Against the will of many of Easthampton’s residents, the divestment motion passed. I spoke at the City Council meeting last week and here is a summary of what I discussed.
I am requesting that you vote no on the Easthampton divestment motion. This motion has already divided our city and if passed, will continue to do so.
If the motion risks the city losing possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, increases in the harassment of a minority, getting involved in foreign affairs when it should be focused on local issues and promoting a one-sided antisemitic agenda, the vote should be no.
In Northampton, there are reports of increased antisemitism after their motion passed. I heard that Northampton may have lost 12 percent of its investment after their divestment proposal passed. We cannot afford to lose any more money in Easthampton.
The motion states: “The City Council recognizes the importance of peace and justice for all communities and nations… advocates for the safety, dignity, freedom, and equality of all people… all human life is precious…” Yet the motion ignores peace and justice for Israelis, the safety, dignity, and freedom of those in Israel to defend themselves, the horrific murders on October 7th, the 850,000 Jews exiled from Arab countries after 1948, and the exile of thousands of Jews from the West Bank after 1948. The motion only asks for reparations for Palestinians.
It is wrong to be singling out one group when there are many large human rights abusers. Are we really holding the right people responsible in the war by blaming Israel? Hamas started the war. The Palestinians have refused almost every land deal given to them. Hamas puts its citizens at risk by not building war shelters, not allowing civilians to leave war areas and fighting in and under major cities.
This resolution will put many of our citizens at risk. Antisemitism in this country due to anti-Israel sentiment, has caused vandalism, harassment and even shootings and killings in America and around the world. This may cause damage to the city’s reputation.
Neil Brick
Easthampton