Local news- Press Release
City of Davis California - 1 25 24 Statement from the Mayor Regarding Antisemitic Incidents 25 January 2024 ( news )
City of Davis , state California ( By Press Release office)
Jan 25,2024
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For many in our community , the last few months have brought a range of emotions , including fear and anger , at the displacement , devastation and massacre of thousands of innocent people in the Israel - Hamas war . We must recognize that this is not merely a reaction to events occurring thousands of miles away , and that our community members , families and college students have experienced discrimination , hate , pain and suffering right here in Davis due to their faith , cultural background or homeland . These experiences do not represent the values of our city and our community , the City of Davis does not tolerate hate , discrimination or antisemitism .
The City Council has listened to and interacted with countless community members recently , and we know that there is real pain , suffering , anger and fear , and we believe that our community has the empathy and respect to continue this open dialogue and identify areas where we can promote peaceful communication that reflects our values .
Our community deserves to feel
safe and welcome
.
Our community deserves
empathy and kindness
.
Despite where we came from or what we believe in , our community deserves
respect
.
The City of Davis has a history of condemning acts of violence and hate , especially in recent years in response to acts of antisemitism , anti - LGBTQ+ , hateful speech relating to race and more . We will continue to speak up and support our community through our Commissions , local organizations , and now through Hate - Free Together .
At the first two City Council meetings of 2024 , Councilmembers Vaitla and Arnold shared that they will be meeting with City staff working on Hate - Free Together and a representative from the City’s Human Relations Commission to discuss local efforts and how we can better align resources .
In 2022 , in order to help combat the many hate incidents that were occurring in Davis and throughout our region , the founders of Hate - Free Together , Yolo County , the City of Davis and UC Davis , joined forces to stand up against this ongoing epidemic . We believed , and continue to believe , that we are
stronger together
. Hatred and bigotry are insidious and impact all of us , requiring a joint , ongoing and unprecedented effort to create safety and cultivate change .
There is great momentum and focus with Hate - Free Together , which also includes new partnerships with Davis Joint Unified School District and the Yolo County Office of Education , that will help to bridge many of the concerns and needs that have been brought up in our community . In addition , there are many opportunities for learning and education at local faith - based organizations , non - profits and college campuses that we invite the community to consider as possibilities for learning , conversation and engagement . The City’s Human Relations Commission can help to funnel ideas and concerns to staff of Hate - Free Together that will provide structure and ways for the community to be part of a proactive process for more productive engagement .
I urge anyone who witnesses or experiences antisemitic behavior to report it immediately to the appropriate authorities . In the City of Davis , if you have experienced a hate crime , please report it to the Davis Police Department by emailing:
policeweb@cityofdavis . org
, calling: ( 530 ) 747 - 5400 or visiting:
https://www . cityofdavis . org/city - hall/police - department/hate - incidents
. The Davis Police Department is aware of recent incidents , including social media posts and flyers , that have caused serious concern for several community members . The Davis Police Department will continue to monitor the situation and is in close communication with the UC Davis Police Department and federal partners .
If a hate crime or incident has occurred on the UC Davis campus , please call 530 - 752 - 1230 or email
police . web@ucdavis . edu
. UC Davis also has a “Report Hate and Bias” portal at:
https://reporthateandbias . ucdavis . edu/
.
Antisemitism , like all forms of hatred and bigotry , has no place in our city . Let us reaffirm our commitment to tolerance , understanding and mutual respect for people of all faiths and backgrounds . We stand together and will not be divided by intolerance and will continue to support all members of our community in their time of need .
- Mayor Josh Chapman
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