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ISRAEL UPDATE - A MESSAGE FROM DAN ROZETT
Director, Community Relations & Israel Engagement
Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
What’s happening - general:
Pro-Palestinian and allied groups are actively working to urge city councils around the country to pass resolutions calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. In many cases, the resolutions are one-sided and contain highly inflammatory language that demonizes Israel. While these resolutions generally have no direct legislative impact, they provide groups hostile to Israel the opportunity to deliver their messages to the public, influence the thinking of local elected officials, and create a momentum that could impact other decision-makers.
Resolutions have been introduced or recommended in at least 100 jurisdictions from coast to coast, and the actual number is probably higher. Often, city council chambers are flooded with speakers and activists in favor of the resolutions, with meetings sometimes descending into chaos as pro-Palestinian advocates disrupt hearing proceedings and shout down opponents of the resolution.
What is going on locally
Locally, there have been two unsuccessful attempts to introduce such a resolution in East Brunswick. The Township has made it very clear that they will not consider any resolution that deals with international affairs as it would be beyond the scope and responsibility of a local township. I spoke against the resolution at the first attempt and quickly realized that the pro-Palestinian group only wanted a debate. While it was a controlled environment where each speaker had their turn, it was still a tit-for-tat, who will have the last word kind of debate.
Going forward
Mayor Cohen of East Brunswick assured me repeatedly that there is ZERO chance the Township will consider this resolution and after consulting with colleagues, I concluded that just in this case showing up gives the other side more attention, and if we do not debate them, they will say the same garbage and leave.
What you can do
The above decision was made with confidence because I know the Mayor and a key person on the council. If this should happen in a different town, the approach needs to be different. The first step would be to find out if the Township plans to consider the resolution and then based on that decide what to do. To implement that strategy, we need to build relationships now, so that if such a situation occurs, we can approach council members to discuss why a ceasefire resolution is problematic and should not be the concern of a local township.
I need your help. If you know of any anti-Israel resolutions in your towns, please let me know. If you know council members in your area, or you know how to get in touch with one, please let me know and please help me set up a meeting so we can preempt.
Thanks,
Dan
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Dan Rozett
Director, Community Relations & Israel Engagement
Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
Phone: 732.588.1800
Direct: 732.588.1836
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