By Bryan Boggiano
A message of support from the city commission to the Israeli people condemning Hamas-driven terrorism received mixed reviews from residents.
Now, the city is responding.
The controversy revolves around the commission’s statement on Oct. 11 following Hamas’s terrorist attacks on Israel, which began on Oct. 7.
At their Oct. 18 commission workshop, elected officials and city staff addressed the controversy.
Approved individually, the commission members’ statement extends “sympathy to the families and communities affected by these tragic events.”
The commission continued, offering support to the Jewish community in Coral Springs and abroad while also condemning anti-Semitism. It also had a picture of Israel’s flag with a city logo reading, “We Stand With Israel.”
“Anti-Semitic sentiments and acts have no place in our society,” the statement reads. “We are proud of the diversity and inclusivity that defines Coral Springs, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish residents, advocating for peace and unity.”
The statement concludes by encouraging the community to show their support to Israel and the Jewish community and to work and to “hope for a world where all nations and their citizens can live in peace and harmony.”
At the meeting, commissioners said residents contacted them, criticizing the statement for not mentioning the Palestinian civilians injured, killed, or displaced due to Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Some residents, including Palestinian ones, reportedly told commissioners they felt left out.
“They didn’t feel included,” said Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen. “They’re experiencing hardship as well. They felt we were not considering them when we put out that statement.”
The commission floated either amending their original statement or issuing a follow-up, but they said the statement’s purpose is to address the war and terrorism itself.
Lynne Martzall, marketing and communications director, repeated the statement’s purpose: to stand against terrorism.
She said the city acknowledges Hamas’s war against Israel is a fast-evolving situation, and further events and attacks have occurred since the original statement.
Martzall further said there are people who view the ongoing war as solely an Israel and Palestine issue, even though Israelis, Palestinians, and people of other nationalities have been injured, killed, or taken hostage.
But, when the city addresses national politics, they are consistent with federal policy, which is to support Israel.
The intent was not to single one group out or make anyone feel left out, Martzall said. She reiterated the intent was to stand with Israel against terrorism and not stand with any group of people over another, adding the city extends its sympathy to all innocent lives lost and their families.
“The truth of the matter is we do care,” Martzall said. “You never want to hear when someone feels that way.”
The city commission floated multiple different actions to take, including issuing an update to the original statement, releasing a follow-up statement, or standing by the original.
City Manager Frank Babinec and Martzall agreed to collaborate on potential solutions and next steps, which they will present to the commission.
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