman Jowdat
[email protected]
From: Yosra Abdelaziz
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:56:13 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Yosra Abdelaziz
[email protected]
From: Samie Blasingame
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:54:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Samie Blasingame
[email protected]
From: Sereen Alkhalili
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 3:02:07 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sereen Alkhalili
[email protected]
From: Eve Gordon
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:46:13 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a Jewish Alameda resident, home owner, voter and mother 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.

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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Eve Gordon
[email protected]
From: Sarah Olaes
To: CityCouncil-List
Cc: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 10-D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:45:59 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. This is a humanitarian crisis; our city must stand for peace and support the end of the bombardment of Gaza.

I understand that this is a complex issue and our local government may have limited influence but the death of tens of thousands of innocent civilians must be stopped and every voice counts.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sarah Olaes
From: Daniel Kreindler
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] No to ANY foreign policy resolutions at Alameda Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:45:02 PM
Hi,
My name is Daniel Kreindler, and I am a Bay Area resident.

The letter proposed here, or any other such letter should should never be signed by the mayor, as the mayor. Sure, you can all write letters as private citizens, but not in our names.

None of you were elected to represent the citizens of Alameda on any foreign policy matter, You may think this letter is “benign”, “balanced”, but it is problematic.

Take a look at this one sentence I pulled out of the letter:
"...the ongoing destruction of Gaza and escalating humanitarian crisis does nothing to achieve that objective. The seemingly unrestrained violence in Gaza serves no one’s interests ..." I see three problems with this one sentence:

1. stressing the "ongoing destruction of gaza" without the "ongoing rockets fired at Israeli cities" - problem: one sided.

2. "seemingly unrestrained violence in Gaza" - problem: who decided its unrestrained?

3. "serves no interest" - problem: maybe it does serve an interest? From a strategic deterrence point of view, destruction can serve an interest, for example keeping Hezbollah out of the conflict as the Lebanese won't want destruction in Beirut as in Gaza… does your expertise cover the concept of deterrence in the Middle East? Maybe visible destruction of buildings (after warning the residents to leave, in Israel’s case) is actually very strategic and needed in this sort of warfare?
Do any of you understand any of these issues? Should you? Should resident of Alameda expect you to understand?
Members of this council are not military strategists or historians. What seems obvious at first glance may not be obvious at all. The situation is way to complex to understand, and we as residents do not expect you to understand or even try to understand it.

In short, keep it local - that’s what you were elected to do! With respect,
Daniel Kreindler
From: Alameda County esident Resident
To: Manager Manager; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; City Clerk; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tracy Jensen Subject: [EXTERNAL] I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:44:37 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.

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,
An Alameda County Resident
From: Fei Chatila
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:42:14 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Fei Chatila
[email protected]
From: Al Bamda
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:40:23 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Al Bamda
[email protected]
From: Jon Demeter
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:38:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Jon Demeter
[email protected]
From: Nisreen Akbari
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:42:15 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Nisreen Akbari
[email protected]
From: Bassam Saddik
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:34:16 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Bassam Saddik
[email protected]
From: Roro Salhab
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:28:07 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Roro Salhab
[email protected]
From: Roro Salhab
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:26:15 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Roro Salhab
[email protected]
From: Kanishka Ramyar
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:26:09 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kanishka Ramyar
[email protected]
From: Noor Ak
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:16:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Noor Ak
[email protected]
From: Sarah Azad
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:14:35 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sarah Azad
[email protected]
From: Allison Herman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:14:33 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a concerned member of our community, a parent, and a college professor, 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.

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 human rights issue. As an professor of English at a local community college, I teach a freshman composition class with the theme of global citizenship and human rights in which we focus on the role we each play in protecting the rights guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By examining the many sides of any conflict, including the immediate and indirect causes and the short and long-term impact, we can isolate numerous human rights violations that need our attention and determine a course of action regardless of our own political views or national identities. With the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, it is clear that civilians on both sides are under duress; however, the Palestinian people as a whole are suffering immeasurable threats to their rights as a people and need additional support. It is imperative as concerned global citizens, and members of the UN, that we stand up to uphold the UDHR and voice our condemnation of the atrocities in Gaza.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Allison Herman
[email protected]
From: Hiba Rahman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:14:31 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Hiba Rahman
[email protected]
From: Ginger Kwan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:14:25 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ginger Kwan
[email protected]
From: Anam Siddiqui
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:14:24 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Anam Siddiqui
[email protected]
From: Matthew Fullmer
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:14:19 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Matthew Fullmer
[email protected]
From: Wylie Herman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:20:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
We are new residents in Alameda and have already made friends with neighbors who have experienced what’s happening in Gaza first hand. On behalf of our daughters, friends and neighbors, 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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Wylie Herman
[email protected]
From: Naomi Katz
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: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:09:14 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. As an Oakland resident I speak from experience of what such resolutions can cause, and what they cannot do. They can cause cities to bifurcate and alienate large groups of residents from city gov. . And they cannot change the policy of Israel or even American governments.

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,
Naomi Katz
Oakland Resident
Sent from my iPhone
From: Sadiya Shamim
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:04:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sadiya Shamim
[email protected]
From: Syed Husaini
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:04:08 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Syed Husaini
[email protected]
From: Somaia Nassef
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:02:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Somaia Nassef
[email protected]
From: Katharine Dimitruk
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:58:11 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
Every morning I wake up to see more news stories and videos of bombings in Gaza, and of people's daily lives and struggles having been forcibly removed from their homes and attacked no matter where they go. I was raised in Alameda, and currently choose to reside here as an adult. I am proud of the early education I had in Alameda's public schools, and the teachers who helped inspire my curiosity and care for leaving this world a better place in my lifetime.

As a taxpaying citizen, it is devastating to know that our country has not only given billions of dollars to Israel, but that it also continues to supply weapons to continue inflicting this horror on civilians in what is considered the largest open air prison turned modern day concentration camp. As Biden chooses to bypass Congress with another sale of weapons to Israel this very week, the deaths of now over 30,000 people and counting are at the hands of our country's complicity. I urge you to support Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values. While we are but a small portion of our country, we have the chance now to stand up and speak out. Maybe by doing so, we can be inspiration to other cities and towns.

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.

Truly, thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Katharine Dimitruk
[email protected]
From: Sadiya Shamim
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:04:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sadiya Shamim
[email protected]
From: Sven Pedersen
To: City Clerk; CityCouncil-List
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Action for cease fire in Gaza
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:48:05 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. 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.

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.

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 put to better use for 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 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,
Sven Pedersen
From: Hajar Ibrahim
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:48:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Hajar Ibrahim
[email protected]
From: Sameeha Shafik
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:48:18 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sameeha Shafik
[email protected]
From: Noah T
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:44:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Noah T
[email protected]
From: Kaitlin Alcontin
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:42:11 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kaitlin Alcontin
[email protected]
From: Anabelle Ali
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:42:09 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Anabelle Ali
[email protected]
From: Batool Ali
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:42:09 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing 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 to take a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Ceasefire is a safety issue. The ongoing war in Palestine makes many community members less safe, including Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Jews. In Alameda, the 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 is a moral issue. I believe that 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. If you imagine your own children in those images, it’ll surely make you cry. 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.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will consider the urgency of the situation. I believe that elected representatives have the power to influence positive change, and I urge you to use your platform to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions taken to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Batool Ali
[email protected]
From: Mohua Ibrahim
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:40:17 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mohua Ibrahim
[email protected]
From: Iram Morshed
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:42:14 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Iram Morshed
[email protected]
From: Sy Hu
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:34:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sy Hu
[email protected]
From: Luqman Saib
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:34:11 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
name is Luqman Saib, and I am a student at UC Berkeley. I am writing to urge you to express solidarity for and to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The people of Gaza are facing a massive campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide by the apartheid state of Israel, with more than 21,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli bombardment of Gaza in the span of two months. Nearly half of them were children. According to Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF, more than 420 children are killed in the Gaza Strip every day.

I urge you to express solidarity for the Palestinian people in Gaza, and to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to military aid to Israel, for the sake of human rights and human dignity.

Sincerely,
Luqman Saib
[email protected]
From: anam soomro
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:36:17 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
anam soomro
[email protected]
From: Deeba Haider
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:30:16 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Deeba Haider
[email protected]
From: Austin Tam
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] “Agenda item 10-D”
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:10:54 PM
Dear City Clerk,
My name is Austin Tam, a current member of Alameda County Democratic Central Committee in jAssembly District 18and California Democratic Party Executive Board to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We can no longer be complicit in ethnic genocide taking place with our own tax dollars.

Thank you,
Austin Tam, ACDCC 18
From: Marilyn Alwan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Council agenda 1/2/2024 10D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:11:06 PM

My name is Marilyn Alwan and I have been a resident of Alameda for five years.

The unprecedented violence taking place before our eyes and based upon misguided United States policy does not contribute to the safety of America, Israel, Palestine or the world.

I applaud Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft for taking a moral stand on this issue. I urge the City Council members to follow her lead and support the letter she has submitted to you.

Let us begin 2024 with a permanent ceasefire so that the long overdue negotiated political peace process can begin with the goal to end the occupation and bring peace with justice for both Israel and Palestine.

Thank you.

Marilyn Alwan
From: Baqir Hussain
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:26:13 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Baqir Hussain
[email protected]
From: Kiran P
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:26:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kiran P
[email protected]
From: Sara Obeid
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:26:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sara Obeid
[email protected]
From: Mohamad Suleiman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:26:11 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mohamad Suleiman
[email protected]
From: Zahra Daghighi
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:20:18 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Zahra Daghighi
[email protected]
From: Asmaa Mourad
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:18:14 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Asmaa Mourad
[email protected]
From: Syeda Rubina Inamdar
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:18:14 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Syeda Rubina Inamdar
[email protected]
From: Shagufta Aslam
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:18:07 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Shagufta Aslam
[email protected]
From: Ehab Saifan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:16:10 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ehab Saifan
[email protected]
From: Maha Abdelrasoul
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:14:48 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Maha Abdelrasoul
[email protected]
From: Michelle Lee
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:14:48 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Michelle Lee
[email protected]
From: Sondos Al Sad
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:14:46 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sondos Al Sad
[email protected]
From: Rasheed Shabazz
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:14:19 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a concerned member of our community to urge you to adopt a Ceasefire resolution calling for an immediate and permanent 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, it is claimed that “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.

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, especially children, are deeply distressing and disturbing. 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Rasheed Shabazz
[email protected]
From: Fayrouz Ghanayem
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:28:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Fayrouz Ghanayem
[email protected]
From: Nausheen Najib
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:00:28 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Nausheen Najib
[email protected]
From: Andrew Nemiccolo
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer Cc: City Clerk; Andrew Nemiccolo
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on Item 10-D of the Jan 2, 2024 Alameda Council agenda Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 12:30:10 PM
Alameda Council Members,
Thank you for your service to the community. I am writing to ask you to vote NO on item 10-D of the January 2nd Council Agenda, and avoid involving Mayor Ashcraft and the entire council in international resolutions.

It is not in scope for the Alameda City council to be doing complex foreign policy; and it's especially divisive to try to "oversimplify" a complex international situation. Indeed, many of the pro-Hamas voices pushing for these types of "ceasefire" proclamations by city councils are the same voices simultaneously advocating to "globalize the intifada" and insisting that the 10/7 Hamas terror attacks, systemic rapes of Israeli women, and taking of civilian hostages never happened. Rather than debate back and forth how these types of resolutions should be more appropriately worded, it's sensible to avoid entirely.

Please focus on Alameda City issues that impact local residents:

Roads and Traffic
Zoning
Housing
A NO vote doesn’t mean you have no personal opinion on the Hamas-Israel situation. Rather, a NO vote is simply recognition that a city council in California attempting to operate in international policy is far, far, beyond its scope. These types of issues appropriately addressed via contacting a congressperson or senator at the federal level.

Spending time on international policy resolutions is distracting, wasteful, and divisive. Recently, our neighbors in other communities such as San Jose and Foster City have sensibly avoided these one- sided proclamations.

A YES vote opens the RISK that future Alameda City council meetings will have divisive resolutions on every possible situation across the world.

How will you possibly decide how to address all these matters of world politics and still conduct city business?
What strategy and guidelines will the council adopt in order to decide how to appropriately weigh in on international affairs?
Going forward, will the council members' position on international issues be included in the election and campaign process so that voters make informed decisions about council candidates?
What percentage of time will the city council allocate to city-specific topics vs. national and international topics?
Thank you,
Andrew Nemiccolo
From: Michael Yoshii
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Manager Manager; Lara Weisiger; Yibin Shen; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Mayor"s letter on Gaza cease fire
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 12:27:58 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft, Vice Mayor Daysog & Council Members Vella, Spencer & Jensen:

I am writing to you in support of Mayor Ashcraft's proposed letter calling for a cease fire in Gaza. I have shared at city council meetings about friends who have lost multiple family members in Gaza since October 7th. Among them were children and infants. I have also learned last week that another friend lost his 80 year old cousin. My own sadness is very deep, but I cannot imagine the pain that thousands of families are experiencing in this moment mourning their lost family members. In the meantime, most Gazans are displaced from their homes with no water, food, or medical services and are desperately struggling to survive. As the war in Gaza continues, not only are lives of innocent Gazan civilians in peril, but also the lives of Israeli soldiers, and hostages who are still missing from families. All lives are sacred, and all lives should be valued equally. Continued war is not the answer to the current situation, and sadly, proponents of war often label innocent victims of war as "collateral damage."
My own family legacy includes the tragedy of being "collateral damage" of war. My parents on both sides of the family were subjected to mass incarceration during World War II, and my wife's mother and cousin were survivors or "hibakusha" from the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. My son in law is a refugee from Vietnam, the youngest of 13 children, and a survivor of that tragic war. The legacy of intergenerational war trauma informs our family consciousness to oppose war anywhere, and now, specifically in Gaza.

Additionally, you all are aware that I am Co-Chair of the Friends of Wadi Foquin, partnering with the small agricultural village in the Bethlehem District of the West Bank. As the war in Gaza continues, Wadi Foquin is on lock-down, with work stoppages and closure of the children's schools. The nearby settlement has been armed with weapons and military routinely patrols their village. Two homes have been demolished along with a marble factory in recent weeks. Flyers have been distributed warning them to leave and flee to Jordan or be killed. The war in Gaza is interconnected to life in the West Bank. A cease fire will not only save lives in Gaza, but will reduce the aggression and harm taking place in the West Bank.

For those who may claim that our city council should not engage in foreign affairs beyond our jurisdiction, all U.S. citizens are already involved through our taxpayer funds which support the Israeli military infrastructure. The U.S. funds Israel $3.8 billion a year with conditions that funds must be used to purchase U.S. manufactured weapons. All taxpayers in Alameda, including yourselves, are funding U.S. weapons used to kill Gazan children, babies, and pregnant women. Our vote to support the cease fire letter is a vote to stop further bloodshed. A vote against the letter is silent consent and endorsement for more war and death.

I want to particularly underscore Mayor Ashcraft's words that "...unrestrained violence in Gaza serves no one's interests - not the remaining hostages trapped in Gaza who must be released immediately, not the hundreds of thousands of innocent Palestinians who fear every moment could be their last, and certainly not U.S. national security."
As a United Methodist clergy, I appreciate the moral and ethical stance Mayor Ashcraft has taken as a leader of our community. I urge you all to support her leadership in offering Alameda as a voice of peace rather than a silent, complicit supporter of war.

Blessings and Peace,
Rev. Michael Yoshii, Co-Chair
Friends of Wadi Foquin

From: L T
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 12:14:29 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a concerned Jewish member of our community to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and also encourage you to add stopping US aid to Israel and cease collaboration between local police departments and the IDF. 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 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. I am Jewish the the JCRC does NOT speak for me. In fact, I have been personally harassed and physically harmed by Zionists claiming to care about my safety as a Jewish person just because of my anti-genocide stance. Mayor Ashcraft’s letter sends a message to impacted community members that their representatives hear their safety concerns.

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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
L T
[email protected]
From: Chahid Bagdouri
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 12:14:12 PM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Chahid Bagdouri
[email protected]
From: Ofra Pleban
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; City Clerk Cc: Manager Manager
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Special Request to Reconsider Item 10-D – January 2nd Alameda Council Agenda Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 12:10:00 PM
Attachments: Special Request to Reconsider Item 10-D – January 2nd Alameda Council Agenda.docx Subject: Special Request to Reconsider Sending Proposed Letter on Item 10-D – January 2nd Alameda Council Agenda

Dear Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft,

I am a Bay Area resident deeply concerned that the City Council may consider a divisive letter about the Israel-Hamas War. As antisemitism continues to escalate in the Bay Area, and as past examples in Oakland and Richmond show, such action will only further inflame tensions and re-traumatize our impacted communities.

The very discussion on the letter is very likely to be used as a pretext to challenge the very existence of Israel, and use dehumanizing antisemitic tropes, as it happened during other hearings on cease fire resolutions.

In the last few weeks, I sat through hours of public comments on Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco sessions of cease fire resolution. These forums were used for expression of pure hate purposeful or based on ignorance. Inflammatory terms such as genocide, apartheid, ethnic cleansing, colonialism, imperialism, and more, were repeated again and again, until accepted as truth.

There was nothing Israel wasn’t blamed for, from homelessness, to the use of fossil fuel, to lack of asthma medicine in the pharmacy, and everything in between. It was pure Israel bashing. Just replace “Jews” for “Israel”, and it reminded hateful rhetoric some eighty years ago.

Even worse, many of speakers denied that there was a massacre on 10/7, altogether.

Some said it was Israel who killed its own citizens. Some exalted the Hamas as a freedom fighter organization. Some booed when the atrocities of the Hamas were even mentioned. Still others said that if there was any killing, it was justified.

And the feeling of Deja Vu grew stronger and stronger.

And there was also just naked antisemitism, for the unsophisticated who did not know, or did not care to mask it as anti-Israel or anti- Zionism: statements from the like of “Jews are controlling the world” to obscene remarks on circumcision.

I was stunned. I was stunned that the council members let in such rhetoric in without as much as a peep of objection or reservation. They set there and let speakers deny that there was ever a massacre. Would they have given a forum to 11/9 deniers? 1,200 people were murdered that horrible Saturday, men, women, young, babies, and elderly, among them my childhood friend. Mati, and her husband, Amir. Some were murdered brutally, after being raped and tortured. But the “esteemed” council members just set there quietly, letting the denials and falsifications be part of the record. What a shameful record.

I must give kudus to Berkely Mayor, Jesse Arreguin, who admirably and fiercely terminated antisemitic calls and remarks mid-sentence.

These vitriol hateful rhetoric do not remain within the council room nor do they end with the hearing, rather they continue to echo and vibrate throughout the community, and create havoc. Since the passing of the Richmond and Oakland resolutions, there has been a marked increase in Jew-hatred in the east bay. Businesses have been vandalized, synagogues have had to pay for expensive extra security, Jewish symbols were defaced or destroyed, and Jewish teachers and students were “greeted” with shouts of “hail Hitler”, and the Nazis salute.

Jewish students no longer feel safe at their schools, some having to transfer to schools in areas that have managed to stay above of the fray, and adults are made to feel self-conscious of their Jewishness, and unwelcomed.

And all these for what purpose? Any cease fire must be mutual. Hamas, however, showed time and again, that it will not abide by any such agreement. At the time of the 10/7 attack there was a cease fire in effect that Hamas had violated, as it had violated previous cease fires. A latest temporary cease fire was also violated with Hamas raining Israeli cities with hundreds of rockets. And Hamas swore to continue infiltrating Israel, to carry on murderous sprees similar to 10/7.

As Hamas’ charter calls for the annihilation of Jews simply for being Jews (“The Day of Judgment will not come about until Moslems fight Jews and kill them. Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees, and the rocks and trees will cry out: 'O Moslem, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him." (Article 7)), there is no reason to believe it will respect a new cease fire agreement, any more than it has until now.

Thus, any call for a cease fire is not likely to make any change in the global sense, but it sure going to increase incite, divide, and inflame a community already on edge,

Clearly there were, and presently there are, many conflicts throughout the world that claim the lives of innocent people, including children, many times over, and are much less complex than the Palestinian – Israeli conflict. One wonders why choose this is conflict from all others? Was a similar letter sent with regard to the Ukraine-Russian war? And Ukraine did not even invade Russia, nor swore to obliterate Russia, nor took any aggressive measure against Russia, and is clearly an innocent party in the conflict.

There seems to be an anti-Israel hysteria sweeping the nation. No doubt the Council is pressured to join in. it will be easy to join in, but should it? What will be achieved except more divisiveness, more hate, more polarization, and an invitation to more groups to demand that the city makes their own complex international agenda, the city’s agenda. And if this city resists other such requests, how will it explain its choice to single out this conflict?

And there is the equally important question, where does the Council get its mandate to speak for the people in Alameda when nobody elected its members because of their stance on Middle East peace.

I call on the Council, I implore, to vote NO on this resolution, and instead, the Council should take steps to bring Alameda residents together and solve the crucial challenges facing the city.

Furthermore, I am asking 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 meetings in Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond, have no place in Alameda.

I’m asking you to stand with ALL Alameda residents – say no to spreading hate, and SAY NO to divisive actions.

Ofra Pleban
From: DJ Wong
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 10-D: Requesting Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 12:09:53 PM
Dear Mayor Ashcraft and City Councilmembers,
I am a resident of Alameda and am writing to ask for your support of Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

My family have been Alameda residents for over 15 years, and my father worked at the Alameda Naval Airbase for over 25 years after serving in the US Army during WWII. I am Christian.

We love and have been proud of Alameda and appreciate the down to earth, caring and diverse community and the ways it cares for its community:

The Warming Shelter, Alameda Food, Midway Shelter for women and children dealing with homelessness and domestic violence, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), Mastick Senior Center and more. This is all in addition to the wonderful street fairs, art and music events that bring people together and lift everyone's spirits. These were started and run by everyday people caring enough to do something – they cared enough not to turn away. They acted, and it's made a difference in many lives. This is what I appreciate about Alameda.

Ceasefire is a Moral and Community Health Issue:

Please demand a ceasefire in Gaza and uphold human rights in Palestine. What happened on 10/7 was horrific and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.

What's happening in Gaza and the West Bank is killing innocent civilians.

Approximately 600 children have died in Ukraine in 18 mos., 34 children were killed on 10/7 vs. 6000+ children in Gaza in 2 months. Even 1 child's or human being's death is tragic, but the difference in numbers is shocking. In many cases entire families have been killed - entire future generations are gone. If the people were switched, and it was 6000 Israeli children who were killed, would we call for a ceasefire? What would we do? As a Christian, I believe that all lives are precious.

The rise in anti-Semitism and anti Arab rhetoric and behavior is increasing around us, not because we are asking for a ceasefire, but because of the horrific violence affecting both Israel and Palestine. If there is a permanent ceasefire, there is a greater chance for successful negotiations, problem solving and peace. There would be less side-taking. By asserting that all lives are precious and standing up for humanitarian rights, we would be pushing back on divisiveness and hate in our own community. All lives are precious, all people deserve to survive.

We can do something about the heartbreaking and horrific loss of life. It’s not about taking sides. It’s about humanity. My friend is Jewish. He recently received a letter from his cousin in Israel – who wrote: “Murder is Murder no matter who is hurt or who does it. Murder is murder.” His cousin knew people who were killed by Hamas, yet they both strongly oppose the violence in Gaza. Please support a Cease Fire in Gaza. Every moment we delay results in more devastated families and children. Is it even possible to think about or negotiate a lasting peace if there is so much violence against the families and children? Please support a Cease Fire. We can act, every step helps and it will help our own community.

Sincerely,
DJ Wong
From: D Dorenz
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: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:43:50 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,
Dorit Dorenz
From: frankees samad
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 10-D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:43:08 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 (agenda item 10D). I have been a resident of Alameda for 34 years. I was raised in Alameda, went to K-12 school here, and after having gone off to college, came back after graduating and convinced my now husband to come and live in the "greatest city in the Bay Area".

We live here with our 2 children, whom I am intentionally raising in Alameda, and in the future, when they learn about this in the history books, I want them to be proud that the city they were raised in took a stand for justice. I believe our city is diverse and welcoming to ALL people, having been an Afghan refugee with my family those 34 years ago. Alameda has a record of being on the right side of history, I am hopeful that Alameda will be on that right side of history yet again by calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This letter is the step in the right direction, I am also urging the city to pass a ceasefire resolution.

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.

Sincerely,
Frankees Samad
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Item 10D vote no or remove please Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:38:37 AM
From: Susan Natt <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:08:42 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10D vote no or remove please
City Council,
Please consider seriously withdrawing item 10D from the Agenda or vote it down.

While the intent is admirable overall, locally, this is not a positive step for Alameda's integrity and community image. Protesting and having local government make or change policy has zero effect on what is happening over seas. They have their own agendas and honestly have no idea where Alameda is and frankly do not care.

They have bigger concerns than what some tiny town in California thinks! And in reality this resolution will also have zero effect in Washington DC.

What it does do is cause additional local strife and tension which is already too high.

It is escalating at an alarming rate HERE among your citizens. Focus on that.

We already have too much division and angst among Alameda's ethnic and religious groups, Innocent Jewish residents in particular, WHO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT IS GOING ON IN ISREAL OR PALESTINE already feel tossed aside and not protected. Sadly a diverse community also includes the ignorant.

Alameda’s Jewish residents feel very vulnerable right now and feel as if their own communities (& country) are hanging them out to fend for themselves.

The City Council should NOT approve this resolution for the sake of its entire community. Time and energy should be put into protecting ALL citizens of Alameda not just the most vocal or the largest groups and definitely local policy should not be based on the perceived and often misrepresented but mostly misunderstood issues from other countries.

The situation in the Middle East is so much deeper and complicated than the average person here can even fathom and no one is taking the time to learn about it before jumping up and band waggoning with yelling on one side of the case or the other.

Again all good intentions. No one wants war. Every decent person wishes this never happened but again this is not the way to help.

Thank you,
Susan Natt
318 McDonnel Rd
Alameda, Ca 94502
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda - Don"t do it! Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:37:39 AM
From: Offer Yehudai <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:30:59 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D on the January 2 City Council Agenda - Don't do it! Dear Alameda City Council,
I am a Bay Area resident who visits Alameda. I was worried 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.

See the word of Vice-Mayor Stacy Jimenez, City of Foster City who faced a similar dilemma:
"This request created a response by our community that saw 1,000 plus emails and over four hours of passionate and vigorous public comment. What resulted is a tear in the fabric of our close knit community. Councilmember Hindi, who made the request to bring forth this topic, should, in all of his experience, have known better."
Source:
https://www.facebook.com/100078256216596/posts/pfbid02yBza4XkdvNYXkUtKprbZErrqNvisYVKKySScyMUfqf7p8aunVybgyRzBiiaNBM7zl/? d=w&mibextid=qC1gEa
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,
--
Offer Yehudai
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:37:04 AM
From: Rona Morris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:41:17 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D
Hello,
I am writing in regards to the item 10-D in the agenda tonight. While I applaud that the letter condemns the actions of Hamas and mentions that return of the hostages is vital, I fundamentally disagreee that it is the city’s responsibility to even put out a statement such as this. I do not recall such letters written in response to all of the human rights atrocities that have happened all over the world during the years I have lived in Alameda (since 2009) and truly question the motivation that has inspired this letter to be written in the first place. Anti- Semitic sentiment is at an all time high at the moment, making many Jew feel very unsafe in many parts of the world. Condemning Israel’s actions (the only Jewish state in the world) will absolutely be seen by many as an anti-Semitic attack. This will alienate many of Alameda’s residents. The school district has done a fine job of maintaining a neutral stance and supporting all students during this troublesome time, and I encourage the city to follow that lead.

If you truly want to provide “ethical leadership”, perhaps you can condemn Hamas to the fullest, citing the grotesque horrors that they inflicted on the Jewish people in October 7 (see article attached) or how they have misappropriated aid and supplies that were supposed to be for the Palestinians of Gaza and instead used them to build up their army of terrorists (countless articles regarding this since 2007). This is very different than Israel’s attack on Gaza as retaliation and with the goal to destroy Hamas and for the return of the remaining hostages.

I Saw the Children Hamas Beheaded With My Own
Eyes. Shame on Queen Rania
newsweek.com
Alternatively, the city can just continue to do what a city council is truly made for - supporting ALL of its citizens. If a statement is felt needed - condemning terrorism and supporting the return of the hostages in order to begin towards some type of peace Middle East would be the most appropriate message to send.

Thank you for your time,
Rona Morris
Sent from my iPhone
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:37:04 AM
From: Rona Morris <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:41:17 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 10-D
Hello,
I am writing in regards to the item 10-D in the agenda tonight. While I applaud that the letter condemns the actions of Hamas and mentions that return of the hostages is vital, I fundamentally disagreee that it is the city’s responsibility to even put out a statement such as this. I do not recall such letters written in response to all of the human rights atrocities that have happened all over the world during the years I have lived in Alameda (since 2009) and truly question the motivation that has inspired this letter to be written in the first place. Anti- Semitic sentiment is at an all time high at the moment, making many Jew feel very unsafe in many parts of the world. Condemning Israel’s actions (the only Jewish state in the world) will absolutely be seen by many as an anti-Semitic attack. This will alienate many of Alameda’s residents. The school district has done a fine job of maintaining a neutral stance and supporting all students during this troublesome time, and I encourage the city to follow that lead.

Thank you for your time,
Rona Morris
Sent from my iPhone
From: Trish Spencer
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: [EXTERNAL] No to the ceasefire resolution; it"s hypocritical Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:35:29 AM
From: Kimberlee MacVicar <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:36:09 AM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; CITYCOUNCIL- [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] No to the ceasefire resolution; it's hypocritical Dear Mayor and Council Members,
While it may read like a nice, thoughtful letter that you are considering regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, as a Jewish Alamedan, I am asking you to not fall for this demand.

Please either vote against the resolution or do not second the motion.

Considering no one has approached the council to do the same towards Russia about Ukraine (remember that war?), this is nothing more than a veiled display of anti- Semitism or Jew Hate.

Hamas still has hostages and none of these ceasefire groups are demanding their release or condemning Hamas. Why? This just doesn't pass the smell test.

People pushing for this need to understand they are siding with the terrorist group that broke the years long ceasefire when they chose to attack Israeli citizens and tourists. Like you, I'm not a fan of wars or the devastation we're seeing on our TVs, yet these resolution efforts are not aimed at Hamas. Hamas is continuing to bomb Israel daily.

Despite what some might now be claiming, these ceasefire resolutions are absolutely one-sided and directed only at Israel and American Jewish people are being threatened because of it. Since the Hamas attack, over 400 Jewish synagogues or organizations across the country have received bomb threats. There is a connection.

Help keep your Jewish constituents safe by not going down this path.

If you were Jewish, you would understand our concern. Please don't fan the flames.

Thank you,
Kimberlee MacVicar
From: Karen DeSouza
To: CityCouncil-List; City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 10-D
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:54:02 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 Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

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.

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.

Sincerely
Karen Desouza
Thank you!
From: Marilyn Rothman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ceasefire
Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:33:51 AM
All communities need to get on board to demand a ceasefire in Palestine.

I am a homeowner in Alameda and fully support the mayors letter.

Marilyn Rothman
From: Anna
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:35:31 AM
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Aleyderm <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Dec 29, 2023 at 4:11 PM
Subject: I oppose Item 10-D. No inflammatory resolutions or letters! To: <[email protected]
>, <[email protected]>,
<[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
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,
Anna Leyderman
Sent from my iPhone
From: Isabel Marcus
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: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:48:48 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 War that started when Hamas terrorists attacked Israeli civilian in their home on a Saturday morning during a holiday to commit the first massacre of Jews since the holocaust.

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

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.” (While 30% of the population is Arab Israeli Muslim and Christian’s who naturally vote the laws of their country and seat at the governement. You do not see any Christians or Jews in any other neighbor country having any such rights) By placing the issue on the official agenda, Mayor Ashcraft has fanned the flames of these lies.

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 while their leaders enjoy a luxury life in Qatar.

While we all pray for peace in the world, 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,
Isabelle Marcus
Sent from my iPhone
From: Alec
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] In reference to itema 10-D of the Jan 2 Council agenda.

Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:30:28 AM
Dear Alameda City Council,
I am a Bay Area citizen who 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.

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,
Alec Budman
From: Anna Baltzer
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Jewish Pro-Ceasefire Alamedan - Support Agenda Item 10D Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:33:42 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am a Jewish Alamedan writing in support of item 10D, Mayor Ashcroft’s letter for a ceasefire.

I love our island and am so proud that our leaders are considering a ceasefire letter. Israel's bombings of Gaza have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, nearly half of them children, while Israel's cutting off of food and water has brought half a million Palestinians to the brink of starvation. Asking that our country use its significant leverage to play a role in working for peace, rather than funding violence, is in total alignment with our values as a community.

Please don’t let anyone tell you that Alameda Jews oppose a ceasefire. Jews of Alameda are as diverse as any identity group in our city. The idea that Jews have the same opinion, or share a common political allegiance, is a fundamental tenet of real antisemitism and must be rejected unequivocally.

My synagogue, my rabbis, my children’s Hebrew school teachers are calling publicly for a ceasefire. They are among hundreds of thousands of Jews across the country doing the same.

Thousands of Jews put their bodies on the line and been arrested – including hundreds in the Bay Area, among them Alamedans – saying Not in Our Name, and Never Again – for anyone.

Many, myself included, are the descendants of Holocaust victims and survivors horrified by the abuse of our history to justify a genocide against the Palestinian people.

Ceasefire is indisputably a local issue. Residents of Alameda are watching their families slaughtered day after day. From Alameda alone, more than $1 million tax dollars are sent every year to Israel in the form of U.S. weapons; that means our tax dollars are going to bomb Palestinian hospitals when they could be used to fund Alameda schools. My Jewish children are growing up in a world watching unfathomable violence in the name of Jews everywhere; this is not a safer world for my children. We in Alameda are not separate from what is happening, and saying nothing in the context of our deep complicity is not neutrality; on the contrary, our silence is what enables our continued, one-sided involvement.

I have heard some say that advocating a ceasefire is divisive. But ceasefires do not divide people; bombings do. Everything in this letter calls to end that which divides us, which is why so many Alamedans of all backgrounds stand behind it. Please support Mayor Ashcroft’s letter investing in peace and justice, instead of war, as one small but meaningful action we can take toward the world we want our precious children here in Alameda, in Gaza, in Israel, and everywhere, to live in.

With hope,
Anna Piller
1037 Fountain Street
Alameda, CA
From: Lean Deleon
To: Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Tracy Jensen; Trish Spencer; Malia Vella Cc: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter in support of 10D for 1/2/23 council meeting Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 2:44:20 AM
Dear Alameda City Council Members,
My name is Lean de Leon and I have been coming to City Council meetings for the past month & half to speak about the ongoing genocide happening in Gaza.

I have been a long-time resident of our beautiful island since the 90s, with family roots here since the 60s, due to the Naval Air Base, where my grandfathers' enlistment into the US army afforded us to migrate here. I am a graduate of Alameda public schools from pre-K to high school, where I was in leadership and represented the student body. I have volunteered at church toy drives, cleaned up beaches, and organized cultural celebrations.

I frequent our parks, public libraries, cineplex, and have tried every restaurant on the island.

I mentored middle and high school students in their fight for racial justice. So many of my family, both chosen and blood, reside and thrive here.

I love this city deeply & am invested in building with the community.

I am so proud of our Mayor’s leadership in agendizing a ceasefire letter to be sent to our federal leaders. I implore other council members to join in passing it! We know the American people want a ceasefire. We know Alamedans want a ceasefire.

Council members do not turn away from the ongoing genocide happening in Gaza. Please use your platform as our direct local elected officials to push our federal leaders who are failing us. Polling has shown that Americans support a permanent ceasefire and de- escalation of violence in Gaza. In a poll from Dec 20, almost 60% of voters want a ceasefire, where there has been an increase in a month in all three political groupings of Democrats (+4%), Independents (+1%), and Republicans (+11%) (Morning Consult).

Witnessing the genocide has been heartbreaking, to say the least. It was horrific in October. It was nauseating in November. It was miserable during Christmas. And it's a melancholy New Year. Since I spoke last month the death toll of Palestinians by Israel was 15,500, which is now up to almost 22,000. 2/3 are women and children. When I last spoke to you, there were 60 journalists that Israel murdered, it is now up to 100. 1.2 million people in Gaza were displaced, that number has now risen to 1.9 million. Finally, 42% of housing in Gaza was destroyed, a month later it is now recorded at 70%.

We have a moral obligation to speak up. It is our tax money that is supplying the weaponry and artillery used to kill innocent people. A Ceasefire Letter from the City of Alameda would carry a lot of weight with our history with the Naval Base and military history.

Alameda continues to be connected to a Bay Area economy entrenched in profiting from war. Blood is on our hands as we are part of the killings of thousands of Gazans, including children. All over the Bay Area are offices of companies that manufacture weapons, surveillance technology, and equipment that Israel uses to bomb, surveil, and demolish Palestinians and their homes. Companies include General Dynamics, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Argon St, Lockheed Martin, Palantir Technology, and Caterpillar. Furthermore, the Oakland Estuary, shared by Alameda and Oakland, serves as a passage for ships that transport weapons and military equipment to Israel. BAE Systems (formerly with an office at 1500 Ferry Point, Alameda, now with two offices in San Jose) partners with Lockheed on the F-35 used to kill Palestinians in Gaza. It also partners with Israeli company Rafael to supply the Israeli military with machine gun systems. Alameda can honor its military history while transforming “swords into plowshares” calling for a Ceasefire Letter and being a local voice for global peace.

Finally, as we enter into a pre-electoral season, I will be looking at supporting, campaigning, and donating to candidates that support a ceasefire:

Council member Tracy Jensen, please support the Mayor’s ceasefire letter. Your bid for the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, to represent the 18th Assembly District, is a body that has called for a ceasefire. I am extremely proud to be a Democrat and know our representatives on Alameda Island organized it. I would love to support you in joining such a courageous body that represents our progressive values.

Vice Mayor Tony Daysog, please support the Mayor’s ceasefire letter. Your bid for Congress to replace Rep. Barbara Lee, who has called for a ceasefire. I was at the Oakland City Council meeting when their ceasefire resolution passed unanimously, which included the vote of the most conservative Council Member in that body, your opponent, Councilmember Dan Kalb has called for a ceasefire. I would love to support our homegrown leaders in their bid for national leadership, please call for a ceasefire.

With love and solidarity,
Lean
From: Eugenia Budman
To: City Clerk; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Trish Spencer; Tracy Jensen Cc: Eugenia Budman
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Opposing the letter about HAMAS/Israel ceasfire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:32:33 AM
Re: Opposition to Item 10-D on Jan. 2, 2024, City Council Meeting

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

I hope for the war to stop, for people on both sides to live in peace, but not for the price of my people's lives and constant danger.

There is no consensus of citizens of Alameda or elsewhere about the value of this letter. I know and firmly believe that it would be wrong for one representative of the city government to push an argument that would be seen as supporting the opinion of all our citizens. I vehemently disagree with the text, intention and with the action of sending such a letter.

This City Council clearly is NOT speaking for the entire community and advocates only one point of view. The opinion is clearly beyond its subject matter jurisdiction and simply creates more division, threats to the Jewish community (as we have already seen across the Bay Area) and pain and aggression among the neighbors, instead of living as a community, even though with the opposing views, and safety.

Both Jews and Muslims are feeling physically threatened by the radical views on the issue expressed by antisemites and Islamophobes.

The Jews I represent, being a minority group - are NOT FEELING SAFE in our community among the multiple local uprisings of radicals and their supporters.

Why would the Mayor stubbornly and aggressively place the issue that aggravates and separates their citizens on the regular agenda and thus open for online public comment inviting more aggression and separation in our wonderful city???

The major negative impact of this referral will occur when it is opened for public comment before an overflow in-person and online audience on Jan. 2.There will be arguments, tears, anger, repetition of media lies and truths... There will be turmoil perpetuating the aggression and division. One citizen against another...

Is this what the Mayor is after?
I
urge the Mayor to reconsider and remove the referral from the agenda. I urge the Mayor to act as a Mayor and not use this opportunity to promote the Mayor's own views. Even if the Mayor is passionate about the issue.

Do not sacrifice the pieceful life of our city and a Jewish part of the community.

I strongly encourage you to reject Item 10-D.

Sincerely,
Gina Budman.

From: Ann Walker
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 11:04:13 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ann Walker
[email protected]
From: Jackie Young
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:52:15 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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. As a member of the Asian American and LGBTQ communities, I understand well that I am not safe unless colonization, imperialism, and supremacy are gone. The state sanctioned violence and technology that facilitates it is being used in Israel against the Palestinian people, and these technologies and tactics are being brought back to the United States to be used in our communities. Over the years, especially during the pandemic with increased violence towards Asians, I know that state power does not keep use safe. We keep each other safe, and the Palestinian struggle is our own. 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Jackie Young
[email protected]
From: amelia berger
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:46:43 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
amelia berger
[email protected]
From: Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:26:13 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a rabbi of 51 years who serves Jewish people throughout the Bay Area, including residents of Alameda. I 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 for all of us. This war is being fought with US weapons and support.

The impact of US involvement with our tax dollars makes many of our community members less safe, including Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Jews. In Alameda, our 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 unfortunate and incorrect conflation of Zionism with Judaism has also led to Jewish community members feeling unsafe and targeted. The main teaching of Judaism is all life is sacred. War can never guarantee safety. 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 rabbi whose adult children and grandchild live in Alameda, I believe that Alameda has a role to play in advocating for a peace in Gaza. The images and reports of civilian casualties, including children, are deeply distressing. Who can possibly believe that collective punishment is a viable stance? It is clear that a lasting solution can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts and a commitment to dialogue. In deed, Israeli families of hostages are making this point to their own government and are one of the loudest voices for ceasefire. 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 both a national and
local issue. US Campaign for Palestinian Rights estimates that Alameda taxpayers give $1,115,883 to fund Israel’s violence against Palestinian people through weapons. 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.

By taking a principled stand, Alameda can contribute to the collective voice advocating for peace and the protection of civilian lives and waging peace rather than war. Is this not what we stand for?
I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will consider the urgency of the situation. I urge you to use your platform to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb
[email protected]
From: Paloma Salazar
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:14:53 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Paloma Salazar
[email protected]
From: "Viviana Acevedo-Bolton"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:54:15 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Viviana Acevedo-Bolton
[email protected]
From: Jennifer Bowles
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:50:15 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Jennifer Bowles
[email protected]
From: Kelly Newman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:32:18 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kelly Newman
[email protected]
From: Anna Baltzer
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:00:27 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
Dear City Council members,
I am a Jewish Alamedan writing to ask you to please vote yes on item 10D, Mayor Ashcroft’s letter for a ceasefire.

I love our island and am so proud that our leaders are considering a ceasefire letter. Voting for an end to the violence is in total alignment with our values as a community.

Please don’t let anyone tell you that Jews oppose a ceasefire. The Jews of Alameda are as diverse as any in our community. The idea that Jews have the same opinion, or share a common political allegiance, is a fundamental tenet of real antisemitism and must be rejected unequivocally.

My synagogue, my rabbis, and my children’s Hebrew school teachers are calling for a ceasefire. They are among hundreds of thousands of Jews across the country trying everything possible to speed a ceasefire. Thousands of Jews have been arrested – including hundreds in the Bay Area, among them Alamedans – saying not in our name, and never again – for anyone.

Many, myself included, are the descendants of Holocaust victims and survivors horrified by the abuse of our history to justify mass killings of another people.

Ceasefire is very much a local issue. People in our city are witnessing their families brutally killed. Our tax dollars are going to bomb Palestinian hospitals when they could be used to fund Alameda schools here at home. My Jewish children are growing up in a world watching unfathomable violence done in the name of Jews everywhere; this is not a safer world for my children. We in Alameda are not separate from this, and saying nothing in the context of our deep involvement is not neutrality; on the contrary, saying nothing is what keeps in place our existing, one-sided engagement.

I have heard some say that advocating a ceasefire is divisive. But ceasefires do not divide people; bombings do. Everything in this letter advocates precisely against that which divides us. Please support Mayor Ashcroft’s letter as one small step toward the world we want for our children, and children everywhere, to live in.

Sincerely,
Anna Baltzer
[email protected]
From: Tiffany Chen
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:49:31 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Ceasefire is a moral issue. As a lifelong 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.

By taking a principled stand, Alameda can contribute to the collective voice advocating for peace and the protection of civilian lives.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Tiffany Chen
[email protected]
From: Modest alghazali
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:49:18 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Modest alghazali
[email protected]
From: Kathy Kenny
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:47:00 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kathy Kenny
[email protected]
From: Dian Mcpherso
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:46:26 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Dian Mcpherso
[email protected]
From: Michael Saney
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:45:07 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and am writing as a concerned member of our larger community with the request that you 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.

I wish to make clear that I identify neither as an Arab nor a Muslim. Regardless, I recognize calling for a ceasefire can improve the physical and emotional safety of community members associated with various ethnicities. Furthermore, a ceasefire is a moral and ethical issue. As a resident of local community and a US taxpayer, I hold non-violence as a core value and thereby would like Alameda to join the ranks of cities urging peace in Gaza. 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Michael Saney
Sincerely,
Michael Saney
[email protected]
From: Sophia Ritchie
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:44:59 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a concerned Alameda resident to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. While I currently reside just blocks from Alameda City Hall, I lived and worked in the occupied West Bank, in the Palestinian city of Ramallah for 4 years. There, too, I lived right near City Hall. Alameda and Palestine are both places I have called home, and both places I dearly love. But today my heart feels broken.

What we are seeing is catastrophic levels of violence against the Palestinian people, primarily in Gaza but also in the West Bank, being funded by US aid/tax dollars and with many weapons likely stamped “Made in the USA”. For these reasons, All of us have a responsibility to take a stand, and to speak on this, even if speaking out feels complex or challenging.

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 thousands of children, are deeply distressing. It is clear that a lasting solution can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts and a commitment to dialogue and human rights FOR ALL. 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sophia Ritchie
[email protected]
From: Jerry McPherson
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:44:54 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Jerry McPherson
[email protected]
From: Helen Thomas
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:44:41 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
My friend Mai Rajab has been surviving bombardment in Gaza for almost 3 months. She has been displaced twice. They escaped with only the clothes on their backs. They have been freezing, hungry, and traumatized. There is a scarcity of medical care. Children are losing their families.

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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Helen Thomas
[email protected]
From: Kristen Fu
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:43:57 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
My name is Kristen Fu and I am a resident of Alameda. 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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kristen Fu
[email protected]
From: Kathy Adranly
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:43:54 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kathy Adranly
[email protected]
From: Ysrael Quezon
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:43:48 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ysrael Quezon
[email protected]
From: Nadja Battersby
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:43:33 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a concerned Jewish Alamedian. I believe that it is critical that we do all we can to call for a ceasefire in Gaza because of the war is causing so much civilian death, destruction and starvation in Gaza.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Nadja Battersby
[email protected]
From: Clair Dunne
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:43:01 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

I am also writing as an community member WHO WAS BORN IN IRELAND (I am a US citizen) and withnessed the occupation of North Ireland and The Troubles during the 1980s.

Ireland has a long history of occupation and, with great sadness, we share similar experiences of occupation with both Native Americans (particularly the Choctaw Nation, whose generous donation of $150 during the Irish Famine has forged an unbreakable bond between the two Nations and, more recently, the Navajo Nation, when the people of Ireland donated over $1 million dollars to covid relief efforts there) and the Palestinian peoples. It is because i am Iirish, that i support any person who is experiencing occupation and discrimination. In the same way, i supported the people of Ukraine, i also must show my support for Palestine. What I am seeing happening in Palestine, especially in Gaza, is shameful and we must say it loud and clear, we do not accept this loss of life.

I also feel that ongoing bombardments are not facilitating the release of the remaining hostages. In fact, I am concerned that some of the hostages may have been impacted by bombing.

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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Clair Dunne
[email protected]
From: Tehmina Zeb
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:42:58 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Tehmina Zeb
[email protected]
From: "Gina J."
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:42:48 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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.

I will start by saying that Hamas’ attack on innocent Israelis on Oct. 7th was both reprehensible and hideous. My heart goes out to the all of the families who lost loved ones.

They did not deserve to die. And now, neither do Palestinians as ALL lives are sacred.

As of today, least 20,057 civilians have been and are being murdered, mostly children, women, and elderly. Thousands more are injured, starving, sick, and freezing to death. They have no water and no electricity. This brutality and mass destruction is not a win for anyone. It is a deplorable lose-lose situation for all.

As humanitarians, our values demand that we call for a ceasefire, immediately. This is not a political decision, nor an anti-Semitic decision, but a basic humanitarian issue. Further, this is not a call for a solution but a plea to stop the killing. Our voices matter.

Alameda's city council has the opportunity to take a stand for what is merciful and humane, and I beg that you do so. To be silent is to be complicit.

Thank you so much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Gina J.
[email protected]
From: "Gina J."
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:42:41 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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.

I will start by saying that Hamas’ attack on innocent Israelis on Oct. 7th was both reprehensible and hideous. My heart goes out to the all of the families who lost loved ones.

They did not deserve to die. And now, neither do Palestinians as ALL lives are sacred.

As of today least 20,057 civilians have been and are being murdered, mostly children, women, and elderly. Thousands more are injured, starving, sick, and freezing to death. They have no water and no electricity. This brutality and mass destruction is not a win for anyone. It is a deplorable lose-lose situation for all.

As humanitarians, our values demand that we call for a ceasefire, immediately. This is not a political decision, nor an anti-Semitic decision but a basic humanitarian issue. Further, this is not a call for a solution but a plea to stop the killing. Our voices matter.

Alameda's city council has the opportunity to take a stand for what is merciful and humane, and I beg that you do so. To be silent is to be complicit.

Thank you so much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Gina J.
[email protected]
From: Rebecca Holder
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:42:39 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 tragic loss of life and widespread suffering for innocent Palestinian civilians is unacceptable, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Ceasefire is a safety issue for both those in Palestine and locally. The ongoing war in Palestine makes many of our community members less safe, including Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Jews. No one should fear being doxxed or losing their jobs for attending events or speaking out in solidarity with Palestinians. 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. It is clear that a lasting solution can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts and a commitment to dialogue.

Ceasefire is a local issue. Our tax dollars being use to fund Israel's violence against Palestinian people, 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. By taking a principled stand, Alameda can contribute to the collective voice advocating for peace and the protection of civilian lives.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely, Rebecca Holder
Sincerely,
Rebecca Holder
[email protected]
From: Brianna Devlin
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:42:33 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Brianna Devlin
[email protected]
From: Hiat Saleh
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:42:28 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Hiat Saleh
[email protected]
From: Chahid Bagdouri
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:41:52 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Chahid Bagdouri
[email protected]
From: "Matt Nguyen, PhD"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:41:04 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as both a concerned resident of Alameda and public health professional, to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The escalation of violence over the past several months has resulted in loss of tens of thousands of lives and widespread suffering for innocent Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council move in line with the cities of Richmond and Oakland and take 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, importantly, the Jewish diaspora. In Alameda, our 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 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 to any human soul bearing witness and not turning away. 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 not just a diplomatic, but 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 for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Matt Nguyen, PhD
[email protected]
From: Nancy Lewis
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:39:35 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Nancy Lewis
[email protected]
From: Huzaifa Khawaja
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:38:47 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Huzaifa Khawaja
[email protected]
From: "Allegra O"Donoghue"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:38:45 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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. We are witnessing the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

I was born and raised in Alameda, and attended high school at SJND. I was among the youth who participated in the walk-out and protest against the Iraq War in 2003. I am again calling on my local representatives to take a stand and use their influence to call for an end to US- sanctioned murder and destruction.

I understand that 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Allegra O'Donoghue
[email protected]
From: Khudeja Mujahid
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:38:27 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Khudeja Mujahid
[email protected]
From: Husna Mohiuddin
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:38:01 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Husna Mohiuddin
[email protected]
From: Alexandra Dimitruk
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:37:41 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Alexandra Dimitruk
[email protected]
From: Kiah Summers
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:37:00 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kiah Summers
[email protected]
From: Tiro Miller
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:36:49 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a concerned member of our wider Bay Area community to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

What is happening over there demands a global, fine-grained push for ceasefire. Talking about this issue and coming down on the side of the children of Gaza creates the conditions for everyone to engage with this issue, and hopefully, learn that there is some point in engaging with elected officials. Calling for ceasefire is not just a moral imperative, it’s practically useful for you in Alameda.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Tiro Miller
[email protected]
From: Yasmeen Samy
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:34:49 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Yasmeen Samy
[email protected]
From: Katrina Grace
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:34:11 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
My name is Katrina and I am a resident of Berkeley. I have family living in Alameda and I visit Alameda often. I love this city because I have always felt that Alameda is inclusive to all that live and visit there. 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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Katrina Grace
[email protected]
From: Casey Tran
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:33:25 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I live in Oakland, but I visit Alameda nearly every weekend to go shopping, dine out, and visit the parks. 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 Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that 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, the 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 is a moral issue. As someone who visits Alameda frequently and contributes to the local economy through shopping and dining out, 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 the city to the growing list of municipalities taking a moral stand.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will consider the urgency of the situation. I believe that our elected representatives have the power to influence positive change, and I urge you to use your platform to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions the city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Casey Tran
[email protected]
From: Nasim Khan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:30:59 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Nasim Khan
[email protected]
From: Lenine Umali
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:28:44 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Lenine Umali
[email protected]
From: wendy chew
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:28:43 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
wendy chew
[email protected]
From: Muzammil Khan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:28:22 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Muzammil Khan
[email protected]
From: Sadiya Shamim
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:27:55 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sadiya Shamim
[email protected]
From: Ishaq Mohammed
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:26:55 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ishaq Mohammed
[email protected]
From: Amber Kury
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:26:44 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Amber Kury
[email protected]
From: Habiba Sarmad
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:25:53 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Habiba Sarmad
[email protected]
From: "Claire Valderama-Wallace"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:25:05 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a nurse educator who grew up here in Alameda. I went to St. Joe's K-12 and my children attend Alameda schools. I am urging you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Every second counts. Over 21,000 Palestinians have been killed - the equivalent of a quarter of our island's population. U.S. taxpayer dollars continue to fund and provide weapons, technology, and surveillance. Time and time again we see that change at the federal level and also globally begins and is compelled through local leadership and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students, colleagues, and various community members are being targeted by worsening Islamophobia, racism, and religious bigotry.

Ceasefire is a safety issue. The ongoing war in Palestine makes many of our community members less safe, including Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Jews. 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.

Thank you for your consideration.

Claire Valderama-Wallace, PhD, MPH, RN
Alameda resident and parent
Sincerely,
Claire Valderama-Wallace
[email protected]
From: Natalie Brown
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:24:34 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Natalie Brown
[email protected]
From: Deborah Sullivan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:24:31 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Deborah Sullivan
[email protected]
From: Edin Snagic
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:24:30 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Edin Snagic
[email protected]
From: "Carlos Williams-Moreiras"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:23:03 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I strongly urge the Alameda City Council to vote yes on Mayor Ashcraft's resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli state, in their commitment to the ethnic cleansing of the Palestine, has killed over 20,000 Palestinians since October 7 alone. The vast majority of the dead are civilians, including children and babies. The town of Bethlehem, birthplace of Christ, canceled Christmas celebrations this year, instead mourning the deaths of Palestinian babies at the hands of their military occupiers.

The ethnic cleansing of Gaza also does not make Jews safer. In my social circle, both Jews and Arabs are united in their condemnation of the Netanyahu administration and the Israeli Defense Forces. I have childhood friends who are Palestinian, who have had their right to return to their native land stripped from them. I have childhood friends who are Jewish who are descended from Holocaust survivors, who are aghast at what is happening in their name.

Stand with these people, and against Israel's despotism over Palestinians.

Sincerely,
Carlos Williams-Moreiras
[email protected]
From: Maya Price
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:23:02 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Maya Price
[email protected]
From: Brewster McCann
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:22:57 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Brewster McCann
[email protected]
From: Kara Fleshman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:22:48 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am deeply grateful for Mayor Ashcroft's
Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

As a resident of Alameda I will be proud to call this city home when we are able to follow Richmond and Oakland's lead in acknowledging the reality of the emminant danger facing Palestinians. It is imperative that, as citizens of a country that positions itself as the defenders of humanity worldwide while directly funding this genocide, our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

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.

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.

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 for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Kara Fleshman
[email protected]
From: Bruce Johnson
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:22:42 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. I hope our city will take a stand for peace and humanitarian efforts. I acknowledge that the situation is complicated. Ongoing war will not bring peace and safety to the people of Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, or neighboring countries. Our city of Alameda can join others around the world to demand a ceasefire as the most important first step toward peace.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Bruce Johnson
[email protected]
From: Maryam Vahedian
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:22:40 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Maryam Vahedian
[email protected]
From: Priya Chatwani
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:21:59 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Priya Chatwani
[email protected]
From: Gracie Schatz
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:21:58 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Gracie Schatz
[email protected]
From: Claudia Perkins
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:21:40 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed City Council resolution urging an immediate cease fire in the war on Gaza. Negotiations for long term peace and safety for ALL people in the region cannot begin to be successful in the midst of fighting and violent conflict.

War is terrifying and must be stopped.

In 2014, my husband and I traveled through Israel and the West Bank as part of a peacemaking conference organized by the Presbyterian Church (USA) the national body of our denomination. Beyond exploring the holy sites important to people of many faiths, we heard directly from people who are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and atheists working together for peace. The stories and perspectives shared were powerful and reinforced the complexity of the issues. But at the heart of it all are real people with hope — civilians seeking to live together peacefully. We have heard the questions and continue to learn, even if we don’t presume to have the answers or solutions necessary.

By taking a principled stand, Alameda can contribute to the collective voices advocating for peace and the protection of civilian lives.

I believe that our local elected representatives have the power to influence positive change, and I urge you to use your platform to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Claudia Perkins
[email protected]
From: Salima Adina
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:21:32 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Salima Adina
[email protected]
From: Fahmy Suboh
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:20:32 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Fahmy Suboh
[email protected]
From: Heather F
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:20:31 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a concerned member of our community to urge you to support Mayor Ashcraft’s letter calling for an immediate and permanent 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 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. I am the child of immigrants from Hong Kong while it was under British colonization, and I cannot in good conscience support any violence that Israel is perpetuating against Gazans when I imagine what my family had to go through while they lived under foreign occupation.

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. The 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 and SHOULD BE used within our own community for much needed services.

I would much rather my hard earned money going into affordable housing, food stamps, libraries, and other public programs to help my neighbors rather than commit genocide against civilians half a world away.

Additionally, Alameda is home to hundreds of union members and community members whose unions and community organizations have endorsed an immediate ceasefire.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Heather F
[email protected]
From: "Sarra AL-SAIGH"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:18:53 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sarra AL-SAIGH
[email protected]
From: Omeera Qadir
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:18:41 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Omeera Qadir
[email protected]
From: Sylvia H
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:18:20 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Ceasefire is a moral issue. My daughter attends Sunday school in Alameda and as a member of the faith community here 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 funding our community for much-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 for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions the city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sylvia H
[email protected]
From: Michelle Gutierrez
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:18:15 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Michelle Gutierrez
[email protected]
From: Anusha Allawala
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:17:32 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am a US citizen and have been residing in the bay area for 13 years. I am devastated and heartbroken over the 20,000+ casualties in Palestine caused by the Israeli armed forces.

There is pure horror unfolding in Palestine where thousands of children have become amputees or have undergone unimaginable pain and Injury without any medical aid.

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.

I believe that our elected representatives have the power to influence positive change, and I urge you to use your platform to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Dr. Anusha Allawala
Sincerely,
Anusha Allawala
[email protected]
From: Deana Hsu
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:16:38 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Deana Hsu
[email protected]
From: Hanan Masri
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:14:21 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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.

My maternal family has roots in Palestine, specifically Haifa ( we still have the address of that home but the 1948 expulsion of Palestinians resulted in the loss of that home for “ownership”) and Bethlehem. Every day I see faces which look like my family scared and pleading. Please help my family.

All social justice movements are connected by a struggle for basic liberties and dignity and rights. Black, Asian, Indigenous, Latinx, more, we are all in this together.

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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Hanan Masri
[email protected]
From: Rachael Mellows
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:12:05 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Rachael Mellows
[email protected]
From: Anm Hasan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:09:49 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Anm Hasan
[email protected]
From: Sana Sayyid
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:09:21 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sana Sayyid
[email protected]
From: Ahmad Hijazi
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:09:19 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ahmad Hijazi
[email protected]
From: Sarah Hussein
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:08:19 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Sarah Hussein
[email protected]
From: Palwasha Khatri
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:04:53 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Palwasha Khatri
[email protected]
From: Seher siddiqee
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:04:40 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Seher siddiqee
[email protected]
From: "Ray Stubblefield-Tave"
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:04:29 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am writing as a descendant of Jewish people who did and did not survive Holocaust, genocide and polgroms, and as 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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ray Stubblefield-Tave
[email protected]
From: Noor Ak
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:04:00 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Noor Ak
[email protected]
From: Mohua Ibrahim
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:03:49 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mohua Ibrahim
[email protected]
From: Dalia Al Husseini
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:03:19 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
I am Palestinian by blood, with family inside Gaza. My father was born in Jerusalam on October 1948, and my grandparents had to flee Jerusalem fearing for their life and that of their newborn (my father). Since then and for 75 years - since the establishing of an alien and terrorist Zionist state - the world has watched silently the ethnic cleasing of the native Palestinians.

My father and grandparents have passed away in diaspora. It is time for justice to prevail and for the world to step up and stop the genocide of the Palestinians - happening in full view in Gaza and the West Bank. Today is the 85th day of the Israeli onslaught on the civilians they have blockaded in Gaza: More than 21,000 civilians killed (the majority women and children), over 56,000 injured, more than 7000 under the rubble. How can anyone with a conscience remain silent?
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Dalia Al Husseini
[email protected]
From: Anabelle Ali
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:49 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Anabelle Ali
[email protected]
From: Mona Sari
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:42 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,Mona
Sincerely,
Mona Sari
[email protected]
From: Zahra Daghighi
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:42 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Zahra Daghighi
[email protected]
From: Chahid Bagdouri
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:40 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Chahid Bagdouri
[email protected]
From: Riyad Sood
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:24 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Riyad Sood
[email protected]
From: Robyn Jones
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:23 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Robyn Jones
[email protected]
From: Fatima Kazi
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:22 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Fatima Kazi
[email protected]
From: ABDUL ASHIK ABDUL WAHEED
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:20 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,

ABDUL ASHIK ABDUL WAHEED
[email protected]
From: Ahmed Ragab
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:17 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ahmed Ragab
[email protected]
From: Najma Rahman
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:09 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Najma Rahman
[email protected]
From: Nimah Haq
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:02:06 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Nimah Haq
[email protected]
From: Mossaab Bagdouri
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:01:58 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Mossaab Bagdouri
[email protected]
From: Arjmand Khan
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:00:54 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Arjmand Khan
[email protected]
From: Adam HAMADEH
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:00:45 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Adam HAMADEH
[email protected]
From: Ariff Imam
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:00:20 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Ariff Imam
[email protected]
From: Aleja Rambonga
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:00:10 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Aleja Rambonga
[email protected]
From: Mikayla Kalem
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 8:00:04 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
An outraged citizen
Sincerely,
Mikayla Kalem
[email protected]
From: Austin Tam
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 7:59:21 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 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.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about any actions our city council may take to address this critical issue.

Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Austin Tam
[email protected]
From: Julio Rios
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urging Alameda to Support a Ceasefire Date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 7:59:16 AM
Dear Alameda City Clerk,
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 Palestinian civilians, and it is imperative that our city council takes a stand for peace and humanitarian values.

Alameda City CouncilJanuary 2, 2024

Alameda City Council
January 2, 2024