During a recent Kingston council meeting, community members passionately advocated for a ceasefire resolution in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and justice. A Jewish resident, drawing from personal experiences in Israel and the occupied West Bank, urged the council to recognize that true safety for Jews cannot come at the expense of Palestinian lives and dignity. They highlighted the recent demonstrations in Tel Aviv, where tens of thousands called for a ceasefire, asserting that without addressing the underlying issues of occupation and injustice, long-term peace remains unattainable.

Another speaker, Brandon Listeris, addressed the council regarding the need for stronger good cause eviction protections for tenants. He argued against allowing landlords with a single property to conduct no-cause evictions, citing the significant financial returns landlords receive. Listeris also reiterated the importance of addressing antisemitism while distinguishing it from anti-Zionism, stressing that the U.S. must acknowledge its role in supporting actions that many view as genocidal in nature.

The meeting underscored the intersection of local governance with global issues, as community members called for solidarity and justice in both housing and international relations. The council took a brief recess following the discussions, reflecting the emotional weight of the topics addressed.