Thanking the Raleigh City Council

Last week, Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and the Raleigh City Council made a statement on their decision not to pass a one-sided ceasefire resolution against Israel.

I have heard from many of you about how relieved you are to be able to move on from this polarizing debate, and keep on focus on other matters, like continuing to raise awareness of the need to bring the hostages home.

Elected officials, especially ones in municipal governments, hardly ever hear appreciation from their constituents for making the right decision. 

Today, I ask everyone reading this to take a minute to contact the Raleigh City Council and say thank you. In a time when the loudest voices get the most attention in the media, a sincere email will really make a difference.

SAMPLE EMAIL

Please send your thank you to:  citycouncilmembers@raleighnc.gov, which will forward your note to all city council members. 

Dear Raleigh City Council Representatives, 

I am writing to thank each of you for the balanced statement regarding the Israel-Hamas war recently issued by the Raleigh City Council. Hopefully, this statement brings closure to a difficult period for the City of Raleigh and for many of its Jewish residents.

I recognize that there is no statement that will satisfy all your different constituencies. The statement that was read at the Raleigh City Council meeting struck a balance, and it is my hope that the Raleigh City Council will be able to move forward on local issues and, hopefully, over time, working together, we can reduce the acrimony that is still present at the public comment sessions of the Raleigh City Council meetings.

I pray every day for the end of this war and the release of the hostages. I grieve for the enormous loss of life and the suffering of innocent individuals that was brought on by the October 7 attack by Hamas.  

Again, thank you for the balanced statement, now let us all move forward as “One Raleigh.”

Regards, 

[Your Name]

CEO Phil Brodsky speaking at the January 16, 2024 Raleigh City Council meeting.