The February Newport News City Council meeting turned contentious as residents used the public forum to urge the local government to voice support for a ceasefire resolution in the Israel – Hamas war. Proponents of the ceasefire resolution painted their hands red to symbolize “blood on their hands,” accusing the city leadership of not taking a stand.

Pro-Palestinian speakers challenged Mayor Phillip Jones for his participation in a vigil organized by the UJCVP for the victims of the brutal October 7th terror attack. Held just days after the terror attack, the vigil brought the Jewish community together in mourning for the 1,200 murdered and in prayer for the safe return of the more than 240 kidnapped, including children, infants and elderly.

Speakers also falsely accused the American Israel Education Foundation of contributing to Jones’s campaign. City spokesperson Kim Bracy clarified that the in-kind donation covered the cost of Jones’ educational trip to Israel in July. “Our City Council operates with the utmost of integrity,” she said. “When issues come before them, they weigh the information, and they make decisions based on what is in the favor of their constituents. So again, this was not a campaign donation, and it had no influence on any decisions made by members of Council.”

Across the country, Pro-Palestinian and allied groups are actively working to urge city councils around the country to pass resolutions calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. In many cases,  the resolutions are one-sided and contain highly inflammatory language that demonizes Israel. While these resolutions generally have no direct legislative impact, they provide groups hostile to Israel the opportunity to deliver their messages to the public, influence the thinking of local elected officials, and create a momentum that could impact other decision-makers.

Amidst the growing pressure on Newport News city leadership to issue a ceasefire resolution, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJCVP mobilized to share with City Council members the perspective of the local Jewish community and voice opposition to a ceasefire resolution.

“Newport News City Council should be spending their limited, precious time discussing important local issues,” shared Eric Maurer, CEO of the UJCVP. “This is a foreign policy issue on which the City of Newport News has no official business taking a position on. And it will risk creating very real and very unnecessary division within this community.”

“Those who are calling for a ceasefire before Hamas is removed from power and the hostages are freed are strengthening a terrorist group and falsely painting Israel as the aggressor in this war that was forced upon them,” added Maurer.

The Newport News City Council meeting was attended by leadership from the Jewish community, including the UJCVP and local synagogues.

In her public comment, UJCVP President Wendy Eisner expressed that “we abhor the loss of innocent life, whether Jewish or Arab, Israeli or Palestinian. War is horrible. I want the war to end. However, the only chance for peace begins with the end of Hamas’ rule. An immediate ceasefire without the hostages released and Hamas removed from power would guarantee future war, bloodshed and suffering by both Israelis and Palestinians.”

The Newport News City Council refrained from considering a city ceasefire resolution.