From: Rhea Varley
To: Beth Redfern
Subject: FW: City Council Meeting today
Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 12:29:12 PM
From: Deborah Kallick
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 12:18 PM
To: Stacy Atkins-Salazar <[email protected]>; Meredith Matthews <[email protected]>; Alex Stillman <[email protected]>; Sarah Schaefer <[email protected]>; Kimberley White <[email protected]>; Rhea Varley <[email protected]>
Subject: City Council Meeting today
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Dear City Council Members,
I appreciate that residents want to see peace and compassion in the world. But I urge you not to mistake one-sided political theater for meaningful action.
First, the claim of “ethnic cleansing” or “starvation as policy” is not only factually disputed but inflammatory. Using such language demonizes Israel and, by extension, the Jewish community here in Arcata. This rhetoric does not build peace — it erases the suffering of Israeli civilians and fuels division in our own city.
Second, urging CalPERS to divest from Israel is not “bold.” It is illegal under California law for a city council to direct CalPERS investment policy. It also highlights a troubling double standard: CalPERS invests in dozens of countries with far worse human rights records — China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, to name only a few. Yet the only country singled out for divestment is the world’s only Jewish state. That is not principled, it is discriminatory.
Third, passing one-sided resolutions on foreign wars does nothing to “end this conflict.” City councils cannot bring about ceasefires. What you can do is protect the unity of Arcata and ensure all residents feel respected. By elevating only one narrative, the Council risks alienating Jewish residents who are already grieving and fearful in the face of rising antisemitism.
True compassion is not selective. It means acknowledging the suffering of civilians in Gaza and in Israel, and rejecting rhetoric that demonizes one people while excusing others. If this Council chooses to speak, it should do so with balance — or better yet, focus on the pressing local needs within its jurisdiction.
Respectfully,
Deborah Kallick and members of Shalom Humboldt
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Deborah A Kallick, PhD
Create the Future