Our movement is broad and inclusive, and that is how I will govern as mayor

I lead with courage and empathy. I stand firm in my support for Palestinian human rights, and I stand firm in my commitment against antisemitism. Those two things are not in conflict.

To the Jewish community in DC: I will not be a mayor who includes or excludes you based on your opinions or feelings on matters here and across the world. I will always protect your freedom, safety, and sense of belonging. I have been going to synagogues since I was in middle school, and I have been organizing alongside the Jewish community for years. That won’t change. As Ward 4 Councilmember, I worked with Jewish organizations and neighbors to secure security grants for our schools and synagogues. Antisemitism is morally wrong and unacceptable, and it is spreading. It is part of the same machinery of division and fear used against Black people, immigrant communities, and others. We must work together to stop it. 

I was one of the first Councilmembers to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to meet with George Washington University students who were advocating for a ceasefire. Together, we mourned the innocent lives that have been lost in Israel as well as in Gaza and the West Bank. I will continue to stand up against efforts to silence local pro-Palestinian speech and organizing. That’s why recently, I met with the owner of Loyalty Books whose sign in solidarity with the people of Gaza was vandalized. And I have no problem voicing my disagreement, loudly, when it is needed. I do not shy away from standing by my values in front of all audiences.

Our movements succeed when we organize beyond barriers. There are real inequities in DC that we must overcome — housing insecurity, food deserts, lack of quality healthcare. We have shared values and shared goals. Let’s move forward and do the good work.