Council resolution honors Jewish American Heritage Month
on Wednesday, the boston City Council passed a resolution honoring Jewish American Heritage Month, which also condemns antisemitism and islamophobia, one week after the council passed a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the war in Gaza.
twelve councilors voted in favor of the resolution Wednesday; Councilor Julia Mejia was absent.
Councilor ben Weber, the body’s sole Jewish member, sponsored the resolution along with council president Ruthzee louijeune.
in introducing the resolution Wednesday, Weber recognized several notable Jewish American figures, their accomplishments, and their contributions to history. He also noted the long history of discrimination oct. 7 has brought about a rise the Jewish American population in antisemitism — that is not to has faced in the United say that criticisms of the israeli States, the trauma Jewish people government are per se antisemitic, around the world experienced because they are not,” as a result of the oct. 7 attack Weber said. “We voted for a by Hamas and its aftermath, cease-fire, return of all the hostages, and the complexity of the and resumption of humanitarian ongoing conversation about the aid last week, because war in Gaza. this body is able to hold in
“in great numbers Jews have its heart the suffering of all the demonstrated for israel and the innocent people who are being return of hostages,” Weber said. killed in the Middle east.” “Many have also joined encampments Several councilors spoke in and marches in support of the resolution, to elevate protests calling for an immediate the names and legacies of cease-fire and call for an end prominent Jewish Americans, to the occupation by the israeli acknowledge the Jewish community’s government.” history of advocating
Weber emphasized the importance for marginalized groups, and of including language speak against increasing discrimination.
nd in the resolution that “calls out hate,” including islamophobia “it is important that we and the rise in antisemitism in guard against and denounce recent years. rising antisemitism as we do in
“i, for one, have no doubt this resolution, and oftentimes, that the attack by Hamas on it’s the same groups that are committing antisemitic attacks that are also engaged in antiimmigrant behavior, that are engaged in anti-black behavior, that are ingrained in racism,” louijeune said.
Councilor ed flynn had also filed a resolution condemning antisemitism for consideration during Wednesday’s meeting. flynn was one of two councilors to vote against last week’s resolution calling for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in the war in Gaza, for Hamas to return all hostages, and for the israeli government to release all administrative detainees. He emphasized that the cease-fire resolution did not explicitly mention the oct. 7 attack by Hamas on israel.
flynn ultimately voted in support of Weber’s resolution.