Dear Mayor Nanes and State College Borough Council:
I am a resident of the Borough of State College. Please find this letter in response to the meeting held on November 20, 2023. I commend the Council for withdrawing from consideration Resolution 1371. This decision, guided by a principle of “do no harm,” was a prudent step in maintaining community harmony.
I am concerned about the Council’s intention to craft an alternative resolution. I was made aware of the withdrawn resolution which made various statements about the unfolding events and context of the war in Israel, including a resolution which:
- “Urges the Biden Administration to immediately call for a ceasefire to end the violence in the region and facilitate both the return of hostages to Israel and humanitarian assistance into Gaza;”
- “Calls upon the Biden Administration to negotiate a fair peace for Palestinians, including urging a two-state solution and ending the oppressive occupation of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.”
This resolution provoked strong reactions in our community, which has observed increasing examples of hate speech, including of antisemitic and Islamophobic nature.
If it is true that the Council intends to craft a new, but similar, resolution, I believe that the Council is moving into unproductive and potentially dangerous territory and should either suspend such efforts or redirect them into areas of community agreement, as suggested by Councilman Elect Josh Portney.
Engaging in the complexities of international conflicts could unintentionally deepen divisions within our community. The Council’s efforts are better directed towards initiatives that have clear, positive impacts on Happy Valley. Examples of statements the community at large will find affirming and appropriate include:
- Condemnation of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hate in general
- Condemnation of crimes against humanity – specifically, the taking of hostages by Hamas, a terrorist organization
- Recognition and empathy for the victims of terror, such as those killed by Hamas on 10/7, as well as innocent civilians killed, injured, and displaced by military operations, including the civilians of Gaza
- Desire to build on a local foundation of community in the Borough of State College that celebrates western values of pluralism, respect, health and safety for all residents and visitors to our Happy Valley.
As the father to young Jewish children, husband to a Jewish woman, and close friend to many observant Muslims, I have some understanding of the sensitivities surrounding these issues. However, our Council’s focus should be on enhancing the quality of life in State College, not on international disputes.
There was clear evidence from the November meeting that engaging further on this topic will lead to local harm. In particular, the manner by which numerous community members framed the response by Israel to the acts of terror on 10/7 included the following:
- Numerous comments were made comparing the military response by Israel, and the resulting tragic deaths and displacements of civilians, to the Hamas acts of intentional terror, as though there is any moral equivalence;
- Only one comment recognized the existence of the cease-fire in place on 10/6, though the resolution called for a cease-fire to “allow the return of hostages.” The acts of 10/7 constituted the breaking of a cease-fire by Hamas;
- There was regular reference to Israeli acts of genocide. There was literally no reference to the fact that the charter of Hamas, which was elected in 2006, includes explicit calls for genocide against Jews, nor any specific refutation of the claims that Israel is committing genocide;
- One caller seemed to make reference to 10/7 as an “act of resistance” which had justification.
I urge the Council to prioritize local concerns and foster an environment of inclusivity and respect. We have a unique opportunity to strengthen our community bonds and focus on issues where consensus is achievable.
Thank you for your commitment to serving our community. I look forward to your continued leadership and wish you all a peaceful and joyous holiday season.
Warm regards,
Jens Thorsen
