Murrieta council adopts resolution condemning antisemitism; urges education and local solidarity

The Murrieta City Council on Feb. 4 unanimously approved a resolution declaring the city’s stance against antisemitism and urged local institutions to adopt similar protections.

Councilmember Lori Stone introduced the item and recounted national and campus incidents she described as a surge in antisemitic actions and rhetoric; she called on local educational institutions to adopt protections for students and faculty. "We live in a country that allows freedom of religion. And in the city of Murrieta, we welcome all religions that practice without discrimination, hate, and especially violence against others and property," Stone said.

Public commenters included Bev Hoffman, who described personal and family experiences of local antisemitic vandalism dating to the 1980s and urged the council to pass the resolution, and Irvin Micklin and other members of the Holocaust Remembrance Foundation of the Valley, who said the focus should include education and a planned memorial. Pastor Tim Thompson described a separate instance of vandalism at his church the morning of a Holocaust-related fundraiser and urged council support for the resolution.

Councilmembers from across the dais expressed support for the measure and for education as a principal means to counter hate. Councilmember Ron Holliday said he "100%" supported the resolution. Mayor Pro Tem John Lavelle and others praised the council for taking a clear stance. Councilmember Stone declined amendments that would broaden the item beyond antisemitism into a general anti-hate statement, saying she preferred the focused language.

The resolution passed unanimously, 5–0. Councilmembers and members of the public said they hope the action encourages local campuses and nearby cities to adopt similar measures and that the city will support Holocaust education and a planned educational memorial noted by speakers.