From: David Imler
To: =yCouncil Members
Subject: Peace resolution
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 11:47:33 AM
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
My name is David Imler. I have been a resident of Brentwood for 26 years now. I am writing the city council to say please do not do any resolutions that ask for peace in the Middle East or condemn Islamophobia. When we voted for you to be in office, we voted for you to take care of our city and run our government. Last month, I watched the video on the public comments and I was horrified. I saw a lot of young people, saying from the river to the sea Palestine will be free. This is a Hamas chant that calls for the elimination of the Jews, and elimination of Israel.
Even a member of Congress got censured for saying this and it was put in the record in my city during your city council meeting. Brentwood does not need to become an Oakland Berkeley or San Francisco. Like I said, you guys were voted into our city and to not make proclamations about things happening on the other side of the world. If you make a statement saying you condemn Islamaphobia, Then what about anti-Semitism what about racism? It never ends. Just stop and do your jobs and do not feel pressured by people to do this. You don’t speak for me and a lot of other people in this town. I haven’t been engaged in government as much and Brentwood I should have, but if any of you vote for this I will work on the next election with your opponent , like I said, I don’t need Brentwood becoming like these other cities. Let’s stop the division and just get on with business.
Thank you
David Imler
Sent from my iPhone
2 hostages need to be exchanged for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, as was done successfully before the current ceasefire ended.
Thank you for taking into account those of us in the Jewish community who stand with others in the community in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a first step in addressing the root causes of violence in the Middle East, which includes Israel's military occupation.
Please don't hesitate to call me with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ellen Brotsky
writing on behalf of the JVP-Bay Area chapter
On Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 3:40 PM Iyas Sartawi wrote:
Hello council members Mendoza and Pierson
Based on the community showing up on City of Brentwood council meeting, on Nov 14, 2023 and community members making dozens of public comments demanding the city issues a proclamation supporting a cease fire in Israel/Palestine.
As Mayor Bryan calling for proclamation on behalf of humanity and life, council member Pierson suggesting a a proclamation on anti-islamophobia and encouraging peace in the middle east, and council member Mendoza supporting a ceasefire proclamation;
As we sent earlier a suggested proclamation with much stronger language and where we have interest in calling for saving lives, we are partnering and in alliance with Jewish Voice for Peace-Bay area (Rabbi Lynn, and Ellen copied in this email). As well as Joy Hamilton who belongs to interfaith group in East Contra Costa County, as well, representatives of the Muslim community of Brentwood, and bunch of local democrats and activists, we are sharing another version of the proclamation that only focuses on the casualties on both sides and asking for this ongoing war to stop to save lives, which is more like a mediation between council members Mendoza and Pierson, hoping both can support it.
Everyone I shared this suggested language with, thought it was fair and balanced.
Below is the suggested proclamation, I shared the google doc link and also copied it in the email for easier access.
Thank you
-Iyas
https://docs.google.com/document/d/108FyjgNQpAqLYjuq5sr cukaUZL92nEE7pEciaHmnuU/edit?pli=1 3 Community Support for BCC Solidarity
Resolution
docs.google.com
Resolution Affirming Brentwood City Council Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Adopted on Dec xx 2023
WHEREAS, all life is precious and the City of Brentwood's official motto “Love Life" calls on elected officials and residents alike to protect life and stand united against violence; and WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood condemns the recent rise of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, racist, and xenophobic attacks in our city and across the nation, including the doxxing of elected officials, students, professors, journalists, and others speaking truth to power; and WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood advocates for the safety, dignity, freedom, and equality of all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and WHEREAS, over one thousand people in Israel and more than sixteen thousand Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in a matter of weeks, of whom over six thousand are children; and as incursions in the West Bank cities, towns, and refugee camps continues; and WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long history and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed; and
WHEREAS, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with each passing day, with the only remaining hospitals running out of fuel and medical supplies, and over 1.5 million Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and WHEREAS, international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Rescue Committee, and many others have made a call for a ceasefire in order to prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and
WHEREAS, sixty six percent of American voters support a ceasefire, according to an October 20th, 2023 Data For Progress poll1 , and want to see the U.S. leverage its diplomatic relationships “to prevent further violence and civilian deaths"; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the City of Brentwood supports U.S. Congress Resolution H.R.786 and joins other cities in calling on our Congress Members to demand: an immediate ceasefire; release of all hostages, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, 4 electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza; and the respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to city councils in the San Francisco Bay Area, the offices of Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, State Senator Nancy Skinner, Governor of California Gavin Newsom, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, U.S.
Senator Laphonza Butler, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. President Joe Biden, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to take immediate action to use their position and influence to end violence.
IN COUNCIL, BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA
--
Ellen Brotsky
2 Community Support for BCC Solidarity
Resolution
docs.google.com
Resolution Affirming Brentwood City Council Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Adopted on Dec xx 2023
WHEREAS, all life is precious and the City of Brentwood's official motto “Love Life" calls on elected officials and residents alike to protect life and stand united against violence; and WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood condemns the recent rise of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, racist, and xenophobic attacks in our city and across the nation, including the doxxing of elected officials, students, professors, journalists, and others speaking truth to power; and WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood advocates for the safety, dignity, freedom, and equality of all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and WHEREAS, over one thousand people in Israel and more than sixteen thousand Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in a matter of weeks, of whom over six thousand are children; and as incursions in the West Bank cities, towns, and refugee camps continues; and WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long history and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed; and
WHEREAS, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with each passing day, with the only remaining hospitals running out of fuel and medical supplies, and over 1.5 million Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and
WHEREAS, international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Rescue Committee, and many others have made a call for a ceasefire in order to prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and
WHEREAS, sixty six percent of American voters support a ceasefire, according to an October 20th, 2023 Data For Progress poll1 , and want to see the U.S. leverage its diplomatic relationships “to prevent further violence and civilian deaths"; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the City of Brentwood supports U.S. Congress Resolution H.R.786 and joins other cities in calling on our Congress Members to demand: an immediate ceasefire; release of all hostages, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, 3 electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza; and the respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to city councils in the San Francisco Bay Area, the offices of Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, State Senator Nancy Skinner, Governor of California Gavin Newsom, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, U.S.
Senator Laphonza Butler, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. President Joe Biden, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to take immediate action to use their position and influence to end violence.
IN COUNCIL, BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA
2 If there is anything I can do to help, any questions, anything please reach out you all have my email and my number will be listed below.
Sumaya Alkatib,
On Dec 11, 2023, at 7:17 PM, Ellen Brotsky wrote:
Dear Iyas and Brentwood City Council Members,
Iyas - thank you for copying me on the resolution you have drafted for the City Council. This resolution is a simple and objective resolution calling for a ceasefire. I understand there have been some further changes and that the focus remains on calling for a ceasefire.
I'm writing on behalf of Jewish Voice for Peace, Bay Area, a chapter of the national organization Jewish Voice for Peace. Jewish Voice for Peace, both locally and nationally, represents the growing numbers of members of the Jewish community who support U.S. Congress Resolution H.R. 786 and the call for an immediate and permanent cease fire. Recent polling shows that 66% of Americans support a ceasefire, and Jews are well represented among that 66%. The Israeli government's war on Palestinians in Gaza must end now, and our government must use its influence with Israel to bring about a permanent ceasefire. Local elected officials can help this happen by passing resolutions at the local level, responding to their constituents who want the violence to stop.
Many of us are grieving Israeli loved ones who were murdered on October 7th, many of us are grieving or terrified for Palestinian loved ones texting their goodbyes from Gaza right now. We are Jews who refuse to allow our grief to be used as justification for the murder of children and innocent people by Israel. We are committed, because of our grief, to pressure our elected officials to do everything in their power to implement a ceasefire.
Those of us in the Jewish community who support a ceasefire need those outside of the Jewish community to stand with us in calling for a ceasefire rather than giving into the hate and violence that some in the Jewish community have responded with, which leads them to oppose a ceasefire. Calling for a ceasefire also provides important support for our Arab, Palestinian and Muslim neighbors who are facing increased Islamophobia due to the situation, just as we Jews face increased antisemitism.
We oppose the narrative being promoted by some in the Jewish community that passing a ceasefire resolution is anti semitic or unsafe for Jews. An immediate and permanent ceasefire is the only way to bring about an end to violence and to bring about safety for everyone in the region. Criticism of Israel which is based on its past and present actions is not anti semitic.
There is no military solution to the current situation. A ceasefire provides the only opportunity to bring the Israeli civilian hostages held in Gaza home safely - we listen to the families of the Israel hostages who are calling for a ceasefire and who have adopted the slogan "Everyone for Everyone", meaning that Israeli civilian hostages need to be exchanged for Palestinians held in Israeli jails, as was done successfully before the current ceasefire ended. 3 Thank you for taking into account those of us in the Jewish community who stand with others in the community in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a first step in addressing the root causes of violence in the Middle East, which includes Israel's military occupation.
Please don't hesitate to call me with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ellen Brotsky
writing on behalf of the JVP-Bay Area chapter
On Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 3:40 PM Iyas Sartawi <[email protected]> wrote:
Hello council members Mendoza and Pierson
Based on the community showing up on City of Brentwood council meeting, on Nov 14, 2023 and community members making dozens of public comments demanding the city issues a proclamation supporting a cease fire in Israel/Palestine.
As Mayor Bryan calling for proclamation on behalf of humanity and life, council member Pierson suggesting a a proclamation on anti-islamophobia and encouraging peace in the middle east, and council member Mendoza supporting a ceasefire proclamation; As we sent earlier a suggested proclamation with much stronger language and where we have interest in calling for saving lives, we are partnering and in alliance with Jewish Voice for PeaceBay area (Rabbi Lynn, and Ellen copied in this email). As well as Joy Hamilton who belongs to interfaith group in East Contra Costa County, as well, representatives of the Muslim community of Brentwood, and bunch of local democrats and activists, we are sharing another version of the proclamation that only focuses on the casualties on both sides and asking for this ongoing war to stop to save lives, which is more like a mediation between council members Mendoza and Pierson, hoping both can support it.
Everyone I shared this suggested language with, thought it was fair and balanced.
Below is the suggested proclamation, I shared the google doc link and also copied it in the email for easier access.
Thank you
-Iyas
https://docs.google.com/document/d/108FyjgNQpAqLYjuq5sr cukaUZL92nEE7pEciaHmnuU/e dit?pli=1
4 Community Support for BCC Solidarity
Resolution
docs.google.com
Resolution Affirming Brentwood City Council Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People
Adopted on Dec xx 2023
WHEREAS, all life is precious and the City of Brentwood's official motto “Love Life" calls on elected officials and residents alike to protect life and stand united against violence; and
WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood condemns the recent rise of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, racist, and xenophobic attacks in our city and across the nation, including the doxxing of elected officials, students, professors, journalists, and others speaking truth to power; and
WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood advocates for the safety, dignity, freedom, and equality of all people, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and WHEREAS, over one thousand people in Israel and more than sixteen thousand Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in a matter of weeks, of whom over six thousand are children; and as incursions in the West Bank cities, towns, and refugee camps continues; and
WHEREAS, the City of Brentwood recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long history and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed; and WHEREAS, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with each passing day, with the only remaining hospitals running out of fuel and medical supplies, and over 1.5 million Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and
WHEREAS, international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Rescue Committee, and many others have made a call for a ceasefire in order to prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and WHEREAS, sixty six percent of American voters support a ceasefire, according to an October 20th, 2023 Data For Progress poll1 , and want to see the U.S. leverage its 5 diplomatic relationships “to prevent further violence and civilian deaths"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the City of Brentwood supports U.S. Congress Resolution H.R.786 and joins other cities in calling on our Congress Members to demand: an immediate ceasefire; release of all hostages, the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza; and the respect for international law; and calls for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to city councils in the San Francisco Bay Area, the offices of Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, State Senator Nancy Skinner, Governor of California Gavin Newsom, U.S.
Representative Barbara Lee, U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. President Joe Biden, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, urging them to take immediate action to use their position and influence to end violence.
IN COUNCIL, BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA
--
Ellen Brotsky