As an A2 resident, and rabbi of a 110 year old A2 synagogue, I oppose the City Council weighing in on international affairs, because it divides neighbor from neighbor, which is why, for good reason, the City Council does not make resolutions about the human rights violations of China and many Arab countries, including Hamas's persecution of LGBTQ Palestinians, because to do so encourages labeling and bias against Ann Arborites with ties to those countries. I also oppose the language of "ceasefire" which erases justified self-defense of Israelis, making it seem, falsely, like Israel is the aggressor. Nevertheless I honor that you has refrained from rash statements under pressure; & I see that you, like me, are feeling the tremendous grief and hurt of all A2 residents with ties to Israel/Palestine. The pain is unfathomable, and words are often all we have to express compassion. I see that these words are your sincere attempt at expressing compassion for the hurting residents of our city.
I am a public health professional who works in the City of Ann Arbor. I support this resolution for the City of Ann Arbor to call for a ceasefire. The people of Gaza are facing an unjust public health crisis without healthcare, food, water, or sanitation and there is no hope for their survival without a ceasefire.
Dear Council Members and fellow community members,
I'm not currently an Ann Arbor resident but have lived in Ann Arbor for 10 yrs and my place of employment is located here. We shop at the same stores, dine at the same restaurants. My kids attend the same schools. I walk through the same aisles at the local grocery store hearing a parent-child exchange and smile at the same giggly toddler. I witness strangers help dig cars out after a snow storm. These daily actions know no color, race or religion. I am proud of this community, namely for the rich diversity of it's people and friendships I have made. Tonight you are asked to consider a resolution that calls for a ceasefire to stop the atrocities. You must consider this simple call to action. Your neighbors, your colleagues, your friends are impacted. This resolution calls for bilateral ceasefire, release of hostages, and humanitarian aid. Simply put, we must take a stand on the same side of humanity as we do every day. Thank you
Hello Council Members:
I am a resident of Ann Arbor for over 20 years. I came here from South Africa after having grown up under oppression, subjugation and discrimination. That experience has taught me that violence begets violence and hate begets hate. THe A2 community is witnessing what we experienced in SA. We have growing division, hatred and misstrust spreading though our civil life.
The impact of the current situation will be felt for generations where it will continue to fester and explode repeatedly in cycles. This is similar to other city councils that also have diverse constituents and challenges but understand the Long term impact of NOT calling for immediate Ceasfire and an end to hostilities.
There are over 10 other city Councils who have paved a succesful pathway forward. You are being asked to make a MORAL stand. Please follow their lead and help your community grow in a positive NOT negative direction. Please vote YES to this important Resolution. Thank You.
Peace, my name is Peggy Harp, resident of Ferndale Mi. Pass the resolution for a cease fire in Palestine. We cannot continue to bomb our way to peace. We can no longer be complicit for the murder of innocent civilians including children. A ceasefire is the only way to create safety for the people of Israel and Palestine. Thank you and be well.
My name is Molly Pershin Raynor and I'm a proud Jew and life-long Ann Arbor resident. I am devastated by the way our US government is funding and supporting Israel's genocide of the Palestinian people the way my people were once ethnically cleansed and murdered. Council members, what side of history will you be on? I am asking you all to courageously lean into your humanity instead of making decisions out of the fear of being called antisemetic. Please pass the resolution for an immediate ceasefire.
As an A2 resident, and rabbi of a 110 year old A2 synagogue, I oppose the City Council weighing in on international affairs, because it divides neighbor from neighbor, which is why, for good reason, the City Council does not make resolutions about the human rights violations of China and many Arab countries, including Hamas's persecution of LGBTQ Palestinians, because to do so encourages labeling and bias against Ann Arborites with ties to those countries. I also oppose the language of "ceasefire" which erases justified self-defense of Israelis, making it seem, falsely, like Israel is the aggressor. Nevertheless I honor that you has refrained from rash statements under pressure; & I see that you, like me, are feeling the tremendous grief and hurt of all A2 residents with ties to Israel/Palestine. The pain is unfathomable, and words are often all we have to express compassion. I see that these words are your sincere attempt at expressing compassion for the hurting residents of our city.
I am a public health professional who works in the City of Ann Arbor. I support this resolution for the City of Ann Arbor to call for a ceasefire. The people of Gaza are facing an unjust public health crisis without healthcare, food, water, or sanitation and there is no hope for their survival without a ceasefire.
Stand together in stopping the massacre. Support the ceasefire
Dear Council Members and fellow community members,
I'm not currently an Ann Arbor resident but have lived in Ann Arbor for 10 yrs and my place of employment is located here. We shop at the same stores, dine at the same restaurants. My kids attend the same schools. I walk through the same aisles at the local grocery store hearing a parent-child exchange and smile at the same giggly toddler. I witness strangers help dig cars out after a snow storm. These daily actions know no color, race or religion. I am proud of this community, namely for the rich diversity of it's people and friendships I have made. Tonight you are asked to consider a resolution that calls for a ceasefire to stop the atrocities. You must consider this simple call to action. Your neighbors, your colleagues, your friends are impacted. This resolution calls for bilateral ceasefire, release of hostages, and humanitarian aid. Simply put, we must take a stand on the same side of humanity as we do every day. Thank you
Hello Council Members:
I am a resident of Ann Arbor for over 20 years. I came here from South Africa after having grown up under oppression, subjugation and discrimination. That experience has taught me that violence begets violence and hate begets hate. THe A2 community is witnessing what we experienced in SA. We have growing division, hatred and misstrust spreading though our civil life.
The impact of the current situation will be felt for generations where it will continue to fester and explode repeatedly in cycles. This is similar to other city councils that also have diverse constituents and challenges but understand the Long term impact of NOT calling for immediate Ceasfire and an end to hostilities.
There are over 10 other city Councils who have paved a succesful pathway forward. You are being asked to make a MORAL stand. Please follow their lead and help your community grow in a positive NOT negative direction. Please vote YES to this important Resolution. Thank You.
Peace, my name is Peggy Harp, resident of Ferndale Mi. Pass the resolution for a cease fire in Palestine. We cannot continue to bomb our way to peace. We can no longer be complicit for the murder of innocent civilians including children. A ceasefire is the only way to create safety for the people of Israel and Palestine. Thank you and be well.
My name is Molly Pershin Raynor and I'm a proud Jew and life-long Ann Arbor resident. I am devastated by the way our US government is funding and supporting Israel's genocide of the Palestinian people the way my people were once ethnically cleansed and murdered. Council members, what side of history will you be on? I am asking you all to courageously lean into your humanity instead of making decisions out of the fear of being called antisemetic. Please pass the resolution for an immediate ceasefire.