Following last month’s antisemitism on Mercer Island, city council’s Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum read a statement at its regular meeting on Dec. 5 condemning the incidents and reaffirming the council’s solidarity with the Jewish community, according to the city. Council then passed a motion approving the message as an official statement from the city council.

As stated in a previous Reporter article, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently probing the incidents involving two suspicious packages delivered to local Jewish organizations and the desecration of the Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation.

The statement reads:

“The Mercer Island City Council stands united in condemning the recent antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish organizations in our community. Such acts, fueled by bigotry and aimed at instilling fear among our Jewish residents, are unacceptable on Mercer Island. Our commitment is to foster a community underpinned by unity and respect, where the diversity and beliefs of all Islanders are embraced and respected. Hatred and acts of terror gain ground only when met with silence or indifference –- we categorically refuse to be silent. Instead, we assert our unwavering solidarity with the Jewish community in these challenging times.”

Rosenbaum, who thanked Mayor Salim Nice and city staff for penning the crucial statement that was included as a special business item, added: “It means a lot, I can say, to me as a Jewish member of the community to know that we have the support of the council and that we’re not just going to sit back and watch this happen.”

Councilmember Ted Weinberg said: “In an ideal world, such a statement as this should not be necessary, but in the reality of the world that we live in, it is necessary and so I strongly support this statement as well.”