Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Tomorrow, the Minneapolis City Council will vote to either uphold or override Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto of a divisive “ceasefire” resolution passed by the Minneapolis City Council.

Mayor Frey is asking us to continue supporting him and our Council allies.

Here’s how:

1. Send a message to Council Member Andrea Jenkins, who has expressed some reservations about the vetoed resolution and appears most likely to change their mind.
2. Attend the City Council meeting tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 8. JCRC staff plans to arrive at 7:00 AM to ensure we are in the City Council chambers, which has proven to be the safest place in the building. The meeting starts at 9:30 AM. Room 350, Public Service Center, 250 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Parking is available at the Haaf Memorial Ramp.

CM Jenkins Advocacy Template

Email: andrea.jenkins@minneapolismn.gov or call: 612 673-2208

Please bcc info@minndakjcrc.org so we can track our outreach.

Subject: Vote no or abstain on veto override

Dear Council Member Jenkins,

As a concerned [Ward 8 constituent/resident of Minneapolis/Minnesotan], I respectfully urge you to vote no or abstain on the vote to override Mayor Frey’s veto of the harmful resolution passed by the City Council on Jan. 25.

In committee, you rightfully voted against the most harmful language proposed by your Council colleagues. At the full Council meeting, you courageously voted for the compromise language. Thank you for those votes and your expressed commitments to peace and justice and to not exacerbating divisions in our city.

Like you, I care deeply about seeking a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and I feel great sympathy for the suffering of innocent Palestinians. However, this one-sided resolution harms the Jewish community by blaming Israel alone for the devastation in Gaza. Such lies and half-truths demonize Israel and erase the experience of most Jews in Minneapolis.

[share how the passage of the resolution impacted you and your feelings of trust and safety in the city of Minneapolis]

As Mayor Frey said in his veto letter: “The resolution you approved uplifts the history of Palestinians, and all but erases that of Israeli Jews. Including some people’s history as valid, truthful and righteous as it may be, while ignoring others, is neither progressive nor inclusive. That’s not in keeping with the Minneapolis I know and love.”

I hope that the Council uses the veto as an opportunity to work together to reach a resolution that acknowledges the legitimate experiences and aspirations of Israelis, Palestinians, Jews, and Muslims alike.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your name]

[Your address]