Commission agrees to draft resolution to designate annual Jewish solidarity day; staff to return with language and budget options
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Summary
Commissioner Joseph asked the commission to formalize an annual Jewish Solidarity Day during Jewish American Heritage Month and explore a small budget to support a city event; commissioners asked for clearer wording and constitutional review; city staff agreed to draft a resolution and return with event and budget details.
Commissioner Jerry Joseph asked the City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach to adopt a standing annual observance — "Jewish Solidarity Day" — during Jewish American Heritage Month and to consider a modest budget contribution so congregations could hold a united community event in the city.
Joseph said the item grew from last year’s recognition and was intended to avoid missing the observance in future years: "I would like to ask the commission to make Jewish Solidarity Day during the month that we celebrate Jewish heritage month... and also to connect [a] small event to it." He asked staff to draft a resolution designating the day each year and to outline budget options for a modest city contribution if commissioners choose to support an event.
Commission discussion focused on scope, constitutional constraints, and logistics. Some commissioners favored the idea of designating a day and holding a small, inclusive civic event; others urged caution because the city must avoid favoring one religion when public funds are used. The city attorney emphasized the need to ensure the wording avoids a constitutional issue and noted Jewish identity can be cultural as well as religious. The city manager said staff could prepare a draft resolution establishing an annual day and then outline event options and budget impacts for future consideration.
The commission did not adopt a resolution at the meeting. The city manager committed to returning a draft resolution that would designate an annual observance during May (Jewish American Heritage Month) and to include options for a modest budget amendment or a model where congregations contribute and the city provides facility access. Commissioners asked Commissioner Joseph to provide more detail on desired format, participating congregations, and funding model so staff can prepare a draft for a future meeting.
Next steps: Commissioner Joseph to consult with congregations and provide a plan to staff; city staff to draft resolution wording, review constitutional issues with the city attorney, and return with budget and event options at the next meeting.