JVP's messaging is based on binary thinking, that you have to choose between being "pro-Israel" or "pro-Palestinian." The idea of supporting both Israeli and Palestinian human rights and safety eludes their conception of foreign policy.
Opponents are saying that they need to be able to "criticize Israel." There are several things wrong with this argument.
(1) Criticism is not the same as spreading misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
(2) Criticism is not the same as bullying.
(3) Criticism implies the responsibility to examine an entire system, not present only one part of it. Considering only part of it, while not examining the entire system, can result in malinformation.
(4) Criticism does not imply a green light to make arguments based on false premises and logical fallacies.
(5) It is important not to construct a cognitive frame in which "criticize" is paired with "Israel." There is an equal responsibility to criticize Hamas, criticize the PA, criticize Iran and criticize Hezbolla. Similarly there are reasons to praise Israel and support Israel.
(6) It is necessary to have detailed debate that takes into account all of the factions in each government, as well as non-state actors, rather than focus on one-sided campaigns. Some people call this "nuanced." But the word "nuance" minimizes it, as if there is focus on irrelevant details.
E-mail from Sarah to her constituents. (The photo isn't copied)
Reflecting on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Holocaust Remembrance
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Hebrew, Holocaust Remembrance Day is called Yom Hashoah. In the US, Days of Remembrance runs from the Sunday before Yom Hashoah through the following Sunday, so we will recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day here locally on Tuesday, April 18th.
Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we stand in solidarity as we say “Never Again”. We remember and honor the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust and recommit to denouncing antisemitism and to protecting our Jewish community members from hatred and bias in any form. Please consider taking a moment today to join me in reflecting and learning more by visiting the United States Holocaust Museum website.
Here is my reply to the e-mail from Sarah's staff member.
Dear Rebecca,
(1) What does "different perspectives" mean with regard to the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism? What does that consist of substantively?
(2) In what way does this discussion of "perspectives" obstruct Jewish self-determination, just as other have the right to define what is acceptable and what is not?
(3) What specifically is the problem in the original resolution that was dropped from the agenda? What are the clauses they objected to?
(4) I need to receive a copy of the original agenda item that was dropped. So far, I have written to three offices, and no one has sent me the text that is under consideration.
(5) How useful is a resolution against anti-Semitism when the definition of it is not included?
(6) Does Sarah support the original resolution and, if not, what are the specific clauses she disagrees with and why?
(7) What opportunity do the supporters of the resolution have to rebut misinformation and disinformation from opponents of the resolution? As one person who wrote in, so far I haven't received any source materials to review and comment on.
(8) There is another issue, in addition to the definition of anti-Semitism, That is the spread of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation about Jews and about Middle East policy. Where do we get the opportunity to combat the various types of misinformation when they occur in the county? So far, I had one bad experience trying to correct misinformation in the county government. What rights do we have to address misinformation without retribution and when do we get to have a real interfaith dialog rather than being shouted down and bullied?
There is disinformation occurring at a government-based function. There is also the disinformation that spread in progressive spaces on social media. The disinformation I objected to occurred at a government meeting.
Thank you for the replies to these specific questions.
Here is the reply from Council Member Sarah Perry:
Perry, Sarah
4:28 PM (36 minutes ago)
to me
Hello Linda,
Thank you for reaching out to Councilmember Perry's office to share your thoughts and concerns on this important issue. It has indeed required a great deal of discernment on our end and we appreciate your patience as we walk through this impactful conversation.
We have been listening to, consulting with and learning from community members with differing perspectives from throughout King County to gain a better understanding of the impact of this proclamation on our King County residents specifically. We look forward to continuing to work with our Council colleagues to adopt a proclamation that denounces antisemitism throughout King County in the strongest possible terms, which is the unanimous request of the over 1,000 emails that we've each received, regardless of the specific perspective that they are requesting that we consider.
Thank you again for your participation in this public process as a resident in King County. Your voice in this is very important to us.
JVP's messaging is based on binary thinking, that you have to choose between being "pro-Israel" or "pro-Palestinian." The idea of supporting both Israeli and Palestinian human rights and safety eludes their conception of foreign policy.
Opponents are saying that they need to be able to "criticize Israel." There are several things wrong with this argument.
(1) Criticism is not the same as spreading misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
(2) Criticism is not the same as bullying.
(3) Criticism implies the responsibility to examine an entire system, not present only one part of it. Considering only part of it, while not examining the entire system, can result in malinformation.
(4) Criticism does not imply a green light to make arguments based on false premises and logical fallacies.
(5) It is important not to construct a cognitive frame in which "criticize" is paired with "Israel." There is an equal responsibility to criticize Hamas, criticize the PA, criticize Iran and criticize Hezbolla. Similarly there are reasons to praise Israel and support Israel.
(6) It is necessary to have detailed debate that takes into account all of the factions in each government, as well as non-state actors, rather than focus on one-sided campaigns. Some people call this "nuanced." But the word "nuance" minimizes it, as if there is focus on irrelevant details.
E-mail from Sarah to her constituents. (The photo isn't copied)
Reflecting on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Holocaust Remembrance
The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. In Hebrew, Holocaust Remembrance Day is called Yom Hashoah. In the US, Days of Remembrance runs from the Sunday before Yom Hashoah through the following Sunday, so we will recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day here locally on Tuesday, April 18th.
Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we stand in solidarity as we say “Never Again”. We remember and honor the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust and recommit to denouncing antisemitism and to protecting our Jewish community members from hatred and bias in any form. Please consider taking a moment today to join me in reflecting and learning more by visiting the United States Holocaust Museum website.
In Peace, Solidarity and Remembrance,
signature image
Sarah Perry
King County Council
District 3
Here is my reply to the e-mail from Sarah's staff member.
Dear Rebecca,
(1) What does "different perspectives" mean with regard to the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism? What does that consist of substantively?
(2) In what way does this discussion of "perspectives" obstruct Jewish self-determination, just as other have the right to define what is acceptable and what is not?
(3) What specifically is the problem in the original resolution that was dropped from the agenda? What are the clauses they objected to?
(4) I need to receive a copy of the original agenda item that was dropped. So far, I have written to three offices, and no one has sent me the text that is under consideration.
(5) How useful is a resolution against anti-Semitism when the definition of it is not included?
(6) Does Sarah support the original resolution and, if not, what are the specific clauses she disagrees with and why?
(7) What opportunity do the supporters of the resolution have to rebut misinformation and disinformation from opponents of the resolution? As one person who wrote in, so far I haven't received any source materials to review and comment on.
(8) There is another issue, in addition to the definition of anti-Semitism, That is the spread of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation about Jews and about Middle East policy. Where do we get the opportunity to combat the various types of misinformation when they occur in the county? So far, I had one bad experience trying to correct misinformation in the county government. What rights do we have to address misinformation without retribution and when do we get to have a real interfaith dialog rather than being shouted down and bullied?
There is disinformation occurring at a government-based function. There is also the disinformation that spread in progressive spaces on social media. The disinformation I objected to occurred at a government meeting.
Thank you for the replies to these specific questions.
Sincerely,
Linda Seltzer
Here is the reply from Council Member Sarah Perry:
Perry, Sarah
4:28 PM (36 minutes ago)
to me
Hello Linda,
Thank you for reaching out to Councilmember Perry's office to share your thoughts and concerns on this important issue. It has indeed required a great deal of discernment on our end and we appreciate your patience as we walk through this impactful conversation.
We have been listening to, consulting with and learning from community members with differing perspectives from throughout King County to gain a better understanding of the impact of this proclamation on our King County residents specifically. We look forward to continuing to work with our Council colleagues to adopt a proclamation that denounces antisemitism throughout King County in the strongest possible terms, which is the unanimous request of the over 1,000 emails that we've each received, regardless of the specific perspective that they are requesting that we consider.
Thank you again for your participation in this public process as a resident in King County. Your voice in this is very important to us.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Rebecca Mendelsohn (she/her)
Policy Analyst
Councilmember Sarah Perry
King County Council, District 3