CORRESPONDENCE
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Jomsky, Mark
Subject:FW: For Monday's Meeting
From: Rivas, Jessica
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 8:52 AM
To: Harvey-Williams, Brenda
Subject: For Monday's Meeting
Good Morning Brenda,
Please see attached for two draft resolutions for consideration on Monday night:
1. Resolution drafted by Pasadena for Peace, which is made up of residents who have been attending our council meetings and asking us to take up such a resolution.
2. Alternative that I drafted for the Council's consideration.
Please confirm that both will be included with the agenda.
Thank you!
Jess
Jessica C. Rivas
Councilmember, District 5
City of Pasadena
1 WHEREAS, all human Life is precious, and the targeting of civilians, no matter their faith or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law; and WhlEREAS, Palestinians living in Gaza are being killed at an unprecedented rate. Over 38,000 Gazans - including at Least U,350 children - have been killed or continue to be missing under the rubble - in 193 days, meaning l child in Gaza is killed every 10 minutes.
Over 300 medical workers and over loo journalists have been killed, ProportionaLto population, the death toll in Gaza is the equivalent of about 3.1 million American deaths, In addition, over 71,000 Gazans are wounded, and over 7,000 are missing under the rubble; and
WHEREAS, the Government of The State of Israel has bombed civilian entities indiscriminately, destroying or damaging: at Least two-thirds of all homes in northern Gaza; 28 hospitals and 256 medical facilities; 70% of schools; over 600 places of worship; bakeries; refugee camps; roads; and other essential infrastructure,1 This has destroyed access to food, clean water, heaLthcare, shelter, and sanitation essential to human life and caused mass displacement of as many as 90% of Gazans; accelerating the Loss of Life to infectious diseases and starvation, both of which are 100% preventable; and WHEREAS, the Israeli Defense Forces have blocked the entry of United Nations convoys carrying critical Lifesaving supplies, such as food, water, and medicine to the central and northern portions of Gaza; and
WHEREAS, on October 26th, the United Nations General Assembly, in a near unanimous vote, called for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire; and WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk if a permanent ceasefire is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and WhlEREAS, the Federal Government holds immense diplomatic and financial appropriations powers to save Palestinian and Israeli Lives; therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Pasadena, CaLifornia calls upon our US Congressional delegation, both in the Senate and House of Representatives, to join us in - i) urging the Biden administration to immediately call for a permanent ceasefire and facilitate de-escalation to urgently end the current violence; and 2) calling upon the Biden administration to demonstrate Leadership and heed the wiLL of the vast majority of the American people and promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance -at the scale needed- into Gaza, including restoring funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA), 3) calling upon the Biden administration to end military support to Israel and shift funding 1https://euromedmonitor.org/en/category/19/lnfographic
2 toward funding essential social services programs here at home.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Pasadena, California supports all of its residents and condemns ati forms of racism, bigotry, and discrimination, including antisemitism and IsLamophobia.
BE IT FURTH ER RESOLVED that the Council asks the bodies' staff that copies of this resolution be quickly forwarded to the President of the United States and our Congressional Delegation,
2 Enter "Pasadena, CA" for specifics on how our city's tax dollars could be spent on social services - https://uscpr.org/activist-resource/us-military-funding-to-israel-map/ Jomsky, Mark
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Michele Browning <
Thursday, March 14, 2024 1:21 PM
Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark; Gordo, Victor Jason Moss; Rabbi Goldstein
Resolution Regarding Israel
!3
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Dear Mayor Gordo and Council Members,
I am writing to you with deep concern regarding theproposed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. While I understand the importance of peace and humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, it is crucial to address the root cause of the conflict and not simply call for a ceasefire without considering the context.
Israel, a sovereign state, has been subject to unprovoked attacks from Hamas. It is imperative to acknowledge that Israel did not initiate these hostilities; rather, they have been defending themselves against relentless aggression. To blindly call for a ceasefire without condemning the initial acts of aggression against Israel is unjust and only serves to perpetuate the cycle of violence.
Furthermore, the situation in Gaza is compounded by the ongoing hostage crisis. Innocent civilians, including young children, are being held against their will. The fact that these hostages are from Israel should not diminish the urgency of their plight. Every life is precious, and it is our moral obligation to stand against such atrocities regardless of nationality.
By advocating for a ceasefire without addressing the underlying issues and the plight of the hostages, we risk ignoring the fundamental principles of justice and human rights. It is crucial that any resolution or action taken by our esteemed council reflects a balanced understanding of the situation and upholds the values of fairness and accountability.
Please understand that we as Jews in Pasadena right now are not okay. My daughter has been attacked on her middle school campus for being Jewish and even wearing my Star of David has created very uncomfortable and unkind situations and conversations. It is frightening.
I urge you to reconsider the resolution and instead focus on promoting dialogue, condemning acts of aggression, and advocating for the safe release of all hostages. Only through a comprehensive and principled approach can we hope to achieve lasting peace and justice in the region. 1 Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will carefully consider the concerns raised.
Sincerely, Michele Browning, M.Ed. CMHS, CSML
2 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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brutchey
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 7:32 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark ceasefire resolution for March 18 city council meeting
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My family and I are congregants of Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center ( ., Pasadena, CA 91107). I learned that the Pasadena City Council will put a resolution for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict on the upcoming agenda for March 18. I am squarely against this action.
We should all be deeply disturbed by how local ceasefire resolutions across the country have unleashed the worst behavior in these communities - including at public hearings that invoke dangerous antisemitism - including the denial of (1) the facts of Oct. 7, (2) the legitimacy of the existence of Israel, and (3) the basic human rights of Jews. Such hearings do not advance peace. They do not make local Jewish communities safer. Rather, they put Jewish citizens in these communities at further risk of emotional and physical harm. Do not let this happen in Pasadena.
I urge you to be thoughtful in how you use your platform in the City of Pasadena so as not to do more harm than good and to hold the whole of your local communities' needs in your decisions. Local government bodies should focus on local matters and should not adopt official positions on political issues that are not local to them, as is the case in this situation.
Please include my comments in the public record.
Sincerely,
Richard L. Brutchey, Ph.D.
1 McMiIlan, Acquanette (Netta)
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John Carlton
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 3:03 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Proposed Resolution on Ceasefire in Gaza
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This is in response to the proposed resolution callingforan immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to be considered at the Council's March 18, 2024 meeting.
The City of Pasadena has no jurisdiction, expertise, or even information to justify a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Such a ceasefire, without condition, would amount to a victory for the terrorist organization Hamas, which would remain capable of further pursuing its avowed mission of destroying Israel. On October 6, 2023, there was a ceasefire in effect between Israel and Hamas. Hamas broke that ceasefire on October 7, with the rape, butchery, murder and kidnapping of Israeli civilians. Hamas knew Israel would be forced to respond, and they had spent years preparing for such a response, hlamas diverted internationalfundingand aid to Gaza from the civilian population for which it was intended, to the building of a vast tunnel system specifically sited under hospitals, schools and markets so as to use the population above as human shields. What government does that to its own people? Israel's response was both justified and necessary to protect itself. The conflict was initiated by hlamas, and could end tomorrow if Hamas would only surrender and release the hostages it kidnapped from Israel. Responsibilityfor all the human suffering in Israel and Gaza since October 7-for every dead Israeli and Gazan, for the thousands who have been wounded in the conflict, for every hungry child and broken family - lies solely with hlamas.
The City of Pasadena has no business passing a ceasefire resolution. Such a resolution would inevitably exacerbate anger and division within the city, while accomplishing nothing of substance, and I urge you to vote "No" on the resolution. Nevertheless, if the council should decide to pass such a resolution, it should be directed to the one party who brought on the conflict and can end it unitaterally-Hamas.
Please include this in the public record.
John L. Carlton
Pasadena, CA91104
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Sterling Cross
Thursday, March 14, 2024 12:17 PM
Jomsky, Mark
Vote NO
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I urge you and City Council Members to vote "No" on the anti-lsrael resolution calling for a cease-fire and censure of Israel. Such a vote will damage my own personal feelings that the City of Pasadena has a good and healthy relationship with the Jewish Community. In my view, it could damage the trust that the Jewish community has that we can count on the city for security and could damage the positive relationship we have with the city. I, personally, urge you to vote "No."
Respectfully,
Sterling Cross
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Melissa Eaves
Thursday, March 14, 2024 10:00 AM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Jomsky, Mark; PublicComment-AutoResponse March 18 City Council Meeting
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Dear Council Members,
I read that there is an agenda item at the upcoming meeting to discuss a resolution regarding the situation between Israel and Gaza. Pardon my frustration but I do not understand what possible relevance that issue, halfway across the globe, has to the running of our city. I object in the strongest terms to the inclusion of this or any issue that has no bearing on our city. If individual residents are passionate about that situation there are an ample number of ways they can enlist their support for one side or the other.
Melissa Eaves
District 6
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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DaphAtHome
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 8:05 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark March 18 City Council meeting Israel issues
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Dear City Council and City Clerk,
Please vote NO on the issue before you March 18 to weigh in on social/political issues that are not local to Pasadena. If you move forward on voting whether Israel should call for an immediate cease fire, please again, vote NO.
As we have seen in other cities, resolutions like these cause fear and division and make it harder for citizens to work together for common local interests.
I am a South Pasadena resident, but an active member of Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, in fact a Board member there (but I speak for myself in this email). We have a large social justice group there that is very involved in helping the needy in Pasadena. We do our part, please don't ostracize us.
I've watched our local (South Pas) school board pass resolution after resolution in solidarity with Black Lives matters, LGBT +, Armenians, Ukraine etc .... and each time felt that they should have focused on the education of our youth rather than picking some causes to express solidarity with and others to ostracize (by not expressing solidarity). They passed no resolution after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting or of course after the torture and slaughter events of October 7th in Israel. Silence. The harassment and antagonism of Jews is somehow becoming accepted now because of the erroneous oppressor vs. oppressed framing of the state of Israel and I urge you NOT to encourage this further by weighing in on Israel in a negative way.
Thanks.
Daphna Enzer
South Pasadena, CA 91030
1 Jomsky, Mlark
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Rabbi Stephen Epstein <m
Thursday, March 14, 2024 2:47 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Jason Moss; Rebecca Russell
Resolution regarding Pasadena City Council holding a single agenda item meeting to discuss this current conflict between Israel and Hamas
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Dear Members of the Pasadena City Council:
This meeting and its agenda item just came to my attention.
I am the rabbi at Temple Sholom of Ontario in Ontario, California. Even though we are not in your community, this item greatly affects us as it does all Jews everywhere. It is very unfortunate that our fellow Jews and others in Israel have come under physical attack and many have been murdered, taken hostage and died fighting for their country and their lives.
It is even more unfortunate that some vilify and denigrate the Jewish people and hold them responsible for this unprovoked and brutal attack. This is nothing more than antisemitism at its worst. Clearly, any other country would be supported in its mission to eradicate an enemy that brutally murdered innocent civilians. And it is even more outrageous that people are blaming Israel, the clear victim who is by international law defending themselves and making sure this doesn't happen again.
Even beyond this, consider all the actions that the Israel Defense Forces is taking to keep any collateral civilian casualties in Gaza to a minimum; in fact, statistics bear out the claim that fewer civilians have died as a result of the fighting than any other war since these records have been kept. Consider also that they have achieved this while fighting an enemy that wears no uniform or any other distinguishing emblems to separate them as an army separate from civilians.
On behalf of my congregation, my people, and my fellow human beings, I implore you to do the right thing and support Israel in its effort to defeat these terrorists and restore order and prosperity to the region.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Stephen Epstein
Shalom & B'Tzelahah,
Rabbi Stephen Epstein uiyin'-|i 'pNiny 'n
Rabbi at Temple Sholom of Ontario
Serving San Bernardino and Southwest Riverside Counties and Surrounding Areas [email protected]
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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< Erika Foy
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 5:59 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason
Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark; PublicComment-AutoResponse March 18 City Council
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Good afternoon-1 understand there will be two resolutions on Monday's meeting agenda about the Israel/Hamas ceasefire conflict. I agree with the Jewish Federation that local government bodies should stay focused on local matters and should not adopt official positions on national political issues. I do agree that moments like these actually cause more division and make it hard to reach the common goal of pursuing a high functioning city which provides the services we need to live our lives. I have been noticing that many on council have been spending more time on national issues instead of caring for their actual responsibility of municipal concerns. In fact, I have been keen to notice an uptake in more graffiti, empty tree wells, trash and snarled traffic in our streets. Please stay focused on keeping a really fine city at its finest rather than focusing on national issues that will not result in any gain for us as Pasadena residents with your participation. You could spend all day doing this with so many issues if you decide to take a stand. It won't stop. Erika Foy
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Grant Gelberg
Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:10 AM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Opposition to Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
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Dear Mayor Gordo, City Council Members, Mr. Marquiz, and Mr. Jomsky, I'm a resident of Pasadena and I write in opposition to a potential city council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Our city is a vibrant, inclusive community. Yet, we face a number of challenges, from declining enrollment at PUSD to the homelessness crisis. It is in Pasadena's best interests for the Council to focus on these pressing local issues while leaving complex foreign policy and security debates to the federal government. For that reason, I urge you to oppose any resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Best,
Grant Gelberg
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Maureen Eagle Gelberg
Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:43 AM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Opposition to resolution calling for a ceasfire
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Dear Mayor Gordo, City Council Members, Mr. Marquiz, and Mr. Jomsky, I'm a resident of Pasadena, and I am writing to oppose a potential city council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Our city is a diverse and inclusive community, and I believe that voting for a ceasefire would create division. It is in Pasadena's best interests for the Council to focus on these pressing local issues while leaving complex foreign policy and security debates to the federal government. For that reason, I urge you to oppose any resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Thank you,
Maureen Gelberg
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Yael Hartstein
Thursday, March 14, 2024 9:20 AM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; hlampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Please Vote NO on Ceasefire
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Honorable Mayor and Esteemed City Council of Pasadena,
I am writing to request that you vote NO on the resolution regarding a Ceasefire in the war in Gaza. I am a very concerned resident of Los Angeles with deep and abiding ties to your great city. As an attorney, I am honored to represent business clients headquartered in Pasadena and I enjoy the incredible cultural offerings of your city, including my favorite Norton Simon Museum, and the terrific restaurants and shops in Old Town. I travel to Pasadena for excellent medical care, and each year my family and I look forward to attending the famed Rose Parade.
Advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza without conditioning it on the release of all hostages and the surrender of the hlamas terrorist group is immoral and unjust. On October 7, the Jewish people endured their most horrific mass slaughter, rape and pillaging since the Holocaust. Moreover, scores of innocent children, women, and elderly civilians remain in captivity as hostages in Gaza, and thousands of Israeli citizens remain uprooted from their homes due to ongoing missile strikes in Israel. Israel has responded by defending itself from further attack by Hamas, who has repeatedly promised to engage in further slaughter, rape and kidnapping of civilians until Israel no longer exists as a Jewish homeland and the only democracy in the Middle East. Voting on a resolution for an unconditional ceasefire sends a signal to all Jews in your city and beyond that the City Council of Pasadena would be content if October 7th were repeated endlessly until all the Jews in Israel are slaughtered. The resolution would also likely increase antisemitism in Pasadena and beyond.
If your desire is to express solidarity with innocent Palestinian civilians who are suffering greatly in this war (which is a goal that I also share), I respectfully suggest that you consider resolutions asking Egypt, Jordan and other neighboring countries to open their doors and provide a safe haven to innocent women and children as is customary and expected in wars, including the ongoingwar in Ukraine. Moreover, perhaps your city could sponsor Palestinian refugees from the war as many United States cities did with Syrians fleeing the horrors of the Assad regime (which I don't recall that you condemned).
Please considerthat a ceasefire resolution may tarnish the reputation of your great City (and that of the famed Rose Parade) as well as your standing as ambassadors of tolerance, respect and inclusivityforall peoples. I personally would not feel comfortable continuing my deep ties to your City if the resolution passes.
Respectfully,
YaeLHartstein
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Ariela Kaspi
Thursday, March 14, 2024 8:43 AM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Confronting Atrocities: A Municipal Stand Against Acts of Terror and Human Rights Violations Targeting Israeli Civilians, Especially Women I Some people who received this message don't often get email from 8 .earn why this is imDortant
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Honorable Members of the city Council of Pasadena,
I must preface my remarks by cautioning that I will reference several severe incidents, so please be prepared.
The heinous acts perpetrated by Hamas, which has been labeled a terrorist organization by the United States on three occasions, on October 7, 2023, under the pretext of "Liberating Palestine from Jews," constitute a terrifying terror campaign, characterized by genocidal actions, crimes against humanity, and breaches of wartime laws.
The group's intentional dissemination of their violent deeds, particularly the strategic use of sexual violence against civilians as underscored in a recent UN report, has appalled people worldwide. Among these egregious acts, the abduction of women, whose destinies are yet to be determined and who may be suffering unspeakable torments even as we gather here, serves as a grim indicator of the nature of these assaults.
The international community, including the United Nations and UN Women, has vocally condemned these atrocities, pointing out the profound human rights and dignity violations involved.
Moreover, it is essential to delve deeper into the specific barbarities linked to sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023. It has been reported that women and girls were subjected to rape, assault, and mutilation in a sequence of actions condemned by the global community, including the Federal government, The United Nations, and UN Women. These actions have been recognized as war crimes and crimes against humanity, underscoring a serious breach of human rights and dignity.
A particularly distressing narrative, highlighted by the New York Times, involves a woman horrifically mutilated. I offer a caution due to the graphic nature of this account - it describes a woman being "torn to pieces" while being raped; meanwhile, another assailant used a box cutter to sever her breast. 1 An eyewitness recounts: "While one continued the assault, another tossed her breast around as if it were a plaything, eventually discarding it onto the street,"
The witness added that the assailants also cut the woman's face before she disappeared from view. Concurrently, she witnessed the rape of three other women and the terrorists holding the severed heads of three additional women.
These testimonies shed light on the magnitude, range, and distinct nature of the sexual violence executed during the attacks, emphasizing the urgent need for a strong international response to denounce and address such acts of savagery.
Be aware this video is hard to watch but all true, some recorded and distribute by Hamas themselves:
https://m.facebook.com/storv.php?story fbid=pfbidOinhr86mDq9EJmbvRHJwqESEYvrflzE8zi1flwkQihWqTuZu Y2pufUF9P75Q6EzcxE2ml&id=665299038&sfnsn=mo&mibextid=RUbZ1f Now, five months past these events, I am puzzled and concerned about why our city has yet to officially repudiate these deeds. This raises a critical inquiry about our position and obligations, not only as a municipal authority but as part of the international community committed to upholding human rights and dignity.
In light of this, I propose two potential directions for our council to consider:
1. Denounce Hamas's Actions: By taking this route, we would officially criticize the October 7 attacks, aligning our city with the worldwide denunciation of terrorism, genocide, and the exploitation of sexual violence. Such a declaration would affirm our collective commitment to humaneness, justice, and peace, unequivocally denouncing such cruelty.
2. Concentrate Solely on Municipal Matters: On the other hand, we could adopt a resolution that reaffirms our dedication solely to local governance, stressing our primary duty to our constituents and the immediate needs of our city. This approach would highlight our commitment to areas within our direct control, recognizing our jurisdictional limits while focusing our endeavors on areas where we can affect the most significant change. This approach follows a recent resolution by Claremont.
If our council opts not to focus exclusively on local matters and feels equipped to delve into global issues alongside the federal government, it is crucial to also express our stance on other notable international conflicts needing attention.
This includes the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the situation of the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, China, and the conflict in Ukraine, all of which are pivotal issues on the global stage. Articulating our position on these issues will ensure a holistic approach to our involvement in international human rights and geopolitical matters.
As Hamas continues to reject a ceasefire agreed upon by the US and Israel, insisting on its original charter's call to "Free Palestine of Jews" and advocating for Jihad, we must remain dedicated to our local community. I appreciate your attention and commitment to judicious governance.
2 Jomsky, Mark
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Yossi Lipsker
Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:55 AM
Jomsky, Mark
Do NOT give into anti-lsrael activism that wants to destroy Israel .s
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City councils should stay out of Middle East
policy issues
Pasadena is the latest city to take up a Hamas-lsrael ceasefire resolution
Pasadena City Hall under cloudy skies, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
a
By JASON MOSS
PUBLISHED: March 13, 2024 at 6:05 p.m. I UPDATED: March 13,2024 at 10:53 p.m.
Since October 7, following Hamas' unprovoked attack on Israel, where terrorists killed over 1200 innocent people and kidnapped 253 people, city councils all across the country have received requests to adopt resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Let that sink in for a moment. People are demanding that city councils, whose public mandate is to be responsible for enacting city policies and laws, weigh in on an international issue as nuanced and complex as the decades-long fight between Israel and Palestinians. These requests require each city, with limited expertise and resources, to address a foreign issue they have no legislative authority over, ultimately taking their attention away from addressing issues that are affecting their city. In essence, city councils are being used to spread anti-Israel sentiment in a large public forum.
This latest effort has now hit Pasadena, with the city council deciding to take up this issue at its March 18 meeting.
While well-intentioned, what city councils fail to recognize is that these resolutions do far more harm than good. Not only do they infer Israel is the root cause of all of the death and destruction in Gaza, they imply that Israel has no interest in peace. Resolutions like this do not account for the fact that if Hamas 1 immediately returned all of the hostages they stole on October 7; the death and destruction would end.
Nor do they demand that Hamas stop its actions from preventing the humanitarian aid from reaching the people in Gaza who so desperately need it. These resolutions also tend not to mention that it was Hamas that broke an existing ceasefire on October 6 when they attacked Israel on October 7.
People don't seem to realize that in this latest round of negotiations, Israel has accepted the terms of a ceasefire laid out by negotiators. But Hamas has continually refused. How can Israel be held responsible for there not being a ceasefire when its adversary continues to prevent it from happening?
Often, unbeknownst to city councils, these ceasefire efforts are a means to a further end. Those who are calling for an immediate ceasefire are using this moment to litigate the past and elevate the ongoing struggle of Palestinians. Many supporters' ultimate goal is to further alienate Israel and continue to delegitimize Israel's right to exist through accusations and claims that Israel is an apartheid state or committing genocide. The Jewish community has continued to witness and experience an increase in hate speech and incidents that have targeted Jews these last several months since many people consider Jews to be Israel's proxies. Thus, these efforts further embolden more hate towards Jews along with those who do not support the ceasefire movement.
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Newsom recall proponents try to keep him off the road to the White House Who's to blame for high gas prices? California's Democratic politicians should look in the mirror.
California lawmakers must act now to reverse the state's insurance crisis President Biden's corporate tax proposal is economically foolish, populist nonsense •
Bill Essayli: Voters deserve a strong opposition party in Sacramento, not a cozy uniparty I understand that people are looking for ways to make a difference and end innocent lives being lost. However, if our congressional leaders, let alone professional negotiators, who are far more knowledgeable than any of us on this issue and intimately know each of the players at the table and have been in the room for the past several weeks, have been unable to pressure each side to agree to the terms of a ceasefire, what makes Pasadena's City Council (or any other city council who is considering similar action) think their symbolic gesture will make it happen? It won't, and these efforts will continue to tear apart the fabric of our society further.
For these reasons [and several others), I urge Pasadena's City Council, as well as any others considering a resolution of their own, to refrain from supporting these efforts and leaving international issues to the experts.
Jason Moss is the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, an organization that serves as the Jewish voice for the community, whose mission is to build community by strengthening and enhancing Jewish lifewithin the greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
2 Jomsky, Mark
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PublicComment-AutoResponse
Fw: Support a Ceasefire Resolution
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Dear Mayor Gordo and City Council members,
I am very grateful that the Council listen to the voice of the people and will consider a Ceasefire Resolution next week. As you know, I strongly support a Ceasefire Resolution because I believe the current cycle of violence needs to stop; violence will only beget more violence, not solve the problem of how Israelis and Palestinians must learn to coexist peacefully.
A Ceasefire Resolution will send a message to Washington that our city, the city known around the world as the City of Roses, stands for peace and justice in Israel/Palestine. It will show that we care about protecting lives—those of the hostages and the roughly one million children who live in Gaza— and seek to address the underlying drivers of this conflict, including decades of institutionalized oppression and collective punishment of Palestinians through brutal military occupation and a 17-year Gaza blockade.
A Ceasefire is a first step towards a a just and lasting peace, which will benefit not only Israel/Palestine but the whole Middle East, and indeed the whole world. As Dr. King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
Anthony Manousos
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Gregg Mashberg _ __ jm>
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 7:58 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; [email protected],· Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Gaza Ceasefire Resolutoin
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Dear Mayor Gordo, Vice Mayor Madison, Members of the City Council hlampton, Williams, Jones, Masuda, Rivas, and Lyon and City Manager Marquiz and City Clerk Jomsky, I am writing regarding the agenda item for the March 18 meeting calling for a ceasefire in the Israel- Hamas war.
I urge you not to consider this item. It has nothing to do with the Council's business or responsibility to the citizens of Pasadena. I would urge you to reject the effort to emmesh the Council in a contentious international issue unrelated to your responsibilities as local government officials. This agenda item is transparently an effort to advance a national public relations campaign having nothing to do with Pasadena.
There are innumerable compelling issues around the world one could attempt to "localize" to advance a particular narrative. Thus, if you considerthe matterofGaza,whynotthewarin Ukraine orthe Huthis attacking international shipping in the Red Sea? Are you prepared to debate and vote on a resolution regarding China's treatment of the Uyghars? How about the persecution of Christians in sub- Saharan Africa? The List, unfortunately, is endless. It's inconceivable that the Council would allow itself to be manipulated in this fashion. Please table the proposed resolution.
I am only going to make a brief reference to the subject of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel can no longer Live with Hamas terrorists using Gaza as a staging ground to murder, rape and kidnap its citizens, as Hamas proudly did on October 7, all on Go-Pros. Hamas has promised there wilt be many more October 7s if it survives this war. That's the cause of all the death and destruction in Gaza.
This terrible war would stop instantly if Hamas released all of the Israeli hostages and laid down its arms. There would be no invasion of Rafah or other further offensive action by Israel. There would be no need for a temporary ceasefire. But this is not what Hamas wants. Hamas is using the death and suffering of Gazans as its greatest weapon in its effort to demonize and detegitimize the Jewish state.
Whether you agree with what I'm saying is not the point. I return to my opening remarks: Please, please, keep Gaza out of Pasadena.
You may enter this email in the official record.
Thank you for your attention.
1 Respectfully,
GreggMashberg
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91 011
2 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Ron Mendelsohn
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 10:15 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark March 18 City Council meeting
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Dear Pasadena City Council members,
I understand that on Monday March 18 the Pasadena City Council will be addressing the issue of drafting a possible resolution regarding the Israel/Hamas conflict.
As a resident of Pasadena, I wish to express in the strongest terms my opposition to this proposal.
The Israeli /Palestinian conflict is a highly divisive issue that has been an ongoing struggle for a long time. City action on a ceasefire resolution will not affect any change, but instead will likely further tear the community apart at a time when the council should be doing what it can to bring the community together.
I urge the council to direct their energy and attention to issues that directly impact the City of Pasadena rather than on international issues that are the purview of the U.S. federal government.
Thank you for your attention.
Respectfully,
Ronald A. Mendelsohn
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Rob Mor
Thursday, March 14, 2024 1:11 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Provoking Violence in Pasadena
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Hello Team Pasadena,
I am a Pasadena resident and community member of the Chabad of Pasadena.I am alarmed that you plan to move forward with a request to adopt a resolution for an immediate cease-fire in Israel. This opens up a door for violence against Jewish people in our community. I already do not feel safe when I am on campus at Chabad of Pasadena because our elected officials do not unequivocally support Israel's right to defend itself, remove and destroy Hamas at all costs, and return all Israeli hostages safely to their homes.
Your vote for a ceasefire is void of logic. You are in-fact hurting Palestinians, hurting Jews and other pro-lsrael supporters in your neighborhood, and provoking more anti-semetism in Pasadena.
Truly curious - have any of you ever visited Israel? If so, I'd love to have a conversation with you over the phone or in person. My father is Israeli - my aunt and two uncles live there -1 have hundreds of cousins living in Israel. I have been to the country a dozen times. A ceasefire puts my Israeli family in more danger. A ceasefire puts my family and I in danger here in Pasadena. A ceasefire without the total elimination of Hamas, will result in more bloodshed on both sides and more wasted US Taxpayer money.
Please consider a different approach on March 18th. Or simply put - stay out of international issues and focus on Pasadena -your city.
Kindly,
Rob Mor
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Anne-Marie Otey
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 4:49 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Please refrain from ceasefire resolution
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Dear Mayor Gordo, Council members and staff:
I am a longtime Pasadena resident, homeowner, voter and union member.
I am deeply concerned that the council may take up a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Hamas/lsrael War.
On the surface, calling for a ceasefire may seem like a centrist and compassionate thing to do.
Unfortunately, the pattern of these measures is to incriminate Israel, ignore the role of Hamas in rejecting peace overtures, and create a dangerous atmosphere for Jewish residents.
As a citizen who is active in local and state politics, and often comes to testify at Pasadena and other City Councils, I also feel that it is not appropriate to bring up a measure on foreign affairs, no matter what its content.
We face many challenges in Pasadena, and I urge our local government to take care of local issues.
These include affordable housing, economic development, climate change, green space and quality of life/crime, including rampant mail theft.
I urge you to vote "No" if this resolution comes up on the City Council agenda; and to consider putting forth another resolution stating that the council will focus on issues that directly affect the City of Pasadena and its residents.
Sincerely,
Anne-Marie Otey
Pasadena, CA91107
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Penina Segall , ^_^
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 9:22 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Request for Pasadena City Council to keep resources local and not weigh in on non- local political issues
image3.jpeg; images.png; imageG.jpeg; imageO.jpeg; imaget.png; image2.png Some people who received this message don't often get email fromLearn why this is important CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....
Dear Esteemed Counsel Members,
My name is Penina Segall. I was born at Huntington Memorial Hospital in 1974 and have essentially resided in Pasadena since. I am a physician and thus have working knowledge of our city's resources.We rely on the city to help with local issues that affect our community such as public health, housing/homelessness, parks and recreation, public works, and fire/emergency services.
There is a growing mob of disruptive individuals who neither live nor reside in Pasadena that seem to be obsessed with going to multiple city council meetings to spread their misguided ideologies which essentially attempt to divert resources such as staff time to craft resolutions regarding the current crisis in the MiddleEast. Some of these individuals (including James "Jaime" Gutierrez a "civil rights attorney" and his wife Yasmin Cardona who live in Glendora and work in Pomona) not only have no ties to Pasadena, but also have no ties to the Middle East other than a chronic history of anti-semitism (see track record from facebook posts below).
While everyone wants peace in the Middle East, these "Immediate Ceasefire" resolutions do not acknowledge the October 7th attacks that prompted the current war.nor do they actually directly or indirectly benefit anyone in Palestine However, these resolutions have caused division in communities and lead to a rise in antJ-Semitic acts and attacks at synagogues and in schools.
At the City Council meeting in China Hills on Monday March 12th, City Manager Benjamin Montgomery estimated that the CityofChino Hills has utilized $40,000 in city funds via Listening and respondingto public comments about this issue as the aforementioned group has appeared at 4 consecutive meetings demanding this "Immediate Ceasefire" resolution prompting the city to adopt a resolution that the City Council only address items overwhich the city had jurisdiction.(video available at https.7/chinohillsca.new.swagit.com/videos/299806)
Out of respect for the people of Pasadena and the unique strengths and challenges we face, I want to keep our home from being the next target of this troublesome group. Although they initially had some "success" when they took up space and appeared in West Covina and Rancho Cucamonga calling for the same thing, the city of Azusa recently did notagendacize it because of the commotion that was made by these individuals inthecityClaremont. Both CLaremontand Chino Hilts recently made resolutions to not weigh in on non-local issues as advised by their staff.. 1 I encourage the city councils to not to weigh in on social and political issues that are not local to Psadena so that the city can focus on its own residents and their needs.Pasadena has enough to deal with locally and does not have the research nor expertise to make informed decisions about issues halfway around the globe.
I urge you to join Azusa, China Hills, and Claremont in not succumbing to their rhetoric and to stay neutrat on international political issues that do not directly affect the residents of Pasadena.
Thankyou,
Penina Segall, MD, MSc, FAAFP
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McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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SHAWN PAPER
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 3:27 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Hamas/lsrael Ceasefire resolution
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Dear Mayor Gordo and Councilmembers,
As a business owner in our great City of Pasadena, I am deeply concerned that the council may take up a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Hamas/Israel War.
I believe that local government bodies should stay focused on local matters and should not adopt official positions on political issues that are not local to Pasadena, let alone any other city in our community. As we have seen in other cities, resolutions like these cause fear and division and make it harder for citizens to work together for common local interests.
I urge you, for the sake of the common good, to put forth another resolution stating that the focus of the council needs to be on issues that directly impact the City of Pasadena and not issues that are the purview of the US Federal government.
Please vote yes on a resolution to focus on local issues only.
You may admit this email as testimony in the upcoming hearing.
Sincerely,
Shawn Paper
Shawn Paper | Effie Street Filmworks
Pasadena | Los Angeles
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Esther Posin _..--...-...._...
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 7:19 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Israel/Hamas Ceasefire Resolution
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Dear Council Members,
Anti-Semitism is rising at alarming rates. As a Jew whose family members perished in the Holocaust, I respectfully ask that you do not go ahead with your resolution regarding the Israel/Hamas crisis. Such a resolution could serve to further promote anti-semitism. My children and grandchildren are Pasadena residents so this is really hitting home for me.
Please do not vote for this resolution.
Sincerely,
Esther Posin
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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> Stuart Posin
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 4:19 PM
Madison, Steve
Jomsky, Mark
Pasadena Should Not Participate in Global Politics
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Hi Steve,
I hope you are well.
It has been brought to my attention that the Pasadena City Council is considering a resolution on Monday, March 18 that concerns the unfortunate situation in Israel and Gaza. While we can all agree war is bad and all lives are sacred, it seems to me the limited resources of the City of Pasadena should be spent on issues directly concerning the residents of Pasadena. Pasadena and City Council members can't be adequately informed of all the facts and the discussions taking place at the highest levels of government. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to reject the resolution and focus your time, and the city's time, on local issues.
Thank you,
Stuart Posin
Pasadena, CA 91105
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Lisa Shah
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 11:21 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Gaza Ceasefire
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Dear City Council members of the City of Pasadena , I am urging you to be on the right side of history, and pass a resolution for immediate cease fire in Gaza. Innocent civilians are trapped in the so called safe zone in Rafah and are being slaughtered through Israeli bombs and other military actions that have nothing to do with Israel's safety or right to defend itself. We cannot support, as people of conscience, any of these heinous acts.
Sincerely,
Lisa Shah
Retired School Teacher
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Victor Zlotnicki
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 3:59 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark March 18 City Council meeting
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I would like to share my opinion on the proposal to pass a resolution on ceasefire in Gaza during the March 18 City Council meeting.
I live in Altadena and do most of my personal business in Pasadena (shopping, praying, doctors, hospital/ restaurants, movies, shows).
Opining on current international conflicts such as the Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, or civil wars such as those in Siria, Somalia and elsewhere, requires knowing the history behind the conflict and the behaviour of the parties. I doubt a City Council meeting with several hopefully local issues on the agenda allows the time to bring forth the relevant information to provide council members with the necessary background to pass an informed resolution.
In my personal opinion, local government should be focused on local issues that affect our daily quality of life, issues that councilmembers are already intimately familiar with.
Also, the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has reasonable local people divided based on family, religious and other affiliations. Hence a resolution requesting any action by one party without requesting actions from the other party is likely to be highly divisive of the local community. I doubt that is what we really want in Pasadena.
I request that this opinion be made part of the public record.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Victor Zlotnicki
,Altadena,CA 91001
1 McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Thinker 62000
Thursday, March 14, 20244:35 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public comment
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Hello
I am deeply saddened by the ongoing violence in Gaza. Both Hamas' attack on Oct 7th and the 5 months of Israel's inhumane treatment of civilians, indiscriminate and violent bombing and starvation of the civilians have been appalling.
Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace. We have seen over and again that this cannot be achieved through repeated cycles of bloodshed. I urge you to oppose the transfer of more weapons of war, which would only intensify this already terrible conflict. Instead, please publicly call for a permanent ceasefire, regional de-escalation, restraint, and respect for international law to prevent further civilian harm. Children are literally starving to death. How does this constitute self defense ? We need to get aid in before it's too late. The port proposed by Joe Biden will take months. It will be too late for the children of Gaza who are innocent. Aid trucks are waiting outside and can be easily let in.
I urge you to prioritize the protection of all civilians by urgently permitting humanitarian aid into Gaza, fully funding UNRWA (the U.N. agency supporting Palestinian refugees) for which there turned out to be no evidence against them in the end and other aid operations, and working to secure the release of hostages.
We must act to protect lives—those of the hostages and the roughly one million children who live in Gaza—and seek to address the underlying drivers of this conflict, including decades of institutionalized oppression and collective punishment of Palestinians through brutal military occupation and a 17-year Gaza blockade.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Rana Kaleel
Sent from my iPhone
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Rachel Deitsch _.-..—..^-3...-...—.-i>
Thursday, March 14, 2024 4:12 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; h-1ampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Upcoming city council meeting regarding ceasefire resolution Some people who received this message don't often get email fromi why this is important ^\] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you frnowthe content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council-
I am a Pasadena resident and I would like to share that I am much opposed to the council's intention to adopt a resolution in response to the war in Gaza. I do not believe it is within the purview of the council to take positions on situations outside of the city, never mind outside the country. This seems like a polarizing over-reach that will only further escalate tensions and possibly endanger groups that have been targets for expressions of hatred in the past.
I urge you to vote NO to adopting any resolution regarding the Gaza war.
Thankyou-
Rachel Schmidt
Pasadena
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Carrie Jordan
Thursday, March 14, 2024 4:01 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark Resident Concerns: Ceasefire Resolution Agenda Item
II Some people who received this message don't often get email from rs is imoortant it
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Dear Pasadena City Council Members,
As a lifelong Altadena/Pasadena resident, I am writing to urge you to refrain from weighing in on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a ceasefire resolution at the March 18 City Council meeting. While I, personally am in favor of ending the death and suffering of innocent people, this is a highly divisive global issue and despite being well-intentioned, it would undoubtedly deepen divides within our local community when unity should be the priority.
Your efforts would be better focused on addressing pressing local concerns and fostering an environment of understanding for all Pasadenans. By concentrating on initiatives that directly impact our city's well-being, we can strengthen the bonds that unite us.
I respectfully request that my comments be included in the public record. Thank you for considering my perspective and serving our community.
Sincerely,
Carrie Jordan
ListerLto the ParentWhvs Podcast HERE
x
Carrie K Jordan
1 Jomsky, Mark
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Jesse Duker
Thursday, March 14, 2024 3:58 PM
Gordo, Victor; Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark The Right Thing (Israel/Palestine)
Some people who received this message don't often get email fromiy this is important ^] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more.... hlello Mayor Gordo and Members of The City Council,
As a long time resident of Pasadena, I wanted to share with you how concerned I am that you are considering a ceasefire resolution on Israel/Patestine.
There are three reasons for this:
1. It is a poor use of City resources. This is purely symbolic, and ultimately unhelpful to the residence of Pasadena regardless of the outcome (for or against a cease fire).
2. My first cousin, Sara Duker, was murdered by a Hamas Terrorist in a suicide bus bombing in the 1 990's.
She was an American, and just happened to get on a bus in Jerusalem which was targeted by a terrorist who killed over 40 innocent people-men, women, and children. The victims of the bus bomb were Jews, Christians, Muslims, and non-believers alike. This is what Hamas does, and will continue to do if left able to operate.
3. I was recently in Israel for solidarity trip. I sat with hostage families who still have loved ones held in captivity by Hamas against their wills and any sense of human dignity. I spoke with 1st responders to the Nova Music Festival who shared how they cannot sleep because they cannot get images of pregnant women who has they wombs flayed open by Hamas terrorists, and their unborn babies were found with knives stuck through their heads. Or the doctors who told me how traumatic it was to care for the rape victims that survived (so many didn't) who were found with nails, glass, and knives shoved in their vaginas and left for dead. I saw much on that trip, all of which made it perfectly clear to me that Israel must eliminate hlamas, for the sake of the Israel and Palestinian people alike. Hamas' continued existence guarantees more Oct 7th attacks in the future, and a vote for cease fire is an unintended support of future terrorist attacks.
Thankyouforyour consideration, and I urge you to focus back on important City business.
Jesse
Jesse Duker
1 Jomsky, Mark
From:
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Subject:
Peter Braun < •
Thursday, March 14, 2024 3:57 PM
Madison, Steve; Gordo, Victor; Jomsky, Mark; Marquez, Miguel; Lyon, Jason; Rivas, Jessica; Masuda, Gene; Jones, Justin; Williams, Felicia; Hampton, Tyron Re: Hamas / Israel Resolution
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Mayor Gordo and City Council Members:
I would like to amend my previous memo to you all and would urge that the City vote no on any official position on such political issues that are not local to the City of Pasadena.
Thank you.
Professor Peter Braun
Adjunct Assistant Professor (retired)
USC Suzanne Dworak - Peck School of Social Work
On Thu, Mar 14, 2024 at 3:39 PM Peter Braun <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Mayor Gordo and Councilmembers:
I write to you as a longtime resident of Pasadena, having lived here for over 40 years. I have been very involved in the civic affairs of our City, including as a member of the Human Relations Council.
It is my understanding the City Council will be considering a resolution regarding the Israel / Hamas War this coming Monday. There are so many issues that our City is dealing with from public schools to public health, from water usage to public safety, and beyond. I urge our City Council not to take official positions on such political issues that are not local to our City. Official positions such as this one to be proposed regarding a foreign policy concern should be considered at the Federal level, not at the municipal level.
I urge that the City Council not adopt an official position on such political issues that are not local to our City. I would add that such resolutions in other cities have caused division and have made it more difficult for citizens to work together for shared local interests.
Please vote yes for such a resolution.
You may admit this email as testimony in Monday's City Council Meeting.
Professor Peter Braun
Adjunct Assistant Professor (retired)
USC Suzanne Dworak - Peck School of Social Work
1 Jomsky, Mark
From:
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R.J.
Thursday, March 14, 2024 4:59 PM
Rivas, Jessica
Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Gordo, Victor; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Lyon, Jason; Marquez, Miguel; Jomsky, Mark
Against the Cease Fire Resolution on the table for Pasadena City Council Vote scheduled for Monday March 18 - Vote NO!
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Hi, Councilperson Rivas (and all other Pasadena City Council persons and team members), Greetings, we have been in touch before on other city issues but will keep my request short and to the point.
You represent me and the area that I live in, in the city of Pasadena.
I am 100% opposed to the Pasadena City Council, adopting a "Cease Fire Resolution" in the currentconflict in Israel, between the Israelis and the Hamas Terrorist organization.
Please do not vote to adopt the resolution which I see as being anti-Semitic in its nature and origin.
I am not sure why this particular measure is on the slate for the Pasadena City Council as it is not an issuedirectly impacting Pasadena, however, if the decision is to go forward and vote, please vote NO! Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Rolfe Jones (RJ)
1 Jomsky, Mark
Subject:FW: Keep Local Politics Local
From: Ralph Brekan
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 4:11 PM
To: Gordo, Victor
Cc: Madison, Steve; Hampton, Tyron; Williams, Felicia; Jones, Justin Subject: Keep Local Politics Local
Dear Mayor Gordo and esteemed members of the Council,
It has been brought to the attention of the Jewish community at large that the council has discriminately opted to take up a policy resolution outside the scope and jurisdiction of your roles as elected city officials.
Not only is the premise of this resolution a farce against a sovereign state, but you are not in a position to bully state leadership in Sacramento, let alone attempt to bully an international sovereign state. You are not authorized to compel any military force to act against Israel. You should be aware that those council members who presented this resolution made unfounded, unconstitutional, and unethical demands of City leadership.
I am scouring the City Charter to see if these participants should be censured or removed from office.
By refusing to address local issues (i.e. Article xviii of the Pasadena city Charter) and to gaslight the San Gabrial populous by addressing this feigned concern for the wives and children of foreign terrorists, you tread on hallowed ground that will certainly come pay back in retribution come election season.
I cannot speak for the Jewish community at large. I can only speak as a free and sovereign citizen. I sincerely request you stand up against the communist fronts that are pressuring you with feigned humanitarian concerns, those who use the poor Palestinian children as pawns for scoring local electoral points. In doing so, those elected officials will lose reelection.
Instead of concerning myself with feigned compassion for those living in a distant land, I focus on real compassion for real people right here in Pasadena. I suggest you all do the same. That's what we hired you. It's just a job; you can be replaced.
In the end, you are makingfoolsof yourselves by addressing an issue over which you have no jurisdiction; nor forum to enforce this ideologically corrupt resolution presented. By addressing issues outside your jurisdiction. The City of Pasadena, you are effectively gaslighting the community, ignoring the enactment of meaningful community policies white stoking ethnic resentment and anger against Jews in your community.
I'll leave you with the words of Rabbi Meir Kahane:
"Truth suffers fools for a while and then rudely returns them to reality." Rabbi Meir Kahane
Kahanewas right. I hope and pray every one of you steers yourselves back onto a course that proves you care more about the people here in Pasadena than the terrorists in Gaza.
This was sent with the highest respect for each of you. I see you all as free and sovereign citizens; duly elected public officials. This email presents my official position on this bogus resolution. 1 Kindest regards,
Ralph Michael Brekan
producer/manager
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