From:
To: City Council
Subject: Vote No on Divisive Israel-Hamas Resolution
Date: Friday, March 29, 2024 5:04:48 PM
I am a Jewish-American Sonoma County resident who also has Israeli citizenship. I am deeply concerned about your consideration of a resolution regarding the Israel-Hamas War. I’m asking you to vote no on this resolution.
This resolution is flawed because it does not condemn the Hamas attacks of October 7 or call for the terrorist organization to be removed from power in Gaza.
You think our congressional representatives should "demand: an immediate and permanent ceasefire; release of all hostages." What an unrealistic statement! It certainly is not within your or our congressional representatives power to release hostages or create a permanent ceasefire.
Please ask Hamas to do these things.
Your resolution will not bring peace abroad, but will continue to exacerbate community tensions and increase hate targeting the local Jewish community, including me. We have witnessed it at local board meetings and even at a local grocery store. It is not right that you should add to this trouble.
To authentically support a sustained peace in the region, you should recognize that Hamas is not a partner for peace because they continue to call for the violent destruction of Israel. This is the position of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and other key stakeholders in the region.
There are many reasons why Israel is the ally of the USA. There are many reasons why I can hold both United States and Israeli citizenship. I have worked for peace personally in Israel. I want you to respect me and understand that there is a time for everything. Now is not the time for your resolution. It's your job to make your city welcoming to all.
It is my hope that you will reject this divisive resolution and instead work to ensure that Sebastopol remains a welcoming city for residents of all backgrounds. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Linda Elyad