Chicago is latest U.S. city to approve such a non-binding resolution, following Atlanta, Detroit and San Francisco in recent months.
Amazing how easy it is to ask people to stop fighting when you’re no the one who is having your family and friends slaughtered en masse.
Like Jewish Voice for Peace do? Ask for a ceasefire I mean. Or as they say:
URGENT: Demand a ceasefire now.
Millions of lives depend on it.Also, hope you don’t mind when they say:
WE HAVE A PLAN TO END U.S. SUPPORT
FOR ISRAEL’S OPPRESSION OF PALESTINIANSJewish Voice for Peace is the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world.
We’re organizing a grassroots, multiracial, cross-class, intergenerational movement of U.S. Jews into solidarity with Palestinian freedom struggle.
If you’ve been looking for a political home for Jews on the left in this perilous moment; if you’ve been wanting a Jewish community with justice at the center; if you’ve been looking to turn your rage and grief into meaningful, strategic action:
Join us. You belong here.No, I mean like the city of Chicago. You know, the people this article is about?
My point was that people who have family and friends in Israel demand a ceasefire, and want us to Tell Congress: Demand Biden reinstate UNRWA funding, and have practical suggestions on how to act now ect
So having Chicago -amongst other cities- stand with them for peace, I think it’s great move.
Why are city governments doing this?
Cities have very little role in international diplomacy. If a city wants to support something like Black Lives Matter, at least that’s something related to what they do. They employ police who might not treat black people fairly, for example. But, it seems wrong to get involved in international diplomacy.
For a different reason, schools also shouldn’t have a stance. Schools are supposed to be a “marketplace of ideas”. If a student council wants to take a stand, sure. If a Palestinian rights org on campus wants to hold a rally, that’s great. The school itself should stay out of it and simply provide a physically safe place for other people to express their ideas.
What if your city manufactures weapons for Israel?
What if your school invests in Israel?
Cities don’t manufacture weapons.
Schools shouldn’t be investing.
Cities grant building and zoning permits, sign contracts with private companies, and make property sales. They have a lot of influence on what kinds of businesses are allowed in.
Or, again, it can be regulated by the city council.
And schools shouldn’t invest, but they do, so therefore they have to be struggled against
Cities grant building and zoning permits
And if the city’s serious about an issue, they should use those tools. Not make a bland statement about calling for a cease-fire. Actually punish companies selling weapons. But, that’s an actual step, calling for a cease-fire is more a “thoughts and prayers” approach that just wastes everyone’s time.
As for universities, same thing. If they’re going to invest in things, then instead of making statements about Gaza or whatever, they should actively sell off investments. But, really, a university should be a stage people use to share their ideas. The stage shouldn’t be only open to the currently fashionable points of view.
Yeah, it’s definitely not enough.
And universities are more likely to forbid Palestinian speakers 🙄