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Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) CEO Sacha Roytman has sent a letter of support to Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb following the mayor’s decision last week to withhold his signature from Gaza ceasefire resolution passed by the City Council.
“I want to express my deep appreciation for your courage and integrity in handling the recent protests and decisions regarding the war between Israel and Gaza,” Roytman wrote. “Your refusal to sign the resolution for a ceasefire, rooted in a firm belief that peace hinges on the release of hostages by Hamas, showcases your commitment to our shared values and the pursuit of justice. Your public statement highlighted the necessity of focusing on condemning Hamas as a significant barrier to peace, reflecting your strong stance against antisemitism and extremism.”
“Your actions inspire hope and demonstrate the power of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even under pressure,” Roytman added. “As a friend and ally, I am grateful for your leadership and the example you set. The Combat Antisemitism Movement stands with you, ready to support Cleveland in fostering a community of diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.”
Roytman concluded, “Thank you for your steadfast allyship with the Jewish community during these challenging times. Your conviction and leadership are invaluable, and I look forward to witnessing Cleveland’s continued growth and prosperity under your leadership.”
The full text Mayor Bibb’s statement on the City Council’s Gaza ceasefire resolution follows:
Our city was united in horror at Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, and Israel has a right to defend itself. But at the six-month anniversary of those attacks, there is no question that civilians have borne tremendous suffering and loss as a result.
Cleveland is a diverse community with loved ones in Gaza and Israel both. As the tragedy there has grown, so has Clevelanders’ grief. This is a grief I share, and the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza is dire. I join the calls for a break in hostilities, for Hamas to unconditionally release the hostages, and for Gazans to receive vital food and supplies.
I chose not to sign Cleveland City Council’s resolution in support of the recent United Nations Security Council resolution. While there is much to commend about the push for peace, neither the UN nor the City Council resolutions adequately reflect my own views.
I fully support the Biden-Harris Administration’s diplomatic efforts to secure an end to the conflict. These are rooted not only in peace but in clarity. No durable peace is possible until Hamas releases the hostages. And Hamas has had multiple opportunities to secure a ceasefire under this framework — which Israel has accepted, and which Hamas has rejected. Any discussion of the current conflict must be centered in the condemnation of Hamas and a plain understanding that it is the fundamental obstacle to peace today.
Let me underscore that my priority as mayor is to safeguard our residents against bigotry and hate. We must oppose antisemitism and Islamophobia at every turn. Cleveland will always be a city for all peoples, and as a Clevelander, I pray for peace here and abroad.
To learn more about Mayor Bibb’s views on antisemitism-related issues, please see the interview he conducted with CAM in February: Mayor Justin Bibb Vows Zero-Tolerance for Antisemitism in Cleveland Amid Post-October 7th Global Surge
