Introduction Remarks for the S.F. Board of Supervisors Cease-fire Resolution

Colleagues, today I am introducing a resolution calling for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages, and condemning antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian hate. I believe this resolution is compelled by the moment, and offers an opportunity for us to come together in defense of human life.

I want to start by thanking everyone who has weighed in, regardless of viewpoint, for their engagement with our office, especially the many people of San Francisco who have deep connections to the region, including in some cases family, friends, and loved ones there. So many San Franciscans are experiencing intense trauma, fear, anxiety, loss and grief. Talking with them, reading their stories, and listening, has been both intense and important.

I want to be very clear about my intentions in putting this forward: to add our voice to the chorus of international humanitarian organizations, countries, cities, labor unions, and city residents who are calling for an end to the violence, destruction, and death that is taking place overseas, and to acknowledge the pain and trauma that these events have had on many people in our city. To that end, we took the unusual step of releasing a draft resolution to a broad range of stakeholders a full week before introduction. It hasn’t been an easy week, and we’ve had many difficult conversations, but I’m glad we followed this path, and we’ve amended the original draft resolution to reflect much of the input received. We continue to believe that the resolution being introduced today which recites incontrovertible facts and calls for peace and the protection of life should not be controversial.

We have a catastrophic situation right now in Israel and Gaza. I have personally issued a public statement unequivocally condemning both the October 7 attacks by Hamas and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. The extent of the death and destruction is still hard to fathom. Over 1200 Israelis were murdered on October 7. Over 15,000 Palestinians have been murdered since October 7. An estimated 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced. These events have shocked the conscience of people across the world. 

I am not the first to call for a ceasefire and I will not be the last. I’m inspired by the growing movement across this City and the nation for peace and human rights. Millions are marching in the streets worldwide demanding a ceasefire, and increasingly showing up to demand their elected representatives take a stand for human rights in this defining and crucial moment.

As a child of a Holocaust survivor, I have lived my life with a commitment that I trust we all share on this board. That all human life is precious. That nobody is worth more or less based on their religion, race, the color of their skin, or their national origin. That, more than anything, is at the heart of this resolution. All human life is precious, and this is a moment to speak up and take action to save lives.

Before and since announcing this, I’ve heard from thousands of San Franciscans experiencing pain and trauma. Palestinians here in particular feel unseen, unheard, by this country's leaders who continue to unconditionally back the destruction of Gaza and killing of thousands of Palestinians, including thousands of children, even while the vast majority of the American public wants a ceasefire. Just this morning, I heard from a Palestinian-American friend here in San Francisco, who informed me, “7 more members of my family have been killed overnight and this morning. At least 100 have already been killed since October 7.” 

Meanwhile, Jews are still in shock, with October 7 fulfilling the worst fears and nightmares of so many of us. I think it can be hard for many non-Jews to understand the damage that the brutal attack on October 7 did worldwide to the sense of security and safety of Jews. In my own family, my father lived every day of his life traumatized by the Holocaust he narrowly escaped that claimed the life of his grandmother and nearly every one of his elementary school classmates, having nightmares his whole life waking up screaming, fearing and warning that a day like October 7 would come. It’s tragic to see antisemitic opportunists and conspiracy theorists seize this moment to deny atrocities against Jews, and equally tragic how the very real pain and trauma of Jewish people is weaponized by the right wing and rising anti-democratic forces in our country and around the world.

I’ve been moved to tears by the stories, the heartbreak, the trauma so many people are going through right now – not just because of what is happening thousands of miles away, but how it has been weaponized in this country through propaganda, disinformation, and conspiracy theories, impacting people’s safety and security here at home. Right now, with rising hate, so many Jews, Israelis, Palestinians, and Muslims here in San Francisco simply don’t feel safe in our community. 

The safety that we want for the entire community here is not possible when people are being dehumanized. The ongoing bombardment of Gaza and mass killing and displacement of Palestinians, and the collective silence of US leaders as this occurs, makes everyone less safe. A ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and release of all hostages, are essential ingredients for peace abroad and safety and security here in our City.  

As of today, I’ve received positive comments about the resolution from colleagues, and have incorporated several requests for changes. I understand that there are some advocates who have publicly cautioned against introducing a resolution of any kind on this topic. It is regrettable that some have mischaracterized this resolution, which was drafted based on input we received from a wide array of stakeholders, to silence those who are calling for a ceasefire, rather than seeking common ground to address this humanitarian crisis that has already taken too many lives.

But it’s worth emphasizing: The language in this resolution is designed to underscore our shared humanity and bring people together in defense of human life. I encourage everyone to read the resolution and decide for yourself. We welcome your ongoing input.

Colleagues, I invite you to join me in standing on the right side of history by supporting this resolution. I want to thank Supervisor Ronen for her co-sponsorship. Thank you for your consideration.