TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND FROM: Councilmember Cohen
CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR EXCUSED DATE: 3/22/2023
ABSENCE
RECOMMENDATION
Excuse my absences from the Regular Meeting of the San Jose City Council on March 21, 2023, and the Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee on March 22, 2023. due to the following:
Authorized City Business:
Location: Various locations in Israel
Meeting Dates: March 17-27, 2023
Purpose: For over 20 years, JCRC’s Israel Seminar has hosted leading Bay Area elected officials, civic/community leaders, nonprofit directors, and other change makers. The trip has been described as “life-altering” and “deeply moving” by past participants, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Treasurer Fiona Ma, Mayor London Breed, City Attorneys David Chiu and Barbara Parker, Senator Scott Wiener, and 200+ other Bay Area leaders. The Seminar involves a 9-day trip to Israel and the West Bank. Key themes include: 1) engaging with changemakers on social and economic issues relevant to the Bay Area; 2) deepening understanding of Israel’s geopolitical challenges and relationships; 3) exploring different dimensions and viewpoints on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The trip includes a visit to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) and exploration of Israeli water policy, including desalination. Jewish Community Relations Council is a 501(c)3 organization in good standing with the State of California.
Illness
Death of a close family member
Other: Personal Travel
COUNCIL AGENDA: 3/28/2023
ITEM: 2.4