Owen Zaret’s editorial about the recent non-binding resolution passed by Easthampton City Council to divest from Israeli companies resonated with me this weekend [“From Porto’s doorways to Easthampton’s City Hall,” Nov. 3]. I read his essay on a train heading to the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia to celebrate my mother’s 90th birthday.
While researching area restaurants for the weekend, I learned that there was an event planned in this neighborhood to protest area businesses run by “Zionists.” To clarify: businesses run by Jewish community members — restaurants, primarily, and other businesses.
The bike protest called “Philly Bike On Your Left” is scheduled for Nov. 8, the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht.
I am in awe of the Easthampton City Council and other local city councils for having the audacity to interrupt their jobs to engage their city in a decision around divesting from Israeli businesses.
Our city councilors were elected to help fix the sinkhole on Ferry Street; ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming and adequately funded; and try to balance the realities of protecting open space with the need for business and housing growth.
I agree it’s in the purview of city council to weigh in on ethical and sustainable ways to invest our money. But for a group of local officials whom we do not elect for their international expertise to single out Israel in this way smacks of antisemitism and intimidation for members of our community.
I care a lot about what is happening abroad, but when it comes to electing our city council, I am focused on concrete local matters.
The votes by the Easthampton City Council were not thoughtful or important to our city. While not as egregious as “Philly Bike on the Left,” these votes and declarations only serve to divide us and make some among us feel unwelcome and unsafe.
Kate Banigan-White
Easthampton