Allegheny County Council should refrain from introducing a resolution that will likely exacerbate divisions within our community and compromise our safety.
As council members consider whether or not to bring a cease-fire resolution for a vote (“Pro-Palestine activists call on Allegheny County Council to pass cease-fire resolution in Israel/Hamas war,” Feb. 20, TribLive), members must prioritize the safety and cohesion of the community. Antisemitism in our region is real and dangerous. One only needs to look at the Tree of Life tragedy, the deadliest act of antisemitic violence in U.S. history.
During the recent council meeting, many supporters of the resolution made comments that could only be interpreted as antisemitic, even while others in the community shared their experiences of antisemitism and fear since Oct. 7. Unbelievably, some advocates for the resolution even expressed skepticism about the unspeakable atrocities carried out by Hamas.
While the resolution will do nothing to improve the lives of people in Israel and Gaza, Allegheny County Council should prioritize the safety of our community and send a clear message to certain groups that antisemitism is neither politically nor socially acceptable within our county.
Christine Stone
Point Breeze