Antisemitism Resolution 2023 — File 23-0965

Requesting that the Somerville City Council condemns rising antisemitism. WHEREAS: May was American Jewish Heritage Month, commemorating the American Jewish experience of faith, fortitude, resilience and patriotism as well as the contributions Jewish Americans have made to our country and communities, including Somerville; and WHEREAS: Antisemitism, often referred to as the world’s “oldest form of hate” has existed for centuries and continues to this day as a system of marginalization and oppression of people who are Jewish or perceived to be Jewish based on the belief in stereotypes, myths, conspiracy theories and disinformation about the Jewish people; and WHEREAS: Although the people who are directly targeted by antisemitism are Jews, the purpose of antisemitism is to divert people’s attention away from systemic economic oppression that is directed at most people, as antisemitism serves to prevent different racial, religious, and other groups from standing up together against the interests of those in power; and WHEREAS: White supremacists in the United States and in Massachusetts have exploited-and continue to exploit-bigotry and hate for political gain, targeting marginalized communities, including Jews as well as Blacks, Latinos, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other people of color, as well as Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and others with verbal attacks, incitement, and violence; and WHEREAS: The number of antisemitic incidents in the United States and in Massachusetts in 2022 have reached historic highs and Jewish communities in Pittsburgh, Poway, Colleyville and Brighton have experienced violence, leaving many Jews increasingly unsafe in public and sacred spaces; and WHEREAS: The Commonwealth has mandated Holocaust and Genocide education for Massachusetts students and research shows that robust and effective Holocaust education can be an effective intervention against antisemitic beliefs; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That this Resolution calls on all, such as elected officials, faith leaders, educators and community leaders to use their voice to condemn and combat any and all manifestations of antisemitism; and calls to condemn and combat any and all denials and distortions of the Holocaust and to promote Holocaust education and antisemitism awareness.