Late last week, the Baltimore City Council attempted — and failed for a second time — to pass a resolution condemning the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and skyrocketing antisemitism around the world.
In response to the original resolution sponsored by Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer (D-5th), the four Council members who abstained — Kristerfer A.L. Burnett (D-8th), Ryan L. Dorsey (D-3rd), Phylicia Porter (D-10th) and Odette Ramos (D-14th) — crafted their own resolution condemning not just antisemitism but Islamophobia and all forms of hate. The second resolution also advocated “a long-term ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.“
Said City Council President Nick J. Mosby: “If my family member was in the Middle East or in the middle of East Baltimore, I would want you to stand up with me. That’s why I voted yes [on the original resolution] and that’s why I’m voting no on this one. This is not who we are.”
The following was written by Margie N., a Northwest Baltimore resident.
I am a proud, longtime Jewish resident of Baltimore. I grew up in Baltimore surrounded by a supportive Jewish community and continue to watch that community grow many years later.
My kids and grandkids, residents of Baltimore as well, are very active members of the Jewish community, including attending Jewish day schools, working with youth groups and other Jewish organizations.
I am deeply disappointed with the Baltimore City Council’s vote two days ago not to condemn the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7 or antisemitism. The following representatives abstained from the vote and failed to support Baltimore’s Jewish community: Ryan Dorsey, Kristerfer Burnett, Phylicia Porter and Odette Ramos.
On Oct. 7, Hamas terrorists came into Israel and ecstatically murdered, raped, kidnapped, burned and mutilated thousands of our friends and family. This is NOT an issue of Palestinian self-determination, but rather a despicable terrorist attack targeting innocent civilians that must be condemned and cannot be excused. All hostages must be released and we must punish every terrorist involved so this never happens again.
Oct. 7 has led to many antisemitic attacks around the United States and the world. This includes, but is not limited to,: protesters surrounding and vandalizing Jewish businesses, terrorist supporters searching for Jewish individuals to attack, protesters restricting Jewish students from attending classes, calls to “Kill Jews” and pro-Holocaust speeches.
It takes the work of elected officials around the world to stand up against Jewish hate and protect their Jewish residents. I am disheartened that Baltimore City was unable to do that. Hate has no place in Baltimore, and our representatives must work hard to unify Baltimore against Jewish hate.
I worry for the safety of my family and friends. I expect my representatives to make sure Baltimore is a safe space for people of all backgrounds.
Please call on your representatives to reconsider this vote and protect their residents. Even if you are not Jewish, this sets a dangerous precedent for all forms of hate.
Please email the Baltimore City representatives who abstained on the resolution, using these emails: Odette.Ramos@baltimorecity.gov, Ryan.Dorsey@baltimorecity.gov, Kristerfer.Burnett@baltimorecity.gov, Phylicia.Porter@baltimorecity.gov.
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