From:
To: City Council
Subject: Israel-Hamas ceasefire
Date: Friday, February 16, 2024 10:33:09 PM
Members of the Sebastopol City Council,
I am writing you to respectfully urge the council to reconsider passing any resolution related to a ceasefire, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, due to the deeply concerning underlying themes of antisemitism that often accompany such resolutions. While the pursuit of peace is noble, it is imperative that we do not inadvertently perpetuate harmful stereotypes or contribute to the delegitimization of Israel, which has historically been a safe haven for Jewish people facing persecution.
I am urging you to move item 4 of the consent calendar into the regular agenda. Rather than being routine, this resolution stands in opposition to the policies of the Biden Administration, the State Department, and our Senators and Congressional representatives. If the Council wishes to speak on behalf of the City of Sebastopol in this manner, it should only do so after open public discussion.
With gratitude,
Kathleen Harer