Opinion: Local Jewish advocacy group urges cities to avoid “performative” and “divisive” ceasefire resolutions

Image by Stefano Bertolotti

Since October, 15 U.S. cities (4 in California) have passed resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. San Francisco recently joined the list, on the heels of a heated Board of Supervisors public forum. Below, the Bay Area's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) warns cities against schismatic foreign policy resolutions that sow discord and discrimination, but don't impact foreign politics.

On November 27, over 30 million people witnessed the unprecedented chaos that took place as the Oakland City Council considered a resolution about the Israel-Hamas War. The meeting featured over five hours of public comment plagued by antisemitic jeering, the perpetuation of conspiracies, and a general lack of decorum.

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The Oakland resolution and similar government actions have continued to fan the flames of hate and antisemitism in the Bay Area. Since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks and as the Israel-Hamas war continues, we have witnessed ongoing attacks on the Jewish community including:

• Vandalism of Jewish businesses

• Swastika and threatening graffiti in public spaces

• Antisemitic bullying of Jewish students

• Chants at rallies inciting violence against Jews

• Distribution of flyers with antisemitic conspiracy theories

And still, outside groups are working to spread more hate by advocating for other Bay Area cities to adopt divisive resolutions about the Israel-Hamas war.

Instead of amplifying hate and division, please urge your City Council to lead with empathy and ensure all local residents feel supported and welcomed. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has impacted so many members of our community, and non-binding, performative resolutions will not bring peace. During times of crisis, elected leaders must work to bring people together – not tear us apart.

This article originally appeared in the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area. Read the whole thing here.

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