Esteemed City Council Members,
My name is Alex Freedman, and as a Sebastopol resident and American Jew, I am writing to urge city council members to support a permanent ceasefire resolution.
As a Jewish person, I find it unconscionable that the world would stand by and allow the ongoing violence and human rights violations perpetrated in Gaza. The death, starvation, and displacement of civilian non-combatants, children, and families is not justifiable, and we can act now by supporting long-term peace solutions. Sebastopol can be on the right side of history and join a long list of cities in support of a ceasefire (including Cotati, Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco) and set an example for the rest of Sonoma County. I want to be proud of the city where I live, knowing that it aligns with my values as a Jewish person – protecting all human life, not just Jewish lives.
Please reconsider the previously proposed ceasefire resolution, which 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. Advocating for the safety and basic rights of Palestinians and all innocent civilians is not antisemitic or threatening Jewish well-being, and I align with many of my Jewish colleagues, friends, and citizens in taking a stand against the ongoing atrocities of war, wherever it takes place. I implore you to hear Jewish voices for peace and do the same.
Please consider putting a ceasefire resolution back on the agenda, and voting YES at the next meeting.
Sincerely,
Alex R. Freedman
Sebastopol, 95472