From:
To: City Council
Subject: Sebastopol Resident for Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:05:49 AM
Dear City Council Members,
My name is Janelle Libertone and I am a Sebastopol resident and voter. I am emailing in support of the proposed ceasefire resolution, and implore you to vote YES! I live here, work here, and run a local birding group here. I want to be proud of where I live and want my city to represent peace locally and internationally.
Please join the other cities who have already adopted a ceasefire resolution and pave the way for more peacemakers across the US and in Sonoma County.
Sebastopol has supported many international peace initiatives in the past -- notably, opposition to the war in Ukraine, with our sister city Chyhyryn. We have a precedent for supporting international peace initiatives.
This ceasefire resolution is balanced -- it 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 long-term peace solutions.
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 I feel empathy for those residents. But this resolution does not endanger or promote violence towards anybody, internationally or locally. This resolution promotes peace.
Peace unites us, it doesn't divide us. War divides us.
I implore you to do the right thing and 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.
Thank you,
Janelle Libertone
Sebastopol, CA 95472