Council Member Katie Cashman’s Call for a Cease-fire and Divestment from Israel
There have been two letters to the editor recently regarding Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman’s vote for a cease-fire in Gaza, each focusing on different aspects of the current crisis. I was surprised that neither mentioned anything about Gaza.
The October 7 attack by Hamas that killed 1,200 Israelis was horrifying and tragic, as Cashman has acknowledged, full stop. We have to also talk about the collective punishment in Gaza that has occurred since.
Israel has killed 29,000 Palestinians, including 12,300 children, 340 medical staff, 158 UN staff and 127 journalists. Ten children a day are losing one or both legs. Over 17,000 children have become orphans. Schools, hospitals, ambulances, entire residential blocks, areas that Israel deemed were “safe zones” — all bombed. The entire population of Gaza is currently classified as experiencing a crisis level of food insecurity with half experiencing conditions characterized by "extreme lack of food, starvation, and exhaustion of coping capacities”.
You may not agree with Cashman’s support of a cease-fire, but it is what the majority of Americans support, as well as major humanitarian organizations like Amnesty International and Doctors without Borders, and the vast majority of the international community.
We cannot conflate Hamas with Gaza and/or Palestinian civilians. We cannot confuse supporting a cease-fire to protect civilian life with antisemitism. We cannot confuse being silenced with being uncomfortable. And we cannot weaponize feminism or LGBTQ+ rights to help justify Israel’s actions. As a queer female, I would argue that what is far worse for the women, girls and queer community in Gaza experiencing oppression, is being outright killed, which over 15,000 have.
Both Jews and Palestinians deserve dignity and safety. What's happening in Gaza can't possibly be how we get there.
SJ (Shannon) Conk | Bryn Mawr
The Mayor’s Veto of the Ceasefire Resolution
I write to express my strong support for Mayor Frey's recent decision to veto the divisive "cease-fire" resolution passed by the Minneapolis City Council. In a time where unity and inclusivity are paramount, Mayor Frey's leadership is commendable and aligns with the vision our city needs.
The goal of our City Council should be to provide leadership that promotes a unifying, inclusive and representative vision for Minneapolis. Unfortunately, the recently passed "cease-fire" resolution did just the opposite. It's refreshing to see Mayor Frey prioritize the well-being of our community over divisive measures.
In a city as diverse as ours, fostering understanding and collaboration should be at the forefront of our leaders' agenda. Mayor Frey's veto reflects a commitment to these principles and sends a positive message about the kind of city we aspire to be.
As residents, we appreciate Mayor Frey's dedication to creating an environment where diversity is embraced, and all voices are heard. It is my hope that our City Council continues to work towards policies that unite us and contribute to the betterment of our great city.
Alex Fisher | Page
Landmark Home’s Fall
Such a sad article in the February issue, really just left me with the feeling the ‘rich take care of the rich.’ Our forefathers (I mean fathers) really set themselves up, didn’t they? Besides this, all the redlining and other neighborhood limitations.
So, the rest of us have to suffer for one individual person. The US has really tipped to individualism, hasn’t it?
Again, appreciate the article.
“We grow in life as long as we are interested.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Calleen de Oliveria | East Bde Maka Ska
