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Beachwood council urges county not to divest from Israel after residents’ appeals
Summary
Following public comments from Jewish community leaders and residents, Beachwood City Council unanimously adopted a resolution urging Cuyahoga County Council not to pass a divestment resolution; several public speakers framed divestment as discriminatory and expressed solidarity with Israel.
Beachwood City Council on July 15 unanimously approved a resolution urging Cuyahoga County Council not to pursue a countywide divestment from Israel.
The resolution drew public comment earlier in the meeting. Daniel Perlman, senior director of external affairs at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, thanked the council for standing with the Jewish community and described the city’s resolution as a moral statement of support for Israel. Perlman said he appreciated the council’s prior approval to display a “bring them home” ribbon at the federation’s offices.
Matt Hildebrand, a local resident, urged continued solidarity and criticized media coverage he said mischaracterized conflict-related reporting; he characterized actions he attributed to Hamas as war crimes and said the council should maintain its position against divestment.
A council member who introduced the resolution said the county’s proposed divestment resolution had been withdrawn but that proponents could return with new language, and that the local statement remains important. Another council member said the resolution was intended to make clear Beachwood’s position.
Council members voted by roll call to adopt the urgent resolution. Supporters emphasized the city’s stance while noting the county item had been withdrawn; opponents were not recorded on the council floor.
