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�s1 Jewish Federation ORANGE COUNTY February 26, 2024 Board of Directors Samueli Jewish Campus 1 Federation Way, Suite 210 Irvine, CA 92603-0174 Tel: 949.435.3484 Jewishoc.org Board Chair Dear Honorable Members of the Santa Ana City Council, Amir Kahana On behalf of the Jewish community, we are writing to express our profound concerns regarding the resolution Immediate Past Chair Heather Kline on the Israel-Hamas conflict scheduled for consideration during your meeting on Tuesday, March 5. This resolution, as currently proposed, is deeply flawed and dangerous, and will exacerbate divisions within our Secretary community at a time when unity is desperately needed. Andrea Alfi Treasurer Requesting Removal of Proposed Israel-Hamas Resolution Barry Grossman First, the conflict in Gaza is not a municipal issue. It falls beyond the subject matter jurisdiction of the Santa Directors Ana city council. The conflict falls within the realms of the federal government, international organizations, Yael Aronoff and diplomatic efforts, and addressing them here is not within the purview of the council's municipal duties. Sharon Beck Rebbetzin Naomi Blesofsky Engaging in this matter distracts from the council's primary responsibilities and risks diverting attention and Danielle Bronner resources from local issues that directly impact the citizens of Santa Ana. Jason Feld Roger F. Friedman Second, such rhetoric has no place in the discourse of a city council that represents the diverse and vibrant Steve Kaufman community of Santa Ana. It is essential to recognize the complexity of the Israel-Hamas conflict without Bentley Kerr Howard Levy resorting to oversimplifications that only serve to inflame tensions and spread hate. For example, equating of Peter Macdonald Palestinian prisoners with Israeli hostages in the language of the resolution is egregious. This false Anna Putterman equivalency is not only factually incorrect — as evidenced by Hamas' unwillingness to even identify Lori Schwartz remaining hostages — but also serves to propagate vile antisemitic tropes. Patty Seyburn Margot Shapiro Len Simon Requesting that City Council meetings are not used to promote hate speech Stuart B. Wolfe Sam Wyman It is deeply troubling to us that because some councilmembers have decided to use City Council meetings as a platform for engaging their own beliefs on international politics, the council chambers have become a venue Board Member Emeritus for antisemitic hate speech, particularly since October 7. Such rhetoric from councilmembers, whether Blossom Siegel inadvertent or purposeful, is aligned with the agenda of Hamas, who could bring about an immediate peace President & CEO by returning the hostages and bodies of dead Israelis, and surrendering. The fact that some council members Erik Ludwig, PhD appear to support or even encourage this divisive and harmful behavior is unacceptable. This hostility, often brought into our city by individuals from as far away as the Bay Area, threatens the very fabric of our local community. Jewish spaces, including our schools and synagogues, require armed security. Public schools have seen increases in bullying and antisemitic behavior against Jewish students, and teachers have begun to engage in curricular choices that have the potential to systemically drive Jew -hatred and bigotry into Santa Ana's schools. While we appreciate that many local leaders, including Mayor Amezcua and Congressman Correa, have been working diligently to address rising hate in Santa Ana, other members of this body continue to engage in symbolic gestures that play into a dangerous narrative that does nothing to advance peace or understanding. Their actions only risk further alienating and endangering members of our community.