Late-Night Vote Addresses Conflict and Condemns Hate Speech
In a late-night vote, The Santa Monica City Council passed a resolution supporting the resumption of a negotiated bilateral ceasefire in Gaza and reiterating the City’s condemnation of all antisemitism, anti-Arab racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate and incitement to violence. The resolution was proposed by Councilmembers Jesse Zwick, Caroline Torosis, and Gleam Davis.
At 9:35 p.m., Mayor Phil Brock announced that 136 people had signed up to make public comments and, because of that, comment time was limited. While three of the commenters had other topics to discuss, the balance of the people were there to comment on the ceasefire resolution.
The process of hearing the public comments took about three hours and while there were sometimes passionate outbursts, Mayor Brock calmly asked people to show respect to all speakers regardless of their viewpoint. Many members of the Santa Monica community waited for hours to have their say.
After the council members individually spoke their minds about the resolution, Mayor Brock proposed that a second resolution that be added. This is the text of the second resolution, which was approved by the councilmembers who sponsored the original resolution:
Fighting Islamophobia and Antisemitism in Santa Monica
It is resolved that while tragic armed conflicts are occurring in the Middle East, we acknowledge that feelings of hate and despair within our community from these outside events are stirring Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Santa Monica.
Be it known to all that tolerance of all faiths and beliefs are integral to life within Santa Monica and that all faiths and beliefs are welcome here without prejudgment. Further, verbal and/or physical attacks on any member of the Santa Monica community will not be tolerated, no matter their religion, faith, or creed.
Santa Monicans strive for peace in our community and throughout the world. As the City Council, we are responsible for promoting the safety and security of all who live and come here. Tolerance, not intolerance, is the key to peace in our city.
We urge all of Santa Monica’s residents to treat each other respectfully and not judge others based on external factors but as humans dedicated to peace and justice for all other humans.
The resolution passed with 6 yes votes and one no vote.
