From:
To: City Council; Mary Gourley
Subject: Please pledge your vote of support for a ceasefire resolution! Date: Sunday, March 17, 2024 6:57:54 PM
Esteemed City Council Members,
My name is Justine Epstein. I have been a resident of Sebastopol since 2016, and am a local voter. I am also Jewish.
I am writing today in support of the proposed ceasefire resolution, and implore you to vote YES.
This ceasefire resolution calls for an end to all armed hostilities on both sides, a return of all hostages, and for long-term peace work to be prioritized in Israel/Palestine. Now is the time for clear and decisive action in support of longterm peace solutions, not military solutions. If Sebastopol passes this resolution, we will join a long list of cities in support of a ceasefire (including Cotati, Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco); we will set an example for the rest of Sonoma County. This action will be part of Sebastopol's legacy; if it fails, this will also be part of "Peacetown's" legacy.
I recognize that this is a difficult decision. Many people are in opposition to this resolution. There is a lot of fear here, particularly from Jewish residents, and as a Jew I feel empathy for those residents. But this resolution does not endanger or promote violence towards anybody, internationally or locally. This resolution promotes peace.
I ask you to please take a stand for the peace and dignity of all innocent civilians, in both Israel and Palestine. Please consider voting in support of this resolution at the next meeting.
Sincerely,
Justine Epstein
Sebastopol, CA 95472