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A delegation of ten mayors from across the United States visited Israel this week on a solidarity mission to strengthen ties and learn firsthand about the challenges the country is facing in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre.
On Saturday evening, the delegation took part in a rally in Tel Aviv rally calling for the release of the hostages who have been held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for eight months now.
The rally took place just hours after four Israeli hostages were safely rescued and extracted from Gaza in a daring daylight military raid. More than 120 remain in Hamas captivity.
CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz, the leader of the mayoral delegation, addressed the rally and introduced the mayors, who were warmly received by the crowd of thousands.
“Today, we stand united in a cause that transcends borders and politics,” Katz said. “The Combat Antisemitism Movement is proud to bring mayors from across the United States here to express our unwavering support for the safe return of the hostages abducted by Hamas. And we all are crying with joy to hear the four hostages rescued today!”
“These hostages are not just numbers; they are our family, friends, and fellow human beings,” she added. “Our collective voices echo the demand for their immediate release and safe return home. We urge the entire international community to demand these hostages are freed and reunited with their loved ones. Together, we can make a difference and bring them back to safety.”
Katz continued, “These mayors here today stand with you in solidarity and hope: Alix Desulme, Mayor of North Miami, Florida; Brent Latham, Mayor of North Bay Village, Florida; David Romero, Mayor of Las Vegas, New Mexico; Jack Libert, Chief of Staff of Town of Hempstead, New York; John Ramon Vigil, Mayor of Espanola, New Mexico; Jordan Isrow, Deputy Mayor of Parkland, Florida; Justin Arest, Mayor of Scarsdale, New York; Larisa Svechin, Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Lester Friedman, Mayor of Beverly Hills, California; Michael Pagan, Mayor of Teaneck, New Jersey; Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs, Georgia; and Shawn Klein, Mayor of Livingston, New Jersey.
Watch Katz’s remarks in full here:
CAM works hand-in-hand with mayors on a daily basis to secure and nurture Jewish life in cities across the globe.
The 2024 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism will be held in Beverly Hills, California, on Dec. 11-13.
