We are writing on behalf of the Jewish community on Colorado’s Western Slope to express our profound disappointment with the Glenwood Springs City Council’s recent decision to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Our dismay stems not from the desire for peace, which we share, but from the manner in which this resolution was adopted—without consultation or consideration of the Jewish community’s perspective.
The conflict in Israel is deeply complex, with historical and emotional layers that cannot be neatly untangled. Israel, like any other nation, has the right to defend itself against violence. Hamas is widely recognized as a terrorist organization, committed to the destruction of Israel. Any demand for ceasefire, while understandable, must not equate the actions of a democratic state defending its citizens with those of a terrorist group.
The lack of engagement with the Jewish community prior to passing this resolution is particularly troubling. Such decisions, which directly impact our community and relate to an issue so close to our hearts, should not be made in a vacuum. The Jewish community, with its deep ties to Israel and its nuanced understanding of the conflict, could have provided valuable insights, ensuring a more informed and balanced approach. Instead, the council bent to the pressure of a group of activists who showed up with no prior notice and without considering how this resolution could create a permission structure for more harm against our community in the skyrocketing rise of antisemitic incidents Jewish Coloradans have experienced since October 7, 2023.
We urge the City Council to reconsider its approach to international conflicts in the future. Engaging with all affected communities, seeking diverse viewpoints, and striving for a comprehensive understanding of complex issues should be prerequisites for such actions. By doing so, we can foster a community that truly reflects the values of respect, dialogue, and inclusivity.
Sincerely yours,
Dan Leshem, PhD, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) DirectorÂ
Scott Levin, ADL Mountain States Regional Director
Emily Hyatt, Rocky Mountain Rabbis and Cantors (RMRC) President
Rabbi Joel Newman, B’nai Vail
Cantor Michelle Cohn Levy, B’Nai Vail
Rabbi Mendel Mintz, Chabad Jewish Community Center Executive Director
Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary, Har Mishpacha: Jewish Congregation of Steamboat Springs
Rabbi Shira Stutman, Aspen Jewish Congregation