I am an Oakland resident concerned by the proposed resolution about the Israel-Hamas War, which is scheduled to be discussed at the November 27 special council meeting.

I join JCRC Bay Area in expressing my dismay that the resolution is silent about Hamas terrorism. The resolution calls for the end of regional violence with an immediate ceasefire, but says nothing about the atrocities of Hamas, which massacred entire Israeli villages. On October 7, Hamas terrorists raped, tortured, and murdered innocent civilians and has already threatened to do it again. Its removal from power in Gaza is a necessary condition for a long-term ceasefire to result in peace

In addition, and as we witnessed at the November 7 council meeting, I’m concerned that provocateurs will take advantage of this forum to spread division and spew hate. In past meetings, public comments have invoked antisemitic tropes about Jewish money, ahistorical and insulting claims that Jews are not indigenous to Israel, and false accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing. I ask you to take the proper steps to protect all attendees and condemn hateful and antisemitic rhetoric heard during public comment in real time.

Everyone must feel safe and welcomed to attend the meeting, and we demand the resolution be amended to condemn Hamas and call for its removal from power.