San Antonio Standard

The following is a statement from Councilman Manny Pelaez: 

“I have notified the City Clerk and the Mayor of the withdrawal of my signature on the memo proposing a resolution calling for an Israeli/Palestinian ceasefire and the immediate return of all hostages.

“Everyone must work towards an end to suffering and pain in Israel, Palestine, and San Antonio. Regrettably, it has become clear that the proposed resolution causes unintended pain and anger in the hearts of too many District 8 constituents.

“By supporting a City Council resolution to affirm these sincerely held beliefs, the hope was that we would help create a safe forum for San Antonians from diverse backgrounds and traditions to come together to address how the war is impacting them at a local level.

“The idea was that the resolution would serve as a vehicle to discuss how many of this district’s constituents are feeling scared, angry, lonely, bullied, and lost. The hope was for this resolution to address local incidents of antisemitism and islamophobia and to better protect our Jewish and Muslim neighbors from abuse. The goal of this resolution was to speak to the pain of local families that wake up each morning not knowing whether their loved ones in Israel or Palestine will live for another day.

“The sole purpose was always to unite, heal, and strengthen our city around a single statement of universal human values. Instead, this resolution has inspired too many local families of different faiths and backgrounds to express very real fear of property destruction to their temples, homes, and businesses, as well as fearing violence at the hands of people who aim to hurt them because of their national origin or religion.  A non-binding resolution must not come at the cost of our safety and peace of mind.

“Although my support for a City Council resolution has been withdrawn, let us all seek more opportunities for respectful dialogue with the groups and individuals across the city who are impacted by this war. It is important that we take every opportunity to learn from our neighbors by compassionately listening and honoring their unique experiences and perspectives.”

Original source can be found here.