Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 1/14/2013 Tzvi Darling Sister City Approval X 2/28/2013 Alice Trembour Letter in support of Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 2/28/2013 Jared Polis Letter of Support - Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 3/2/2013 Evan Weissman Sister City X 3/13/2013 Sheila Winters Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 3/15/2013 Charles Davis support for sister city for boulder nablus X 3/16/2013 Scott Sloan Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 3/19/2013 Andy Schultheiss Important Note Regarding Previous Communication X 3/21/2013 Jim Wilkinson Nablus X 3/21/2013 Pat Hewett Boulder/Nablus Sister City X 3/25/2013 Jeni Hiett Umble Nablus Sister City Project X 3/25/2013 Joan Graff Sister city project Nablus/Boulder X 4/1/2013 Sara Fitouri Nablus Sister City Project X Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project / Former Israeli Prime Minister 4/3/2013 Stan Current X 4/4/2013 Elizabeth Borneman Boulder/Nablus Sister City Project X 4/6/2013 Sophia Stoller support for Boulder-Nablus sister city X 4/6/2013 Shaher Affoneh Boulder-Nablus sisters X 4/9/2013 Dr. Elizabeth Ordonez Nablus Sister City X 4/9/2013 Rami Sawalha, PHD Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 4/10/2013 Ola Badawi Boulder and Nablus Sister Project X 4/10/2013 Cameron Powers Nablus Sister City Project X 4/10/2013 Carla Henebry Sister City Status for Nablus X 4/11/2013 Janet and Mark Thew Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 4/12/2013 Peter Ornstein Regarding Nablus Sister City Proposal X 4/12/2013 Leslie Lomas Please support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 4/14/2013 Arnie Voigt Boulder and Nablus X 4/15/2013 Jacqueline Muller Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 4/16/2013 Talor Halevi Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X

4/17/2013 Zalman Schachter-Shalomi Letter in Support of Nablus as Sister City X 4/17/2013 Jane Thomas Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 4/18/2013 Jim Haswell Nablus Sister City Support X 4/19/2013 Lark Corbeil Considering Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X

4/19/2013 John Steiner and Margo King Supporting the boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 4/19/2013 Carolyn Usher Keep Your Enemies Closer X 4/20/2013 Pauline Gilmour Support Boulder Nablus Sister City relationship X 4/21/2013 Bill Cohen Scheduling Boulder Nablus Sister City Project Hearing X 4/22/2013 Julia Blechar Nablus X 4/23/2013 William Ury Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 4/23/2013 Sylvain Hayoun Nablus X 4/23/2013 Joan Nagel Opposition to Nablus Sister City relationship X 4/24/2013 Rabbi Marc Soloway Nablus Sister City Project X 4/25/2013 Barbara Hanst Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 4/27/2013 Alan Rudy Sister City Program X 4/29/2013 Scott Levin Boulder/Nablus Sister City Proposal X 4/30/2013 Bruce Shaffer N/A X 4/30/2013 Rachel Amaru NABLUS - Sister City Project X 4/30/2013 Andrew Halperin Nablus as a Sister City X 4/30/2013 Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder No to Nablus as sister city X 4/30/2013 Mark Lowenstein Nablus Sister City X 4/30/2013 Pamela Maass Nablus Sister City X 4/30/2013 Jean Gore Nablus Sister City X 4/30/2013 Thomas Mayer In support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 4/30/2013 Ken Stickney Boulder Nablus Sister City Project Proposal X 4/30/2013 Carl and Hana Hartman Sister city Nablus X 4/30/2013 Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder X 5/1/2013 Cheryl Stevenson please support Nablus as sister city X 5/1/2013 Irving Greenbaum Nablus X 5/1/2013 Aza Squarer Object Sister City Relationsip with Nablus X 5/1/2013 Richard Scott Support for your Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/1/2013 Andrew Reid Nablus Sister City Matter X 5/1/2013 John Cruickshank It's Friendship, not politics X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 5/1/2013 Claudia Naeseth The Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/1/2013 Carol Quinn Nablus Boulder Connection X 5/1/2013 Eric Weissmann Nablus-Boulder (No) X 5/1/2013 Carol Brock Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/1/2013 Firyal Al Shalabi Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/1/2013 Dorothy Day Ciarlo Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/1/2013 Mimi Ito No to Nablus sister city proposal X 5/1/2013 Dori and Bill Shiovitz Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/1/2013 Bruce Wilman Boulder Nablus Sister City - Opposaition X 5/1/2013 Wayne Seitzer Nablus Sister City Pproject - no X 5/1/2013 Susan Littmann Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/1/2013 Caren Brandt Philips Against Nablus sister city proposal X 5/1/2013 Olivia Edwards Nablus X 5/1/2013 Andrew Havas Nablus sister City project X 5/1/2013 Jessica Adams Boulder Nablus Sister City X please don't pursue the politics of the sister city program in Nablus for 5/1/2013 Jackie Seltzer Boulder X 5/1/2013 Michelle Eckstein Boulder Nablus Sister City request X 5/1/2013 Gali Beh Letter against Nablus as sister city X 5/1/2013 Miriam Sparks sister city X 5/1/2013 Linda Tuber Boulder Nablus Sister City X 5/1/2013 Andy Franklin Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/1/2013 Jack Rudd Sisterhood with the City from Hell X 5/1/2013 Jennifer Weissman Opposed to Nablus as Sister City X 5/1/2013 Danielle Weksler Sister City Proposal X 5/1/2013 Jason Blau Opposition to Boulder-Nablus Sister City X 5/2/2013 Andrew Zicklin sister city X 5/2/2013 Richard Miller No to Nablus! X 5/2/2013 Carol Secor Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/2/2013 Chris and Rory Goodman Nablus as a Sister City - Please Vote No X 5/2/2013 William Safran Nablus X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion

5/2/2013 Chris Beh Against Nablus as a sister city unless you pair with an Israeli town too X 5/2/2013 Marian Safran Opposaition to Nablus Sister Cities Project X 5/2/2013 Francine Blum Objection to Sister City Status for Nablus X 5/2/2013 Amir Cohen sister city please read X 5/2/2013 Hana Hartman Sister City Nablus Proposal X 5/2/2013 Nina Judd Nablus X 5/2/2013 Jennifer Goldman OPPOSED to Nablus as Sister City to Boulder X 5/2/2013 Marvin Gang Nablus Sister City Project X 5/2/2013 Charles Corfield Nablus sister city proposal --- I oppose it X 5/2/2013 Charlotte Smokler sister city X 5/2/2013 Jeff Skovron Boulder Nablus Sister City X 5/2/2013 Carl Schneider sister city X 5/2/2013 Sam Dreksler Nablus Sister City Project X 5/2/2013 Sari Levy Nablus/Opposition Letter X 5/2/2013 James Hoskins Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/2/2013 Judy Richtel opposition to Sister City Nablus X 5/2/2013 Stephanie Greenberg Boulder Nablus Sister City X 5/2/2013 Shelly Finberg Proposal to Make Nablus Boulder's Sister City X 5/2/2013 Nikki Cohen Against sister city with Nablus X 5/2/2013 Beverly Rosenschein Opposition to adopt Nablus as a sister city X 5/2/2013 Tara Winer Nablus as our sister city - I am against it X 5/2/2013 Hanna Shaner Nablus Sister City X 5/2/2013 Fred Cooper Nablus as a Sister City X 5/2/2013 Ross Kaminsky Opposition to Boulder-Nablus Sister City X 5/2/2013 Marci Rosenthal No to Nablus X 5/2/2013 Mary Wolf Boulder Nablus Sister City X 5/2/2013 Valerie Finberg Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/2/2013 Roberta Reinfeld I totally oppose the Boulder Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/2/2013 Roger Vossler Nablus project X 5/2/2013 Liz Martinez Nablus X 5/2/2013 Richard Lefcourt Sister City X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 5/2/2013 Anita Kleinfeld sister city X 5/2/2013 Rabbi Ruth Bronstein Nablus sister city X 5/2/2013 Neil Eckstein Reject the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/2/2013 Barbara Rogan Nablus, Sister City?????? X 5/3/2013 Eliza Norris Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/3/2013 Aviva Bass-Huh Nablus sister city X 5/3/2013 John Kane Boulder-Nablus Sister City relationship X 5/3/2013 Lloyd Gelman Nablus sister city project X 5/3/2013 Rabbi Joshua Rose Rabbi Rose - Nablus Sister City X 5/3/2013 Larry Marsh Sister city X 5/3/2013 Daniel Quiat Nablus as a sister city X 5/3/2013 Paul Schwartz Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/3/2013 Jacy Berger sister city with Boulder and Nablus X 5/3/2013 Beatriz Pestana Boulder Nablus sister city relationship X 5/3/2013 Alise Jackson Sister City X 5/3/2013 Mirielle Key Sister City Project X 5/3/2013 Randall Clarke About Nablus becoming a sister city X 5/3/2013 Elizabeth Freedman I'm against Nablus as a sister city X 5/3/2013 Maryan Jaross Sister City nablus - - No thank you! X 5/3/2013 Ken Schwartz X 5/3/2013 Roberta Skivak Boulder-Nablus sister city project X 5/3/2013 Jennifer Kraemer Palestine Sister City X

5/3/2013 Steve Diamond Want the Council to know of my Objection to Nablus as our Sister City X 5/3/2013 Alice Gansfield Proposed Sister City Relationship with Nablus X 5/3/2013 Wesley Johnson Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/4/2013 Richard Finer Nablus sister city? X 5/4/2013 Suzanne Sobczak Not in agreement with Nablus as a "sister" city X 5/4/2013 Leah Miller Opposition to Nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 5/4/2013 Shirley Gang Sister City Proposal X 5/4/2013 Miriam Pollack Nablus! X 5/4/2013 Arnold Fridland Boulder-Nablus city proposal X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 5/4/2013 Isolde Stewart Nablus X 5/4/2013 Kirk Vincent No more sister cities X 5/4/2013 Miriam Gilbert Nablus - - Strongly Opposed X 5/4/2013 Lela Kay Boulder Condones Intolerance X 5/4/2013 Margie Browning the suggestion of another sister city X 5/5/2013 Seth Frankel Nablus Sister City - a terrible proposal X 5/5/2013 Matthew Finberg Sister City Proposal X 5/5/2013 Maria Aweida Boulder Nablus Sister Cities Project X 5/5/2013 Howard Bernstein Boulder Nablus Sister City X 5/5/2013 Alana Bernstein Against Nablus! CON! X 5/5/2013 Jackie Wong Boulder Nablus Sister City Project I OPPOSE THE PROJECT X 5/5/2013 Hawra Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/5/2013 Dr. Carolyn Wepman AGAINST Nablus Sister City X 5/6/2013 Melinda Kassen Nablus X 5/6/2013 David Morton Nablus X 5/6/2013 Madeline Cohen opposition to Boulder/Nablus sister-city relationship X 5/6/2013 Elaine Belansky Opposition to Boulder-Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/6/2013 Andi Bovarnick Sister city concerns X 5/6/2013 Adam Sirkus No to Nablus X 5/6/2013 Robert Noun Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/6/2013 Kathryn Bernheimer Letter in opposition to the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/6/2013 Mindy Pantiel Nablus Sister City Project X 5/6/2013 Linda Mendelsohn Nablus sister city project X 5/6/2013 Matt Young Sister-city proposal X 5/6/2013 Natalie Marsh Nablus X 5/6/2013 Inna Sch Nablus X 5/6/2013 Tom Bloomfield Boulder should NOT become a Sister City of Nablus X 5/6/2013 Greg Frost Opposed to Boulder-Nablus Sister City initiative X 5/6/2013 Cindy Jacobson Making Nablus a sister city with Boulder X 5/6/2013 Paul Cohen Sister City Project X 5/6/2013 Judith Lavinsky Nablus Sister City Initiative X 5/6/2013 Cathleen Shoenfeld Sister City proposal X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 5/7/2013 James Brantz letter opposing Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/7/2013 Elaine Blechman Sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus X 5/7/2013 Mark Read Nablus X 5/7/2013 Ellen Taxman Objection to adding Nablus as a Sister City to Boulder X 5/7/2013 Susan Zalkin Please Vote against Nablus Sister City proposal X 5/7/2013 David Rubinstein X Boulder Sister Cities Initiative in Palestine AND : Solidairty NOT 5/7/2013 John Lamb Sides X 5/7/2013 Joseph Friedman MD Nablus sister city X 5/8/2013 Julie Cohen Time Urgent Request from Rabbi Rose X 5/8/2013 David Barsamian Dear Council X 5/8/2013 Miriam Paisner Nablus X 5/8/2013 Claire Walter Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities Project X 5/8/2013 J.B. Boulder Nablus Sister City Project Support X 5/8/2013 Karen Diamond No to Nablus sister city proposal X 5/8/2013 Ray McCarus Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X

5/9/2013 Matt Nicodemus I support the establishment of a Boulder-Nablus sister city relationship X 5/9/2013 Audrey Franklin City Council Letter regarding Nablus Sister City Project X 5/9/2013 Gwindolyn Lehman Nablus-Boulder Sister City X 5/9/2013 Linda Loewenstein No to Sister City in Nablus X 5/9/2013 Emily Rudd letter opposing Nablus Sister City Project X 5/9/2013 Judith Steuben Sister City Discussion X 5/9/2013 Adrienne Hirschfelder Boulder-Nablus Sister City Support X 5/9/2013 Kathleen Galt Nablus sister city of Boulder X 5/9/2013 Rob Schware Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project letter of support X 5/9/2013 Pamela Olson Expressing support for the Boulder-Nablus sister city program X 5/10/2013 Michael Wolin Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/10/2013 Barbara Hill Opposed to Nablus Sister City of Boulder X 5/10/2013 Jesse Aweida boulder-Nablus sister city X

5/11/2013 Barbara Steinmetz Opposition to Nablus as the choice for another sister City designation X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 5/12/2013 Stan Deetz Boulder-Nablus Sister City X 5/12/2013 Rachel Fraenkel Nablus X 5/12/2013 Bibi Atallah Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/13/2013 Howard Flug Boulder-Nablus Sister City X 5/13/2013 Shelli Angel Opposition to Nablus Sister City Proposal X 5/13/2013 David Marshall Nablus Sister City Project X 5/14/2013 David Perlick I oppose the Nablus sister city project X 5/15/2013 Les Canges Boulder-Nablus Sister City X 5/15/2013 Paula Erez I oppose Nablus as a sister city to Boulder X 5/16/2013 Neal Feldman Sister City Letter X 5/20/2013 Sandy Friedman Against Boulder choosing Nablus as a Sister City X 5/21/2013 Jane Cohen Nablus Sister city project X 5/21/2013 Ramah Kudaimi Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Jeff Messerschmidt Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Mark Toukan Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Marlene Waite Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Serena Becker Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Mohammad Ozlat Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 LaRoy Seaver Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Mohammad Ahram Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Katharina Harlow Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Robert Stone Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Indrani Sigamany Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Christina Hendricks Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Ed Thwaites Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 William Antoun Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Rachel Goldstein Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Linda Groth Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Dalal Qamheiah Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Emilio Abulhasan Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Kamilia Hassouneh Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Martha Bushnell Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 5/21/2013 Tammy Kilgore Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 David Canaday Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Robert Nesbit Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Duane Gall Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Sue Mitrovic Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Mahdi Smaali Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Heather Fjare Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 David Shannahoff-Kalsa Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Jerry Mastriano Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Kath Glatz Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Lorraine Kirk Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Barbara Millman Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Janice Niblack Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Jean Boustani Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Ann Halloway Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Bea Dewing Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 Ellen Moore Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/21/2013 William Barrett Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Melly Ailabouni Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Gretchen Williams Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Anna Baltzer Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Judy Lubow Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Aida Porteneuve Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Chun Pan Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Sergio Atallah Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Paul Noursi Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Beverly Reeves Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Ernest Guindon Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Anne Marie Pois Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Terrie Leysath Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Jane Bunin Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Willa Brunkhorst Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 5/22/2013 Catherine Alder Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Suhad Karzon Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Tara Eisler Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/22/2013 Nora Jacquez Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/23/2013 Kerry Irwin Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/23/2013 Maura Donahue Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/23/2013 Kimberly Mander Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/24/2013 Juliet Wittman Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/24/2013 Mary Ellen Garrett Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/24/2013 Courtney Walsh Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/24/2013 Prudence Scarritt Nablus Sister City X 5/24/2013 Linda Weber Nablus sister city project X 5/26/2013 Susan Gesundheit Nablus sister city proposal X 5/26/2013 David Tellkamp Nablus X 5/26/2013 Michelle Blatner nablus…NO X 5/26/2013 Chany Scheiner Weighing in on the Nablus Sister City project X 5/27/2013 Gloria August Nablus X 5/27/2013 William Eigles Vote NO on Nablus as a Sister City X 5/27/2013 Gene Binder My opinion about the Nablus Sister City Project X 5/28/2013 Jennifer Johnson no to palestine X 5/28/2013 Maria Esposito-Weed sister city proposal X 5/28/2013 Virginia Heddens Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/28/2013 Max Absher Please support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 5/29/2013 Pierre Joubert Oppose Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities X 5/29/2013 Rona Wronker Nablus sister-city mistreats its sistahs X 5/29/2013 Eric Cline Opposes sister city X 5/29/2013 Rosalind Hanckel NABLUS X 5/29/2013 Doug Feauto Nablus as a sister city X 5/29/2013 Brownlee John comments on Nablus X 5/29/2013 Anita Dalbey Sister city in Israel X 5/29/2013 David Oettinger Oppose Nablus as Sister City X 5/29/2013 Dwayne Jones Sister City of Boulder X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion

5/29/2013 Rebekah Million-Steele A plea for the opposition of Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities Decision X 5/29/2013 Linda Cohen Boulder/Nablus as Sister Cities X 5/29/2013 Jane Rubenstein No to Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 5/29/2013 Mary Beth Wolin Nablus Sister City X 5/29/2013 Michael Neil Nablus Sister City Project X 5/29/2013 Sharon Siman-tov Petition Against Nablus as Sister City X 5/30/2013 Tyler Norris Supporting Nablus as a Sister City for Boulder X 5/30/2013 Judith Lemberger Nablus sister city proposal X 5/30/2013 Elie Balas Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities X 6/1/2013 Michael Rollins Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/1/2013 Joe Stepanek Support Nablus as a Boulder Sister City X 6/1/2013 Ronald Forthofer Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/3/2013 Anna Northrop Strong Support for Nablus Sister City Proposal X 6/3/2013 Rick Ackerman What exactly does Boulder have to gain X 6/3/2013 Yazan Fattaleh Support for the Boulder Nablus Sister City Partnership X 6/3/2013 Essrea Cherin Letter to City Council in Support of Nablus as Sister X 6/3/2013 Scott Macinnis Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/3/2013 Cynda Arsenault support for Boulder-Nablus sister city X 6/3/2013 Brian Carlucci City adoption X 6/3/2013 Bradley Alpert Nablus as sister city X

6/3/2013 Carl Tintsman Open Letter to City Council on Boulder Nablus Sister City Poposal X 6/3/2013 Steven Gansfield Boulder Nablus Sister City Project X 6/3/2013 Judy Megibow Snablus Sister City Project - Opposed X 6/4/2013 Usama Alshaibi Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/4/2013 Phil Waters A proposal and opinion from Americans Against Terror X 6/4/2013 Yehudis Fishman Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Diane Borden Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Bob Damashek Oppose Nablus as Sister City of Boulder X 6/4/2013 Linda Feather Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Leslie Schaeffer Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 6/4/2013 plnygd (?) Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Philip Sekar Nablus as sister city X 6/4/2013 Ken Garman Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X Submission for Packet for June 10 City Council Meeting Re proposed 6/4/2013 Beth Ornstein Nablus Sister City X 6/4/2013 Linda Hermelin sister city meeting X 6/4/2013 Hilda Fine Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Teo Sonnenschein Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Shira Reiss Sop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Irene Majerfeld Boulder-Nablus Sister City Proposal X 6/4/2013 Arnoldo Majerfeld Boulder-Nablus Sister City Proposal X 6/4/2013 lkl44 (?) Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Wisam Alshaibi Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/4/2013 Rick Angel nablus Sister City Proposal X 6/4/2013 Judith Levitsky I oppose Boulder naming Nablus as its sister city X 6/4/2013 Peter Ewing Nablus as a sister city X 6/4/2013 Vaughn Huckfeldt Nablus is not a good choice for a sister city X 6/4/2013 Eve Heimbach Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Merritt Crocker Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/4/2013 Jane Smolens Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Mark Miller Sop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Bobby Patrick Oppose Racism and Hatred!!! X 6/4/2013 Michael Kaplan Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/4/2013 Alex Cox Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/4/2013 Marsha Rano Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/5/2013 Jane Milliff Sister City Project Nablus X 6/5/2013 Suzanne Lowder Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X 6/5/2013 Pauline Wanderer Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project X 6/5/2013 Kenneth Friednash Sister Act X 6/5/2013 Pamela Prichard Why consider a terrorist center? X 6/5/2013 Christopher Kuehl Boulder Considering Partnering with Nablus X 6/5/2013 Helen Strait Stop nablus as Boulder's Sister City X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Date No Received From Subject Title Supports Opposes Opinion 6/5/2013 Richard Damashek Stop X 6/5/2013 Gene Diedrich Sop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City X Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Max Absher Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 3:02 PM To: Council Subject: Please Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Hello‐

As a Colorado native, with Boulder being my birthplace, I know Colorado. Through this familiarity I know that Boulder, and indeed Colorado as a whole would benefit from a partnership with a Palestinian city.

Nablus is a community that faces many many challenges, from foreign repression and control, to internal strife. Indeed the occupied territories house some of the most poverty stricken peoples of the world. Please allow Boulder to partner with them and help bring both of our communities further into the millenium, and beyond, in a peaceful way.

Thank you so much

Max Absher

Littleton, CO 80128

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: EMILIO a Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:51 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My name is Emilio, I live in the USA. Nablus and Boulder should be allowed to create and maintain a sister city relationship. The people of Nablus as well as the people of Boulder would enjoy mutual benefits by creating such friendship. live under a harsh military occupation; their lands and homes are daily taken from them. Their country is being colonized and more Palestinians are forced to live in squalid refugee camps as I write this. The people of Boulder would benefit from this relationship because they will learn, and be part of history, as it happens to their sister city, Nablus.

Who knows? The prole of Boulder might be in a position to affect this history in a positive way. In a way that later, Boulder's children of today will be able to tell their own children of tomorrow that they helped save Nablus and Palestine at large, from total Colonization. That they kept it from disparaging for ever. This relationship will go a long ways to promote peace and understanding

Please support the establishment and unimpeded envelopment of this relationship.

Thank you, Emilio Abulhasan

EMILIO a

Haymarket, VA 20168

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rick Ackerman Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 12:33 PM To: Council Subject: What, exactly, does Boulder have to gain, other than needlessly courting controversy, by passing the Nablus resolution???

If the resolution fails, as it should and must, consider whom you will have alienated: a bunch of rabble rousers whose motive is purely political and hostile toward Israel. It is shocking that this resolution will even come to a vote.

Sincerely,

Richard Ackerman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jessica Adams Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:49 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Attachments: Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

Dean City Council

For the reason outlined in the attached letter, I opposed this project.

I have lived in Boulder for over 20 years to and feel strongly that this is NOT the kind of project support in any way.

Sincerely,

Jessica Adams

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Shaher Affoneh To: Council Subject: Bouler- Nablus sisters Date: Saturday, April 06, 2013 8:11:38 AM

I am Dr. Shaher AFFONEH, dentist, live and work in Nablus City. I had visited Boulder 2 times (2011&2012), and I will be very happy if Nablus will be sister with Boulder: The 2 cities have two famous universities , active people , a big trade , a historic story , , the 2 cities share the same geographic situation : between mountains public libraries , and the 2 cities are directed by active councils . You know Nablus is one of the big cities in Palestine, and the economical capital . Which means that may be will be a mutual relations and benefits to the two cities in scientific, trading and economical domains etc. I think the 2 cities have benefits to be sisters in the culture domain: Nablus had 2000 years and more of history, and now the second language in Nablus is English in the schools and the sciences sections in the Al-Najah university in Nablus which have 20,000 students. Nablus still under the army occupation: and now in 2 April the 11 anniversary of the Israeli occupation army invasion to the city when kills 76 of its citizens in one day and demolish hundreds of houses and detains thousands of people and convert the schools to Prisons. we are from Palestine The holy land , the only state under occupation till now , and we wait yours support to have the freedom as all the peoples in all the world , and we know that Boulder and their people like the freedom and like to help The Palestinian’s people to have it. The USA has 67 cities sisters with Israel and 4 only with the Palestinian cities and we look that Boulder will be the FIVE. I wait to hear your great Decision to accept to be – Boulder- sister with Nablus Thank you. Sincerely Dr. Shaher AFFONEH, Nablus, Palestine Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mohammad Ahram Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:48 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Hello. I am an Arab American living on Denver and wanted to support building friendly relationships with the Palestinians. We are all Gods creations and non is better than the other. We support the Boulder ‐ Nablus sister program.

Mohammad Ahram

Denver, CO 80216

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From: Melly Ailabouni Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 7:06 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

What a wonderful idea to support a city under occupation. I commend your proposal whole heartedly. Nablus is a beautiful city that would certainly benefit from this.

Melly Ailabouni

Farmington, MN 55024

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From: Rev. Catherine Alder Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 10:21 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council, I am Rev. Catherine Alder. I am writing in favor of the Nablus Sister City project. I have visited the and Israel 4 times. The people there are living under military rule and are not given equal human rights either within Israel or in the West Bank or Gaza. This project is bridge building and not political. These people can use all the friends they can have internationally to help them with support, friendship, and help economically as they are definitely not given that help through Israel. I have benefited in so many ways from my connections to the West Bank. These friendships over time have brought great meaning to my life and will be for the people of Boulder. No city funds will be spent on this project. Lots of heart will be shared and that is what will count. It is these bridges of friendship that will bring peace to the Middle East and help keep us from entering into more war. Stand on the right side of history. Do the right thing and support this project. Rev. Catherine Alder Pastor of Christ's Way Church Portland, Oregon

Rev. Catherine Alder

Vancouver, WA 98661

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From: Bradley Alpert Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 9:08 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus as sister city

Dear Council Members:

If we were to choose Nablus as a sister city, Boulder would be aligning itself politically with one side in a highly charged international dispute between Israel and its Arab neighbors. To do so would run counter to the purpose of the sister city program.

Although political alignment with the Arabs and against Israel appears to be the goal of the promoters of this proposed arrangement, it would create unnecessary fissures in our community. Do we want the sister city program to be used to divide us? I urge you to reject this source of divisiveness.

While it is important to support human rights throughout the world, the proposal would not support rights of the Palestinians but rather would falsely demonize Israel as the cause of the mideast conflict that results from a complex interplay of many factors. This sister city selection would not serve the cause of human rights or of peace; please oppose it.

Sincerely,

Bradley Alpert Boulder, Colorado 80303

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From: Usama Alshaibi Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 6:43 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

As Arab Americans we need more connections and peace among our countries. I am a professor and filmmaker living in Boulder and this is a way to educate our community about Palestine.

Thank you. Usama Alshaibi

Usama Alshaibi

Bolder, CO 80304

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From: Wisam Alshaibi Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 2:05 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Boulder City Council,

Greetings...

My name is Wisam Alshaibi, I am an Arab American studying at the University Of Colorado; I also grew up in Boulder.

I am writing to support the Nablus Sister City Project.

Helping Palestinians does not equal anti‐Zionism or anti‐Semitism as I am almost sure you may have heard.

I just came back from Deihesha refugee camp in Bethlehem; right next to the Church Of Nativity. Can you believe it, the supposed birthplace of Jesus is next to a refugee camp with 200,000 humans just wanting basic human rights.

This is a project about friendship, peace and understanding. Please understand that the groups that are against this, are simply against any type of peace and understanding with Palestinian people. These are powerful organizations; how about we show that Boulder does not give into political pressure.

My entire family, all Palestinians attended CU Boulder, and are working to make our city a better place. We believe that Boulder can help Nablus.

Please do not give into the pressure.

Thank you

‐Wisam Alshaibi

Wisam Alshaibi

Boulder, CO 80302

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From: Rachel Amaru Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 10:53 AM To: Council Subject: NABLUS - Sister City Project

Dear City Council Members,

I am writing to express my opposition to the motion to make Nablus a Sister City of Boulder.

I join Bill and Sara‐Jane Cohen, Tom Trager, Talor Halevi, and other prominent members of the Jewish community, including my rabbi, Marc Soloway, in opposing this project, which, whether intentionally or not, forces Boulder to take sides on a political issue that is extraordinarily complex. In addition to the issue of human rights violations taking place in Nablus, it is my opinion that the City of Boulder should not be in any way involved with the politicized situation of the Middle East. Individuals, of course, can express their support for either the Palestinians or the Israelis (or both, as the case may be, for so many of us), but for the City to take an implicit stand by deigning Nablus a Sister City, is a dangerous precedent and direction, especially in light of the diverse populations of Jews who have chosen to make Boulder their home, and who peacefully contribute to its well‐being.

The political situation in the Middle East affects so many of us already. There are many of us, here and in Israel, who support a two‐state solution ‐‐ but one that insures the viability of the State of Israel. Many of us have family in Israel, who see how exceedingly fraught the situation between Israelis and Palestinians is on a daily basis. The majority of us here in Boulder cannot conceive of living as so many of the citizens of Israel and Palestine do ‐‐ it is living with a daily level of anxiety that very few of us here in Boulder can fathom.

The Israel‐Palestine issue is an extraordinarily divisive one, even within the Jewish community. It strikes me that there is no reason to exacerbate already existing tensions by having the City of Boulder take such a broad move in aligning our city with a Palestinian one. If there had been a motion to also include a Sister Israeli city, I suspect the motion would have garnered far greater support. There are many of us who want nothing more than there to be peace in the Middle East, but not at the expense of a Jewish State.

Sincerely yours,

Rachel Amaru Boulder, CO

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From: Rick Angel [ric Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:56 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Proposal

Council Members:

I support citizen initiatives to create bridges for peace and understanding between the people of Palestine, Israel and the world.

However, I do not believe that establishing a Sister City relationship with Nablus is appropriate. The topic is just too hot. Since the seeds of this initiative were planted by people with a bias against Israel, the fruit of the program will inevitably be tainted by this prejudice. Let’s not have our City take a position that creates great divides and controversy among our own citizenry in the name of creating a relationship with another city.

Please leave initiatives for peace and understanding to the good people of our City.

Sincerely, Rick Angel

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From: Shelli Angel Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 1:07 PM To: Council Subject: Opposition to Nablus Sister City Proposal

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council,

I am a resident of the City of Boulder and am strongly opposed to the Nablus Sister City Proposal. I am especially concerned about the amount of ongoing dissent it will bring to the residents of the City of Boulder.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a major hot button issue -- with deeply divided and passionate opinions on both sides. By choosing a sister city in the disputed territories, the City of Boulder would be taking a one-sided stance on this very politically-charged issue. This, I believe, will only create further division within the City of Boulder, which is completely antithetical to the purpose of the sister city program.

I am also quite concerned about the human rights situation as well as the violence which occurs in Nablus. Violence against women is commonplace. Gays and lesbians are persecuted and forced to leave. Freedom of speech and press is repressed and religious shrines are not accessible. I was talking to Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder the other day and he told me how inaccessible it was and how unsafe he felt on a recent visit to Joseph's Tomb in Nablus. Apparently, he had to be escorted by tanks. This dangerous situation has led several countries including the U.S., such as the U.K., Canada and Australia to warn against travel there.

I am all for encouraging "exchanges of diverse cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs.” But, in this case, it appears clear that the proposal to establish a sister city relationship with the town of Nablus, is a divisive political measure.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Shelli Graff Angel

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Anti-Defamation League Statement Opposing Proposed Boulder – Nablus Sister City Relationship

Boulder City Council Resolution No. 631 (Establishing Sister City Affiliation Policy for the City of Boulder) “recognizes the existence of people-to-people relationships through the establishment of sister city affiliations” and “encourages exchanges of diverse cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs.” The City of Boulder has adopted, and is to be applauded for, a careful and deliberate process by which it evaluates whether to enter into a sister city relationship, a relationship that necessarily involves the credibility and reputation of Boulder and its governmental leaders.

A proposal has been made for the City of Boulder to enter into a sister city relationship with Nablus, a town in the disputed territory located on the West Bank of the River, approximately 30 miles north of , the capital of Israel. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) opposes the establishment of such a sister city relationship with Nablus at this time.

From the inception of the Nablus sister city initiative the proponents have demonstrated they are primarily motivated by political considerations and not by the ideals of encouraging the exchange of “cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs.” A review of the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project website (www.bouldernablus.com), as well as the postings of its founder and one of the lead coordinators of the sister city relationship, Guy Benintendi, on his blog (guybenintendi.blogspot.com) leave no doubt that a major purpose for the establishment of the sister city relationship is to promote a pro-Palestinian political agenda using divisive and derogatory anti-Israel and anti-Jewish expressions. For instance, a report about a trip to Nablus found on the Project website states, “While the emphasis [is] on citizen-to- citizen diplomacy and bringing the two communities together, we also need to promote the understanding that the sister-ship is a powerful expression of solidarity with the people and city under occupation [emphasis added].”

Going beyond one-sided anti-Israel rhetoric, the blog postings of Mr. Benintendi dredge up ancient anti-Semitic myths and promote animus toward the Jewish people. First, he alleges the dual loyalty of representatives of the United States government that he incorrectly claims have citizenship in both the United States and Israel. He identifies primarily Jewish advisors and officials in the Bush and Obama administrations, but also – perhaps mistakenly – identifies some who are not Jewish. His list of those he falsely claims to have dual citizenship and allegiance include, Michael Mukasey, Michael Chertoff, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, Douglas Feith, “Scooter” Libby, Elliot Abrams, Ari Fleisher John Bolton and Rahm Emanuel. Mr. Benintendi states:

To say that someone has duel [sic] citizenship is to say that s/he has duel [sic] allegiance. Why these people are selected to represent the interests of the US when they clearly have a bias for

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Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

another nation is beyond me, but select them we do [emphasis added].

Mr. Benintendi also made highly offensive comparisons equating Palestinian terrorist suicide bombers to Jewish fighters against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising:

To believe that it was noble for the Jews in Warsaw and the partisans in Paris to fight back, but ‘terrorism’ when the Palestinians do so is to turn history on its head in a misguided attempt to justify an inhumane and brutal oppression [emphasis added].

And, incredibly, Mr. Benintendi’s virulently anti-Israel perspective is expressed in his belief that Israel’s efforts to protect its civilian population against the murderous rocket attacks perpetrated by , which is designated by the United States and European Union as a terrorist organization, is no different than those acts of violence by Hamas against Israelis and Jews:

And again, let’s be real here: If the Israeli and US governments regularly use terrorism as a means to achieve their ends, doesn’t it seem incredibly hypocritical and disingenuous of them to stigmatize Hamas for advocating similar tactics, particularly since Hamas is the low-powered actor in the Middle East drama [emphasis added]?

These postings and statements reveal the true purpose of Mr. Benintendi and many of those actively supporting the establishment of a sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus.

It is also important to note that until recent elections in Nablus, many representatives of its government might not have been able to enter the United States and have the people-to-people relationships central to a sister city relationship. Prior to elections held at the end of 2012, most of the members of the city council of Nablus were members of a political party affiliated with Hamas.

To be clear, ADL supports direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people to achieve a solution to the conflict that will result in two states for two people, living side by side in peace and security. Once that goal is reached, arrangements like the Boulder sister city program will no longer be needlessly drawn into the politics of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Until that time, it is highly unlikely that entering into such a relationship will be able to meet the laudable goals of the Boulder Sister City Affiliation Policy to promote “exchanges of diverse cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs” without engendering rancor and division within the wonderful city of Boulder.

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Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: William Antoun Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:50 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

To the honorable city council of Boulder Colorado, I am writing to ask for your support in becoming a sister city to Nablus in Palestine. There could not be a better match of such important significance. I have always heard great things about Boulder so I was not surprised by this possible symbolic partnership. I was also not surprised by the ADL trying to exert negative pressure on you to not be part of this great exchange. Please do the right thing and ignore those who support occupation, oppression and genocide. We are Americans and Boulder is a great American city. America stands for freedom with a capitol F. We do not let foreign governments tell us what to do. Being a sister city to a great city like Nablus and supporting justice, freedom and democracy is American not bowing to racist groups working for foreign governments. Let people in Palestine know what we stand for! Thanks and I hope you do the right thing by America. God Bless! William Antoun

William Antoun sT. cLAIR sHORES, MI 48080

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From: Cynda Collins Arsenault Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 9:13 PM To: Council Subject: FW: Support for Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Council Members ‐ I would like to express my strong support for the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. I have been impressed with the careful way this project has moved foreword. Dedication and strong commitment by so many in the Boulder community have laid the groundwork for thoughtful engagement and connection to an international community. Opportunities for connecting to a world beyond Boulder always enhances our own lives and those of future generations. Thank you,

Cynda Cynda Collins Arsenault

President SECURE WORLD FOUNDATION Broomfield, CO 80021 Office: 303.554.1560 Cell: 303.522.1482

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From: Bibi Atallah Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 10:32 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Council members: when my American born mother went to live in Colombian during the depression in the 30's, little did I know that I would eventually become an American citizen in my adult years. I was fortunate to have married a Palestinian man, who, having lost his home in Jerusalem during the war, was able to rebuild his life in Colombia. We came to Boulder over thirty years ago and never strayed far from it ever since. What has appealed to me the most about Boulder is its ability to see the bigger picture in fundamental issues, even when the rest of the state, and often the country, is caught in distortions and distractions. When this occurs, issues a buried and opportunities are lost.

One such issue is the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City project. The value of this project is immense, but you can only see it if you preserve the big picture. This picture clearly shows the resident of Nablus and Boulder engaging in activities that demonstrate the humanity of both. It is especially at this time that these initiatives are necessary and are in alignment with our government's desire to see a two‐state solution. Even at this stage, this project has already demonstrated the rewards of building relationships across the world.

Please don't let those who fear in our community derail a project that is based on non‐violence, strengthens the notion of peaceful coexistence and, by recognizing the humanity in all of us, enhances our relationship with Israel's new partner in peace. Sincerely,

Bibi Atallah

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From: Sergio Atallah Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 5:59 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear council members, as a long time resident of Boulder County, I wanted to show my support for this project.

When I visited Nablus in 2009 for the first time I did not have any trepidations even though I had rented a car with an Israeli license plate. I had already travelled through various other cities in the West Bank and encountered hospitality unequal in the world. This time I was headed right into downtown Nablus on a Friday evening, with thousands of people in the street before Eid, a Muslim holiday. I had already made a reservation at a hotel, but I had no clue on how to get there. When I asked, in English, I was asked where I came from. I said Colorado, USA! At the very least 10 people yelled, WELCOME! One of them asked me to follow him to his car. He then guided me to the hotel and absolutely refused a tip. A tip was not necessary. I had already given him more than money. I gave him recognition.

Forming a bond with individuals who have been written off for decades is an extraordinary act of kindness. Please allow the residents in our community the experience a friendly relationship with individuals across the globe who truly appreciate it.

Hope for a better world starts at home.

Sergio Atallah 347 W Elm St. Louisville, CO, 80027

Sergio Atallah

Louisville, CO 80027

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From: Jesse Aweida Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 6:04 PM To: Council Subject: boulder-Nablus sister city

Expires: Friday, November 01, 2013 12:00 AM

I urge you to support and vote in favor of a Boulder‐Nablus Sister City project.

Nablus is a major city in the West Bank of Palestine, peaceful with a energetic population. A Sister City relationship will enlighten the Boulder population about life and traditions in that part of the world.

Our government supports a two state solution with an independent Palestinian state side by side with Israel. Boulder City Council’s support for a Boulder‐Nablus Sister City relationship will in no way have a negative effect on our country’s support for Israel.

Jesse I Aweida

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From: Maria Aweida Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 2:42 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder NablusSister Cities Project

To the members of the Boulder City Council;

I would like to urge you to approve the Boulder‐Nablus Sister Cities project. The Project committee has worked with enthusiasm and wisdom; many members have visited the city of Nablus and found common cause, common interest and common perspective between our two cities. Joining hands as sister cities can result in greater appreciation of one another and a relationship which, through understanding, can dissipate fear and engender compassion. In the long run, such a relationship of trust would go far toward fostering a more peaceful world .

Sincerely,

Maria Aweida

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From: O Sawalha To: Council Subject: Boulder and Nablus Sister Project Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 9:15:37 AM

Dear Boulder City Councilors, I am writing this email from Nablus to support the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project. I am a lecturer at An Najah University here in Nablus. I teach courses in Environmental Engineering and Water Management. I have Doctorate degree in this field from University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. I have daily contact with young people at the university and I know how enthusiastic they are in learning and knowing new things. One of the areas that I find they are lacking is to know about Western culture. This is mainly due to hardship of traveling outside the country due to financial constraints and political barriers. I am sure this project will have great mutual benefits to residents of both cities in bringing people to know more about each others. I think a youth exchange program with focus on language learning and local culture exchange (music, dance, fine art, environment, and local tours) will have a great benefit residents of the two cities. I am sure there are many volunteers who are willing to promote and assist in this matter in the two cities. I have met highly enthusiastic volunteers from Boulder when they visited Nablus and I know many locals including myself who will be willing to help and promote this project. I hope you support this project for the benefit of the residents of both cities. Thank you and hope to hear good news soon! Dr. Ola Badawi An Najah National University Nablus. Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Elie Balas Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 12:38 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities

Dear Honorable Council Members,

While I greatly encourage and support most community activities that aim to build cooperation, growth and community development, i find it odd for a City like Boulder, that known for its leadership in awareness for human (including women's) rights, support for freedom of expression and religion and protection of minority rights, to choose a sister City that does not have any awareness of any of these values.

When you are sibling from birth, you do not have a choice, but when you choose a "SISTER" I think one should make the selection based on a facts and based on sharing common beliefs and values.

I trust that the Boulder City Council will make decisions based on these principles and not on popular or political motives.

Respectfully

Elie Balas Los Angeles, CA

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From: Anna Baltzer Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 3:41 PM To: Council Subject: Please Support the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council,

As a Jewish American, Boulderite, and a human being, I strongly support the initiative to make Nablus a sister city of Boulder.

I have visited Nablus and other parts of Palestine. I have been so moved by the friendships and knowledge that came from my experiences there. I cannot stress how important it is for people in Boulder to better understand the lives of Palestinians living in Nablus under occupation.

I hope you will not be swayed by hateful name‐calling or mischaracterizations. There is no reason to oppose a project that seeks to connect everyday people and does not cost Boulder any funds. This is a wonderful initiative and I hope you will support it completely.

Best,

Anna Baltzer

Boulder, CO 80305

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From: William Barrett Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 11:23 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I have been registered to vote in Boulder since 1977, and have voted in EVERY election since that time.

I urge you to support the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project.

This project is about friendship and people‐to‐people diplomacy. It is expressly non‐ political.

The people in Palestine live under a military occupation. Life there is difficult, and they can use all the friends they can get.

This project is about sowing the seeds of peace.

Sincerely yours, William P. Barrett

William Barrett

Boulder, CO 80303

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From: Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 8:20 AM To: Council Subject: Dear Council

I strongly support the Nablus‐Boulder sister city initiative. It will contribute to greater cultural understanding. Please vote in favor. Thank you David Barsamian Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone, powered by CREDO Mobile.

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From: Aviva Bass-Huh Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 8:51 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx

To whom it may concern, I agree with the sentiments expressed in the attached letter written by my Rabbi, Marc Soloway. Thank you, Aviva Bass-Huh

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From: Serena Becker Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:27 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content

Serena Becker

Portland, OR 97222

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From: Chris Beh Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 7:52 AM To: Council Subject: Against Nablus as a sister city unless you pair with an Israeli town, too

Dear Boulder City Council,

I am writing to ask that you not select Nablus as a Boulder sister city.

It is wrong to align Boulder with a city that is part of an international political conflict. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex issue with a lot of emotional heft, and selecting Nablus as a sister city, without also selecting an Israeli town as a sister city, sets the tone that Boulder has chosen sides in the conflict.

Sacramento, California selected Bethlehem in the West Bank as a sister city, and then also added the Israeli town of , in a “twinning” move.

Gainsville, Florida also has a twin-model with two sister cities in the region: Kfar Saba in Israel and Qalqilya, in the West Bank.

If Boulder goes ahead in setting up another sister city relationship, I ask that you consider two changes:

1. Also select in Israeli sister in a twinning model, and see if the group pushing for the Nablus sister city accepts this idea, or if they oppose it like Sacramento’s selection of Ashkelon was opposed at the time; and

2. Select a more peaceful, moderate, two state solution-seeking city than Nablus. Much has been reported about the anti-semitism and violence emanating from Nablus, so I won’t repeat it here, but I refer you to the 4/19/13 detailed letter to the editor of the daily camera: http://www.dailycamera.com/letters/ci_23053717/janet-hiller- sister-city-request-nablus-is-center.

Thank you for your consideration. Chris Beh

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From: Chris Beh Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 9:12 AM To: Council Subject: Palestinian official says if we had a nuke we would use it on Israel this morning

Dear City Council, The supporters of the Nablus sister city movement do not accept the right of Israel to be a Jewish state. They seek to end Israel as a Jewish state. Sadly, all of the Palestinian leadership and most its people want the destruction of Israel, not peaceful coexistence. Please vote against this crazy idea. Sincerely, Chris Beh 1570 Lehigh St.

see this video http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=472&fld_id=474&doc_id=8927

also this http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2013/06/03/abbas-plo-charter-reflects-what-palestinians-want/

At an event marking the 49th anniversary of the PLO’s founding, Abbas (according to a translation by the Palestinian news agency Ma’an) declared that PLO founder Ahmad Shuqueiri “was asked to figure out what the Palestinians wanted, and he returned with the convention for the PLO.” In other words, according to Abbas, the PLO’s founding document is an accurate reflection of what Palestinians want. And lest anyone has forgotten the contents of that 1964 document, still available on the website of the PLO’s UN mission, here are a few choice quotes:

 “The partitioning of Palestine, which took place in 1947, and the establishment of Israel are illegal and null and void, regardless of the loss of time…” (Article 17)  “The claims of historic and spiritual ties between Jews and Palestine are not in agreement with the facts of history … Judaism, because it is a divine religion, is not a nationality with independent existence. Furthermore, the Jews are not one people with an independent personality…” (Article 18)  “Zionism is a colonialist movement in its inception, aggressive and expansionist in its goal, racist in its configurations, and fascist in its means and aims. Israel, in its capacity as the spearhead of this destructive movement and as the pillar of colonialism, is a permanent source of tension and turmoil in the Middle East…” (Article 19)  “The causes of peace and security and the requirements of right and justice demand from all nations … that they consider Zionism an illegal movement and outlaw its presence and activities” (Article 20)

The 1964 version is actually tame compared to the amended version adopted in 1968, but as the above quotes show, it’s more than sufficient to preclude any chance of peace. How can Israel possibly make peace with people who consider its very existence “illegal and null and void”; deny that Jews are a nation with any right to “independent existence”; deny any Jewish connection to the land of Israel; consider Zionism, the national movement of the Jewish people, to be “colonialist,” “racist,” “fascist” and “illegal”; and believe that only by eliminating Zionism can “peace and security” and “right and justice” be achieved?

Nor has anything much changed in 49 years, as anyone who follows Palestinian Media Watch would know. Just last month, for instance, another senior PA official widely considered a “moderate” in the West, , told a television interviewer, “We as yet don’t have a nuke, but I swear that if we had a nuke, we’d have used it

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public [against Israel] this very morning.” PA officials and the official PA media still consistently deny the Jews’ historical connection to the land of Israel, teach their people that the ultimate goal is a world without Israel, and glorify those who murder Jews. And most Palestinians still think “the rights and needs of the Palestinian people cannot be taken care of as long as the state of Israel exists.”

Shuqueiri’s 1964 charter indeed reflects “what the Palestinians wanted”–and what they still want. And as long as that’s true, any “peace process” will be so much wasted time and effort.

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From: Gali Beh Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:22 PM To: Council Cc: Chris Beh Subject: Letter against Nablus as sister city

Dear Boulder City Council,

I am writing to ask that you not select Nablus as a Boulder sister city.

It is wrong to align Boulder with a city that is part of an international political conflict. The Israeli‐Palestinian conflict is a complex issue with a lot of emotional heft, and selecting Nablus as a sister city, without also selecting an Israeli town as a sister city, sets the tone that Boulder has chosen sides in the conflict.

Sacramento, California selected Bethlehem in the West Bank as a sister city, and then also added the Israeli town of Ashkelon, in a “twinning” move.

Gainsville, Florida also has a twin‐model with two sister cities in the region: Kfar Saba in Israel and Qalqilya, in the West Bank.

If Boulder goes ahead in setting up another sister city relationship, I ask that you consider two changes: 1. Also select in Israeli sister in a twinning model, and see if the group pushing for the Nablus sister city accepts this idea, or if they oppose it like Sacramento’s selection of Ashkelon was opposed at the time; and 2. Select a more peaceful, moderate, two state solution‐seeking city than Nablus. Much has been reported about the anti‐semitism and violence emanating from Nablus, so I won’t repeat it here, but I refer you to the 4/19/13 detailed letter to the editor of the daily camera: http://www.dailycamera.com/letters/ci_23053717/janet‐hiller‐ sister‐city‐request‐nablus‐is‐center.

Thank you for your consideration.

Gali Beh

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From: Belansky, Elaine Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 12:14 PM To: Council Subject: Opposition to Boulder-Nablus Sister City Proposal

Dear City Council Members,

I am writing today to express my thoughts about the proposed Boulder-Nablus Sister City initiative. I feel very fortunate to live in Boulder and to be part of this wonderful, open, progressively-minded community. Whenever I travel to other states or beyond, I feel a great sense of pride to talk about the community from which I come. However, I need to let you know that I would feel very uncomfortable if Boulder moved forward with plans to form a sister city relationship with Nablus. It's not that I'm anti-Muslim or anti-Arab. In fact, I believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that all humans, no matter what country/religion/color, have the opportunity to live full lives with access to education, health care, and safety. My concern is rooted in what I know to be true of the way in which the Palestinian Authority governs its people. In many ways, the PA's values are in direct opposition to what I believe Boulder stands for: equal rights for women, gays, and religion. Please reconsider your stance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at this email address

Sincerely,

Elaine

Elaine S. Belansky, PhD

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From: Jacy berger Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 3:06 PM To: Council Subject: sister city with Boulder and Nablus Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

I am strongly opposed to a Sister-city relationship between Boulder and Nablus. Please see the attached letter written by Rabbi Josh Rose from Har Hashem. His letter is well written and I stand with Rabbi Rose in opposition to the Sister City Relationship

--

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From: Kathryn Bernheimer Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 2:31 PM To: Council Subject: Letter in opposition to the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

As an American I believe in freedom of speech, freedom of artistic expression, freedom of the press, equal rights for women, and gay rights. I oppose terrorism and the targeting of civilians. I oppose anti‐Semitism. These values are universally shared by Americans and Israelis. The Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project proposes that Boulder align itself with a community and a regime that holds none of these values.

As the citizen of a democracy, I also have opinions that I am free to express. It is my opinion that jihad poses a grave threat not only to Israel, but to America and other like‐minded nations. I believe that Israel has a right to exist, and a right to self‐determination and security. I believe that the two‐state solution can be realized as soon as the Palestinians renounce terror and the right of return, and accept the existence of Israel as the Jewish homeland. I believe the Palestinians when the vast majority say their goal is the destruction of Israel, as consistently demonstrated in the polls.

It is also my belief that projects such as the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project are detrimental to the peace process. They send a message to Hamas, and the that they need not change course to achieve their goals. They embolden Israel’s enemies and put Israelis at even greater risk.

Guy Benintendi has every right to express his loathsome and hateful views that denigrate Jews and Israel. He has a right to sympathize with the Palestinian people without regard for the security of American’s only ally and the only democracy in the Middle East.

But Boulder should not sanction a formal alliance that, cloaked in the guise of humanitarian friendship, violates the beliefs of residents who uphold the values of our city, state and country. Boulder should not be in league with a community that condones state‐sanctioned terrorism.

Thank you for your careful consideration of this proposal. Kathryn Bernheimer

Kathryn Bernheimer

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From: William M. Cohen Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 4:47 PM To: Council Cc: Subject: Review of BNSCP Film series

[Note: I'm sending this letter to the Boulder City Council and its Deputy City Clerk by email on behalf of the author, Kathryn Bernheimer, because Ms. Bernheimer's several attempts to do this have been unsuccessful. I'd appreciate your acknowledgement that this message has been received by or passed on to all City Council Members.

Thanks!

Bill Cohen] ***************************** Dear Mayor Appelbaum and Members of the Boulder City Council:

As the cultural arts director of the Boulder JCC, the author of “The 50 Greatest Jewish Movies,” the film critic for the Boulder Daily Camera from 1980-1996, and the director of the Boulder Jewish Film Festival, I am uniquely qualified to comment on the film series presented by BNSCP.

I regularly show films dealing with the conflict in the Middle East. Many express criticism of Israel. Many express hope for peaceful co-existence. Many provide a balanced and nuanced view of the complexity of the conflict.

In March, at the Boulder Jewish Film Festival, I screened “Precious Life,” about a Palestinian family whose child will die without expensive surgery provided by a generous Israeli doctor. Last week I lad the talkback at the Boedecker Theater for “The Gatekeepers,” an Israeli film that casts a critical eye on the , Israel’s internal security agency. I have shown “The Syrian Bride” and “The Band’s Visit,” both of which deal sympathetically with the Israeli and Arab characters. I have shown a series on films from Middle Eastern countries that deal with the treatment of women in the Muslim world.

I refrain from showing propaganda films that demonize Israel or that demonize Muslims. I categorically reject inflammatory, one-sided, deceitful movies on either side of the debate.

The BNSCP claims its goal is peaceful co-existence. The organization’s film series, which is their major outreach event, makes very clear that its true intention is quite different. The choice of highly biased films that only support the Palestinian narrative indicates a mission of engendering hatred for Israel.

“Budrus,” for example, focuses on a “non-violent” resistance movement in a village in the disputed territories, without ever explaining the reasons for Israel’s security measures. “Slingshot Hip Hop” gives voice to youthful Palestinian rage against Jews and Israel, again without any context. “Salt of the Sea” is about a woman who “takes” the right of return – something denied the 800,000 Jews

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public expelled from Arab lands. “Until When” focuses on Palestinian families dealing with the harsh realities of their lives, with no explanation of the reasons for these hardships, or of the inability of citizens like them who may want to live in peace to influence the regime’s decisions that keep them trapped.

“Five Broken Cameras” depicts Palestinian resistance to a security barrier without explaining the need for the barrier or how the “fence” has effectively reduced the loss of both Israeli and Palestinian lives to terrorism. “Wedding in Galilee” is a 1987 film about a Palestinian who wants to break a curfew for his daughter’s wedding, a request that is honored, but the reason for the curfew is again omitted. Once again, Israel’s security concerns are never addressed.

Films such as these do not provide education. They advocate for a political point of view. They engender sympathy for the Palestinian cause with no balance, no reference to the other side of the equation, no mention of Israeli suffering or to the Palestinian commitment to terrorism.

Thus, rather than promote peaceful coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis, the predominant audience effect sought by the BNSCP through the films selected is to favor the Palestinians in their conflict with Israel.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathryn Bernheimer

Kathryn Bernheimer

Director of Cultural Arts

Menorah: Arts, Culture and Education at the Boulder JCC

Boulder, CO 80301

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-- Bill Cohen 3120 6th Street Boulder, CO 80304 Tel: 303-444-0970 Fax: 303-444-0982 Email: [email protected]

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From: Alana Bernstein Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 3:55 PM To: Council Subject: Against Nablus! CON!

My name is Alana Bernstein and I am very against Boulder even having a relationship with Nablus. Please reconsider the consideration Thank you Alana

Sent from my iPhone

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From: Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 3:20 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City

Like many Americans, I have an enduring image of thousands of people in Nablus joyfully celebrating in the streets upon hearing about the 9/11 terrorists attacks against the U.S. I am very opposed to the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project because Boulder should not be paired with a city long associated with terrorism and anti-Western sentiment.

Howard Bernstein

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From: Gene Binder Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 9:20 PM To: Council Subject: My Opinion About The Nablus Sister City Project

Dear City Council Members,

I am the lead pastor of Cornerstone Church in Boulder. Cornerstone is made up of approximately 1,000 congregants and we love Boulder and are proud to call this city our home. Our congregation is very active in partnering with the city of Boulder in tackling its social issues.

I am strongly against the Nablus Sister City proposal. Nablus is a political hotbed and does not reflect the values of Boulder. As many have stated and as the facts support, Nablus has long been a city that promotes terrorism and terrorist. To this day, the city memorializes and celebrates its terrorists with posters, television shows and school propaganda. Innocent citizens, many of them children, were blown to pieces by some of these terrorists.

Travel aficionado and author Rick Steves just published an article about this city on May 20, only 8 days ago. Mr. Steves doesn't appear to have any bias one way or the other toward Nablus and actually writes about the great food he enjoyed there.

However, Rick does write the following about what he observed:

Nablus was considered a capital of terrorism during the . Its residents hit Israel hard, and Israel hit back hard. Its old town streets still show bomb damage. Today, Nablus feels unrepentant, and the town center is decorated with posters of what locals call martyrs. Looking into the eyes of these young men (many of them just teenagers) and seeing how they are portrayed heroically in such posters -- and then imagining the anger and hopelessness of the poor street kids today -- made me feel sad...and not very optimistic. But there's always ice cream.

Follow this link to see the entire article and view some of the posters he mentions.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rick-steves/nablus-city-of-martyrs-or_b_3307248.html

Is this really the image we want our city to be identified with?

Would we feel comfortable having posters of Boulder citizens brandishing automatic weapons and promoting violence or terrorism in any form for any reason? May it never be so of our great city and may we never identify ourselves with any city that allows such open hatred.

We all love Boulder because historically we have taken a higher road. Let's stay on that road.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Gene Binder

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From: Michelle Miller Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 12:34 PM To: Council Subject: nablus..NO

Dear Boulder City Council,

Actually, by proposing to name Nablus as the sister city of Boulder, you have ripped off the mask to reveal your true lack of ethics, morality, compassion, sense of justice, decency, and tolerance. You have in fact, exposed the true Jew-hating, terror supporting city that you REALLY are. Bravo!

Michelle Blatner

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From: Jason Blau Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:26 PM To: Council Subject: Opposition to Boulder-Nablus Sister City Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx

To the Boulder City Council,

I share the sentiments expressed by Rabbi Marc Soloway in the attached letter in opposition to the Boulder- Nablus Sister City project. Like Rabbi Marc, I do so with a heavy heart and a hope that we in Boulder can foster true peace in the region.

Sincerely,

Jason Blau

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From: Julia Blechar Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 2:21 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project Positive Endorsement

I am writing in support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project.

I was born here in Boulder, CO and after graduating from Fairvew highschool I graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in International Affairs, with an emphasis on the Middle East. I have since moved to Broomfield, CO with my husband and we now have 2 daughters aged 2 1/2 and 1. I currently work in Boulder, CO for a transportation company and will always consider Boulder to be my home.

My father was born in Nablus, Palestine in the late 1920's. I was only 10 when he passed away and he is buried here in Boulder, CO. What a beautiful way to feel connected to both the heritage of my father's family and where I call home by having a sister city relationship between Nablus and Boulder. It would be such a wonderful thing to share with my daughters, and an opportunity to increase their awareness in a positive way about a part of their families history.

My brother and I have only travelled to Palestine once together (it was after college) and even as Palestinians it was absolutely mind blowing to see first hand how Palestinians are treated under occupation. Nablus is in the West Bank and travel there, even with US passports, was almost impossible. Being stopped and questioned at checkpoints on our mission to simply see where our father was born was only part of the challenge. The Boulder community would benefit greatly from the opportunity to learn about a city culturally rich and yet for political reasons virtually closed off from the world. Without projects like this to open doors and open minds there are a million other forces out there trying to close doors, and close minds. I hope open minds and hearts will help to see this project turned into a reality. Nablus and other Palestinian cities deserve a chance to have sister city relationships with US cities and are very underrepresented. My children deserve an opportunity to take pride in their heritage the same as any other child does.

Naturally there are some members of my family, including myself who at various times have supported and worked for organizations that believe in coexistence and want to foster peace in the Middle East, and between Palestinians and Israelis specifically. In college I was active in such organizations and afterward worked for Denver based Seeking Common Ground for several years. Their main program Building Bridges for Peace brings together US, Palestinian, and Israeli highschool aged youth for an intensive summer program right here in Colorado where they learn about the "other", are given a safe place to voice their personal stories, and given tools to become leaders in their communities. My aunt was also very involved in this specific Boulder-Nablus Sister City initiative until her death this past November. I would love for her to know that what she worked so hard on with others came to fruition, in part from her dedication. She herself was German/Irish but in marrying my Palestinian uncle (who preceded her in death) always said she was Palestinian by marriage.

We are all human and I believe that it is in that basic element of similarly that we can begin to see how much we are alike and how many positive things we can learn from one another if we only give each other a chance. I'm asking for that chance by endorsing the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project because at its root it creates an opportunity for people here and people there to connect on a human level. Boulder is beautiful place that preaches openess and I hope that extends into the approval of this project.

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Thank you for your time and consideration, Julia Aweida Blechar

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From: Elaine Blechman Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 7:54 AM To: Council Subject: Sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus. Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

To the Boulder City Council:

I am writing in opposition to the sister city, Boulder-Nablus, initiative. The attached letter from Rabbi Rose conveys my rationale for opposing the initiative.

Elaine Blechman

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From: Tom Bloomfield Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 9:26 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder should NOT become a Sister City of Nablus

Boulder should not become a Sister City with Nablus.

The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal.

1. Honor killings and violence against women are prevalent in the West Bank. Palestinian women who have appealed to the Palestinian Authority (P.A.) to combat these horrific realities have consistently been met with strong resistance from the government and other authorities.

2. Gays persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank often flee to Israel and seek asylum there.

3. The P.A. represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.

4. The P.A. Restricts access to and allows desecration of a Jewish religious shrine (Joseph's Tomb) in Nablus.

I hope that the Council sees fit to block this misguided proposal.

Thank you.

Tom Bloomfield, Boulder Resident

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From: Francine Blum Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 8:07 AM To: Council Subject: Objection to Sister City Status for Nablus

Regarding the proposal to confer sister city status with Boulder I agree with the following statement, written recently by Bill Cohen:

This project must not go forward, for the following reasons:

1. Boulder’s Sister City relationships should be apolitical. BNSCP is not. 2. The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal. 1. Honor killings of and violence against women are endemic to the Palestinian culture. 2. Gays persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank often flee to Israel and seek asylum there. 3. The P.A. represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech. 4. The P.A. Restricts access to and allows desecration of a Jewish religious shrine in Nablus. 3. The dangerous and violent situation in the West Bank and Nablus, fostered by terrorism, has led several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, to warn against travel to the West Bank and Nablus.

The Boulder we cherish should never enter into a relationship with a city that is so at odds with all we hold to be important.

Thank you.

Francine Blum

Boulder

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From: Diane B Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 9:35 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

Diane Borden Golden, CO 80403

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From: Elizabeth Borneman To: Council Subject: Boulder/Nablus Sister City project Date: Thursday, April 04, 2013 3:21:14 PM

Hello,

My name is Elizabeth Borneman and I am a recent graduate of the University of Denver. I do not live in Boulder but am a huge fan of the city and, of course, the state in general! It has become home in the four years I've spent here. In my years here I have acquired B.A.s in International Studies and Psychology while also studying abroad for 12 months in Amman, Jordan. While I was there I had the opportunity to travel throughout the region including to the West Bank and Israel proper. I learned much about the history and culture of Palestine and became part of a unique community of people whom I learned so much from and can't wait to visit again.

My connection to Palestine has nothing to do with religious beliefs or genetics, but rather a personal set of perspectives and opinions I gained through my time there. I had the opportunity to travel around the West Bank and to Nablus and was amazed by the hospitality of everyone there in addition to the beauty of the language and scenery.

The Boulder/Nablus Sister City project has become close to my heart as I've returned back to the United States and become involved in organizations here seeking to inform others about the region, its culture and traditions. Having Nablus be a sister city to Boulder would not only increase cultural awareness and understanding, but bring in numerous opportunities to create change. This is by no means a political move, as exposing people to a different culture can only make them more aware and more open-minded. The people of Palestine live in very different conditions than we do and I think that personal connections to such a different and yet familiar place would be well received.

We can never have too much exposure to the world- please consider the work the Boulder/Nablus sister city project is doing and hopefully someday we can see a real connection between these two wonderful places.

Thank you,

Elizabeth Borneman Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: jean boustani Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:45 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I'm Jean boustani form massachusetts. I commned you for taking this initiative. I fully support your project, of sister cities, which will help promote peace in the region.

This project is about friendship and people‐to‐people diplomacy. It is expressly non‐ political.

The people in Palestine live under a military occupation. Life there is difficult, and they can use all the friends they can get.

jean boustani bridgewater, MA 02324

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From: Andi Bovarnick Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 12:21 PM To: Council Subject: Sister city concerns Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

Hello, I simply cannot understand why Boulder would want to become a sister city to Nablus. I share the sentiments in Rabbi Rose’s attached letter. I do want peace between Israel and Palestine. Why would Boulder want to pair up with a city that has a history of human rights violations and repression of woman and gay people? It doesn’t make sense. I hope the consideration of adding Nablus as a Boulder sister city is denied or significantly delayed. Regards, Andi Bovarnick Boulder County Resident

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From: James Brantz Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 9:52 AM To: Council Cc: Subject: letter opposing Nablus Sister City proposal Attachments: letter opposing Nablus Sister City .pdf

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Attached is the original letter of which I was a signer voicing my opposition to the Nablus Sister City proposal. I wanted to be sure my opposition to this proposal was properly recorded for your consideration.

Thank you. Jim Brantz

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From: Carol Brock Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 4:15 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Honorable Council Members: I am writing to urge your support of the proposed Boulder/Nablus sister‐city project. Sister‐city projects only enhance both cultures, as the gift of the Dushanbe Teahouse from our sister‐city of Tajikistan continues to do. Pakistan is a very troubled region, where poverty, prejudice and injustice abound. Only good can come from having a sister city where peace and goodwill are fostered. Please consider Nablus to be a city worthy of partnering with, because at the very least, it will promote peace and understanding, both difficult to come by in Pakistan. Sincerely, Carol Brock, Boulder, Colorado

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From: Rabbi Bronstein Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 8:00 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city

Dear Members of the City Council, I have read both the letters from Rabbi Marc Solloway and leading members of the Jewish community and agree with them. I too am opposed to choosing Nablus as another sister city. All I can add to these letters is that I believe that the way to peace is to maintain balanced dialogue and carefully refrain from demonizing either “side” in the conflict. There is a need to listen with an open heart in a fashion that is truly apolitical. This cannot be done by choosing Nablus as our sister city. Thank you for considering our letters, Deborah Ruth Bronstein

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From: margie browning Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 8:23 PM To: Council Subject: the suggestion of another sister city

Dear Boulder City Council members,

This letter is regarding the possibility of Boulder adding the city of Nablus as its eighth sister city. We're very opposed to this for two reasons.

Boulder is already on over-load with seven cities! No more cities should be invited into a relationship with Boulder that will prove to be disappointing and frustrating to them! e.g. the years-long debacle of building the Dushanbe tea house / the years of foot-dragging from Boulder until a coffeehouse was FINALLY built there

What is worse is that council members are considering a sister city whose image immediately raises the worries of politically astute citizens. We aren't Jewish, but we're very sensitive to the concerns of our Jewish friends; we join them in concern about Israel and about terrorism in the middle east. The Boulder City Council members cannot bring peace to this part of the world, and if you select Nablus as a sister city, you're definitely thumbing your nose at the Jewish community and at level-headed people who see this selection as an unnecessary distraction at the local level of politics.

George and Margie Browning

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From: Brownlee John Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 10:57 AM To: Council Cc: BROWNLEE PAT Subject: comments on Nablus

I have heard that Denver wishes to make a sister city with that of Nablus in the area controlled by Palestinians in the mid‐east. This is a city that has permitted terrorist and terror sponsored organizations to flourish. Here is a just one web site to review by googling Nablus terrorism: http://archive.adl.org/israel/israel_sbarro.asp

Why would you choose this city to partner with when there are so many others that promote tolerance and world peace in Israel? Your action if you follow through with this would be an insult to all who value freedom of religion and the expression of speech.

JOHN BROWNLEE

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From: Willa Brunkhorst Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 10:01 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content Hello, I am a citizen of Denver but I follow many of the activities in Boulder. I am aware that an application has been presented to Boulder City Council asking for official status for Nablus to become Boulder's eighth official sister city. The purpose of establishing sister city status is all about friendship and getting to know people in different circumstances. Such a program does not have a political agenda. Citizens who want to establish connections with people in another culture should be able to do that. Opposition to such an endeavor indicates one has a political agenda. This is an opportunity to foster friendship and understanding between two cultures, an understanding which can contribute to bringing peace to the Middle East.

Willa Brunkhorst

Denver, CO 80224

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From: Jane Bunin Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:59 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear City Council, I have been a Boulder resident for over 40 years. Last year I had the opportunity to visit Israel and part of Palestine. Throughout my visit, including a visit to Bethlehem, I was impressed by the profound effects of the divisions in this part of the world. A sister city project is about people‐to‐people diplomacy, and this is sorely needed in this region. The people in Palestine live under a military occupation. I have read books and seen videos that show how difficult their lives now are. The people of Boulder will also benefit from this relationship by learning about another culture different than ours. Sister cities are not political and I see the opposition to this project as political. I would hope that greater knowledge of Palestine might help foster peace in the Middle East. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Jane Bunin

Boulder, CO 80305

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From: Martha W Bushnell Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:54 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

This project is about friendship and people‐to‐people diplomacy. It is expressly non‐ political. The people in Palestine live under a military occupation. Life there is difficult. They can use all the friends they can get. The people of Boulder will benefit from this relationship. Making Nablus a Sister City will help Boulderites learn about the Palestinian situation in Israel. Any grassroots group of citizens which wants to connect with friends in another culture should be empowered to do so. No city funds are spent on these projects.

To be opposed to this project means that one is taking a political stance, and that is not what sister cities are about. In a small way this relationship will help bring peace to the Middle East for Boulderites will learn more about the Palestinian‐Israel issues. Palestine is under‐represented as a US sister city for there are only four.

Martha W Bushnell

Boulder, CO 80303

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From: David Canaday Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 4:24 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am writing to respectfully ask the Boulder City Council to support the Nablus Sister City Project. As one of the most progressive cities in the country, establishing a relationship with a Palestinian city will enable Boulder to show the world that human rights and international law stand above partisan politics. Please don't be pressured by the forces supporting Israeli military occupation‐‐please vote in behalf of peace! Thank you!

David Canaday

Denver, CO 80212

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From: Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 10:46 AM To: Darrow, Alisa Subject: FW: Web Email

‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 9:09 AM To: Marshall, Dianne Subject: Web Email

name: Les Canges email: topic: Other other_topic: Boulder‐Nablus Sister City comments: Hello city council. I am Jewish, Denver native, former CU Boulder graduate student, and have lived in Arvada for over 30 years. I very much support the Boulder‐Nablus sister city designation. In 2010 I visited Nablus and found it to be a vibrant college town much like Boulder. It's a natural and makes sense for the two cities to be united. Thank you for considering my opinion...Les Canges

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From: Brian Carlucci Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 9:12 PM To: Council Subject: City adoption

Dear city council,

The purpose of my letter is to state my opposition against the proposed sister city adoption of Nablus.

Nablus as a city should be avoided in every manner as long as it remains a violent, racist, sexist city that harbors terrorism. Many other cities in the area would act as better alternatives.

Thank you, Brian Carlucci

Sent from my iPhone

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From: Essrea Cherin Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 9:25 AM To: Council Cc: Darrow, Alisa; Lewis, Alisa; Young, Debby; Claudia Chang; Saib Jarrar; Carl Tinstman; Gordon Pedrow; Vern Seieroe; Diane Deschanel; Stanley Deetz; Guy Benintendi Subject: Letter to City Council in Support of Nablus as a Sister Attachments: PastedGraphic-1.pdf; BNSCP Letter to City Council.pdf

Dear City Council Member,

As the Chair of the Board of Directors and co-Founder of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project, I would like to provide focus and clarity to the real issues before the City Council on June 10.

Sister cities are designed for people to people exchanges that provide opportunities for citizens to learn about other cultures and to share expertise across borders, thereby broadening and expanding one’s appreciation for the diversity, as well as similarity, our world holds.

To that end, we have initiated a variety of projects intended to offer opportunities to citizens in both cities to do just that:

1. Yoga Exchange

2. Rock Climbing Wall for Youth

3. Early Childhood Education Mentorship

4. Student Exchanges and Service in Underserved Populations

5. Palestinian Art & Culture in Boulder

6. And more!!

Through these activities, we provide our citizens an opportunity to experience Palestinian culture and Nablus citizens benefit from Boulder’s unique offerings.

In reading through letters to city council opposing the sister city relationship, I noticed a few patterns that indicate perhaps some uncertainty as to what sister cities are about. I wish to highlight and address a few of these:

1. Taking Sides - Letter writers seem to imply that a sister city relationship is the equivalent to City Council’s taking sides in an international affair. When we apply this very logic to our other sister cities, it is easy to demonstrate the fallacy embedded within. For example, whose side did City Council take when approving Yateras, Cuba as a sister city? Or Mante, Mexico?

Sister cities are actually not about sides but about people, cultures, and connections.

2. Human Rights - While it is true that Palestinians face considerable human rights abuses, some even from their own government, the people themselves share all the same values we hold dear - we love our families, friends and neighbors, and we offer kindness to strangers, as they do. Their society is highly educated, more so than any other Arab people. A diverse range of viewpoints are held by their citizens, just like in Boulder. You can find both conservative and progressive beliefs. Nablusis are cosmopolitan, worldly, educated people.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Addressing the specific concerns raised about persecution of gays and women: if you look at any society on earth you will find similar stories of persecution. For instance - take the United States - consider the alarming number of teen suicides by gay teens each year. In a US News and World Report article, “More than 10 percent of eighth- grade boys and girls reported that they're victimized because of perceived sexual orientation, according to a large survey of students in Washington state.”

Domestic Violence is one of the leading causes of death for women. One example, “A University of Pennsylvania research study found that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to low-income, inner-city Philadelphia women between the ages of 15 to 44 - more common than automobile accidents, mugging and rapes combined.”

If you look under a microscope you will find ugly things there - regardless of the views held by the people. We are not only in full compliance with City Council's Resolution 631 that sets out the policy and criteria for sister city relationships, our activities to date demonstrate our overwhelming commitment to this policy.

3. Safety - Concern has been expressed about our citizens’ safety during exchanges. We have had dozens of our members and supporters travel to Nablus and the West Bank who have had the most wonderful experiences of their lives. I believe this speaks for itself.

In fact, this is a direct quote from the US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs: “Over three million foreign citizens, including hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens, safely visit Israel and the West Bank each year for study, tourism, and business. The Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority make considerable efforts to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations.”

4. Divisiveness - Our project has been underway for approximately two years. We have conducted dozens of events in Boulder and engaged in a variety of activities to connect people of the two cities. In all our activities we have not once experienced any upset in the community. There has been no disruption, tears, mobs, anger, or any other sign of discord. Each and every event has gone smoothly and often with considerable appreciation expressed from those who attended. Our activities have been in no way divisive but, on the contrary, community engaging and strengthening.

The only hint of concern has been in the last month or two. I strongly believe that after City Council approval of our proposal on June 10th, we will return to the way it was and our activities will carry on as before.

Fear campaigns have become an unfortunately ordinary part of American politics which work to change disagreement into fear, making it hard to stay focused on what is really being proposed, partly because the merit of the proposal is hard to attack. Surely the City Council members will not want to decide this issue on the claim from those in opposition that they will act to divide the community.

5. One-Sided - We have been accused of presenting a one-sided perspective. This is exactly right. Guided by our mission (“... to foster relationships based on cultural, educational, information and trade exchanges, creating lifelong friendships that support prosperity and peace through person-to-person ‘citizen diplomacy.’ To advance our mission we arrange delegations to Nablus, with an emphasis on service, host Nablus citizens in Boulder, produce Palestinian cultural events and share expertise between citizens of both cities.”) and in the spirit of sister cities, our intent is to share Palestinian culture and experience. Our role in the community is not to make commentary on foreign policies or to promote political viewpoints. Our role is to share a new culture with our citizens.

For a sister city to present multiple views in their events does not conform with standards for other sister cities. Imagine, if you will, if we required Yateras events to always include multiple view points, or Dushanbe, or Yamagata. This would not only be confusing, but also would not align with the mission of each organization which is to share the culture of THAT population, not another.

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public 6. Jewish Community - Because I was raised in the Jewish tradition, I was cognizant from the start that Jews might feel some caution around this project. Therefore, I reached out to rabbis and other leaders in the Jewish community to let them know about our project and the activities we are engaged in. I offered an opportunity to listen to any concerns they may have about our project. I spoke to a dozen or so rabbis and community leaders in the Jewish community.

I am happy to share with you that, without exception, each one praised our work and felt that the humanitarian efforts we are engaged in to be worthwhile and beneficial. When asked to voice concerns, most did not have any and encouraged us to, “Keep up the good work.” Those that did have concerns were focused not on our mission or projects, but on political and ideological concerns. For instance, some took issue with the viewpoints of some of our members. Others expressed concern about the political stance of people in Nablus.

Fortunately sister cities are not intended to weed out citizens due to their unpopular beliefs - the idea is to meet people as fellow humans even if they hold different beliefs than our own. In fact, that is the whole point!

7. Three-way Arrangement - Many in the Jewish community recommended a three-way arrangement between Boulder, Nablus and an Israeli city because they felt that it would be more palatable to Jews. When suggested, I always encouraged that person to pursue the idea, and to follow his/her inspiration! The response I received was universal, “Oh...no...I can’t do that, I am much too busy...but you should do that!!”

However, our project is well underway in pursuit of our vision and mission to connect with Nablus citizens. If there are those in the community who wish to form a sister city with an Israeli city, I strongly encourage them to bring that into existence. We are happy to offer advice to support their endeavor. Where there is passion, much good can grow.

I do not believe that approval of Nablus as a sister city should hinge on whether one of these enthusiasts actually pursues his/her vision.

8. Interesting Pattern - I imagine that you have noticed, as I did, an interesting pattern in the letters written to you about this issue. Letters from people opposed to Nablus as a sister city are, for the most part, written by people who have never spent time in Nablus or the West Bank. Their information is from the internet or the news. Their focus tends to lie solely on political and ideological issues.

Letters from people who support Nablus as a sister city convey a rich tapestry of experience in either Nablus, the West Bank and/or other Arab communities. Their letters are heartfelt, descriptive and resoundingly in favor of approval. In these letters you will notice repeated mention of the amazing people and warm hospitality that they experienced on their travels. Appreciation expressed is enthusiastic and unequivocal.

This intriguing pattern speaks eloquently to the concept of what sister cities are about: when we experience a people face-to-face, they have much more depth and warmth than the images and stories we may receive from the internet or mainstream media.

That is what sister cities are about! That is the work we are engaged in! This project will be of significant benefit to all citizens of Boulder who wish to accept our invitation to visit and experience a new culture in the Middle East, a region we know precious little about yet that dominates the news media.

I deeply appreciate your consideration of this proposal and taking an extra evening out of your already full schedules.

Looking forward to seeing you on June 10th!

Sincerely,

Essrea Cherin 3 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Board Chair, Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project +1‐303‐417‐0271

[email protected] www.BoulderNablus.com

4 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Randall Clarke Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 4:24 PM To: Council Subject: About Nablus becoming a sister city.

Dear City Council

I am a Boulder resident. I strongly support Boulder having a sister city relationship with Nablus. I have been to Jordan and Lebanon as part of a delegation of 20 Americans who went there in the summer of 1970. We went as guests of the General Union of Palestinian Students (GUPS) to learn about the area and the conflict there. We learned a lot and came back to the United States to share the knowledge that we had gained.

We visited many refugee camps in both Jordan and Lebanon. We were an eclectic group of Americans.

When I heard that there was a group of people who wanted to develop a sister city relationship with Nablus, I was very excited about it. As I have learned there are only 4 Palestinian cities that have relationships with U.S. cities whereas there are 47 Israeli cities that have sister cities in the U.S.

I think that having this will help us understand first hand about the crisis there and perhaps help bring peace to the region by developing relationships with people there.

Thank you for considering this sister city relationship. Sister city relationships help develop understanding, which is lacking and sorely needed.

Sincerely,

Randall Clarke

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Eric Cline Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 9:13 AM To: Council Subject: Opposes Sister city

Please note my strong objections to Boulder becoming a sister city to Nablus. We must stand by Israel and all national security issues. Nablus is a hide‐out for Hamas leaders and other leaders of terrorism. I don't want Boulder to be the sister of terrorist leaders. Eric Cline

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Amir Cohen Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 8:26 AM To: Council Cc: Nikki Cohen; Jackie Wong Subject: sister city please read

Dear City Council, I have been a resident of Boulder County for over 30 years. My mother was born in Palestine in 1930 when the British were there. At 18 years old my mother was in Israeli Navy in the 1948 war of independence when the British left and Israel was declared a state. Five Arab countries declared war on Israel at that time and Israel prevailed. My mother passed away 2 years ago and like her, I am pro a peaceful Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. As you know,the so called “occupied territory” is governed by Abbas in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza. In their charter, Hamas has vowed to destroy Israel by whatever means possible. Until this clause is removed from their charter and Hamas shows a willingness to talk to Israel regarding a 2 state solution, Boulder should NOT EVEN CONSIDER a sister city in a territory that is not committed to peace. What would be more appropriate would be to have a sister city in Israel that has an equal population of both Israelis’s and Arabs living together peacefully…… in which there are many. This is what reflects Boulder’s characteristics better that a city that is in so much conflict and uncertainty. Thank‐you AMIR

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: William M. Cohen Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2013 8:19 PM To: Council Subject: Scheduling Boulder Nablus Sister City Project Hearing

To: Council Agenda Committee From: Bill Cohen re: BNSCP Application

It is my understanding that the BNSCP has yet to file its application with the City. I can assure you that there is substantial opposition to that application including several substantive submissions already prepared based on City Res. 631.

However, we consider it premature to file oppositions to a matter that has not yet been filed with City. We would also urge the Council Agenda Committee not to put this matter on a future agenda until after it is filed.

Therefore, on behalf of those who intend to oppose the application, I request that the CAC postpone putting it on an agenda until an application is filed, and, in any event, to give all parties an adequate opportunity to be well-prepared, that it not be set for a public hearing until late summer or early Fall.

Thanks!

Bill Cohen -- Bill Cohen

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION TO THE APPLICATION OF THE BOULDER NABLUS SISTER CITY PROJECT

April 29, 2013

To: Mayor Matt Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council City of Boulder, Colorado (By email: [email protected])

From: William M. Cohen, Sara-Jane M. Cohen, Talor HaLevi, Thomas Trager

Dear Mayor Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council

About a year ago, members of the Boulder Jewish community learned of the intent of a group called Boulder Nablus Sister City Project ("BNSCP") to establish a sister city relationship with the Palestinian City of Nablus in the West Bank and to seek formal approval of that project from the Boulder City Council. In response, William M. Cohen, Talor HaLevi and Tom Trager conducted preliminary research and investigation into the qualifications of Nablus as a potential sister city for Boulder, based on published and other relevant criteria and factors.

On April 10, 2012, they submitted to Council a Memorandum titled "SUGGESTED CRITERIA FOR BOULDER CITY COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A BOULDER-NABLUS SISTER CITY." This Memorandum represents an updating and expansion of the April 10, 2012 Memorandum.

OUTLINE OF OPPOSITION TO THE BNSCP APPLICATION FOR CITY OF BOULDER APPROVAL OF SISTER CITY STATUS

I. Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. BNSCP is not.

II. The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal.

1. Honor killings of and violence against women are endemic to the Palestinian culture.

2. Gays persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank often flee to Israel and seek asylum there.

3. The P.A. represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.

4. The P.A. Restricts access to and allows desecration of a Jewish religious shrine in Nablus.

III. The dangerous and violent situation in the West Bank and Nablus, fostered by terrorism, has led several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, to warn against travel to the West Bank and Nablus

IV. For these reasons, Council should not approve the BNSCP application.

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MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION TO THE BNSCP APPLICATION FOR CITY OF BOULDER APPROVAL OF SISTER CITY STATUS

I. Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. BNSCP is not.

The first suggested criterion of the April 10, 2012 Memorandum was that sister city relationships are supposed to be apolitical. BNSCP recognizes this fact by characterizing itself as "non-political." However, the real motive behind their proposal is political, as manifested by the militant anti-Israel, pro- Palestinian political rhetoric and activities of the project's Outreach Coordinator, chief promoter and spokesperson, Guy Benintendi. That activity is outlined in our earlier Memorandum and supported by the attachments to this letter. Additionally, the BNSCP has been showing a series of films about Palestine. Virtually all of them depict the Palestinians in a positive light and the Israelis in a negative light in the political conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the West Bank.

For this reason alone, we believe that the BNSCP does not qualify for approval of sister city status by the City of Boulder.1

There are additional substantial factors under City Resolution 631, as amended 7-26-2001, which cause us to oppose BNSCP's application.

II. The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal.

BNSCP's mission statement includes acquainting Boulder citizens with "what life in Palestine is like." (Emphasis added.)

Under Res. 631, human rights are an important element in any Boulder-approved sister city relationship. This vital issue has been virtually ignored by BNSCP. However, the human rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal. It cannot be possible that Boulder, with its progressive ideals and respect for all, wishes to align itself with a city that shows such blatant disregard for the very values we cherish.

• P. David Hornik, "The Palestinian Human Rights Nightmare," Daily Mailer, Front Page, Mar. 27, 2012; • J. Paul, "UK-based Arab HR group accuses PA of abuse," JPost.com, Dec. 30, 2012 (Mass illegal detentions and tortures).

1. Honor killings of and violence against women are endemic to the Palestinian culture.

Honor killings of and violence against women are endemic to the Palestinian culture.

• E.g., "Honor killings on the rise in West Bank; Palestinian Authority calls for culture change," WorldTribune.com, Aug. 28, 2012; • Itamar Marcus, "Upsurge in 'honor killings' triggers Palestinian calls for cultural changes,

1 The second basis of our April 10, 2012 Memorandum was that "HAMAS controls Nablus' City Government." That is no longer the case. HAMAS boycotted the October 2012 municipal elections in the West Bank. As a result a non-Fatah independent party won a majority of the Nablus election and a new mayor and city council are now in office. However, HAMAS and other terrorist groups continue their terrorist activity towards Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank from cells located in and around Nablus. See Section III in this Memorandum. 2

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

new laws," Palestinian Media Watch ("PMW"), Aug. 15, 2012; • "Women victims of systemic violence, authorities fail to protect them," Stophonourkillings.com, 7 Nov. 2006 (based on Human Rights Watch report citing "rape victims being forced to marry assailants and light sentences for men who kill female relatives suspected of adultery.")

In the wake of extensive protest and publicity of an honor killing of a student from Hebron on the West Bank in 2011, P.A. President Abbas promised to toughen the laws against such crimes and allegedly signed a decree to that effect.

• H. Sherwood, "Death in the West Bank: the story of an 'honour' killing," , 30 June 2011.

However, in December, 2012, Abbas reneged on that promise.

• "Abbas reneges on promise to amend 'honor killing' laws," Algemeiner, Dec. 25, 2012.2

Also, violence against women, even those present in the West Bank to aid the Palestinian cause, is a serious problem.

• Emma Hansson, "Women Under Siege," April 2008 ("A review of violence against women in Palestine and its extreme expression in the form of ‘honor’ killings"). • Avi Issacharoff, "Israeli leftist [women] activists: We are being sexually harassed in the West Bank," .com, Mar. 17, 2012.

2. Gays persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank often flee to Israel and seek asylum there.

A four-year study by the Refugee Rights Clinic at Tel Aviv University of several gay Palestinians who fled the Occupied (OPT) and sought protection in Israel concluded that:

[H]omophobic violence by both private and official parties is a serious human rights problem in the OPT. Unlike well-known human rights problems connected with the Israeli occupation, in this instance Palestinians are the main agents of persecution against other Palestinians.

M. Kagan & Anat Ben-Dor, "Nowhere to Run: Gay Palestinian Asylum-Seekers in Israel, www.law.tau.ac.il/Heb/_Uploads/dbsAttachedFiles/NowheretoRun.pdf

• Also e.g., T. Zarchin, "Court: Palestinian persecuted for homosexuality can stay in Israel," Haaretz.com, Jan. 10, 2010 ("Nablus man says would be killed for sexual orientation, collaborating with Israel, if expelled to PA."); • P. Podolsky, "Gay Palestinian to court: Deport me and I'll be killed," timesofisrael.com, May 25, 2012 (Muslim resident of Nablus testified that Palestinian police had "arrested, tortured and severely beaten him because he is openly gay. Most members of his family have disowned him, and those who haven't have warned him by phone to never come home.")

2 The widespread and frequency of honor killings was recently recognized by the Chief Justice of the Palestinian Judicial Council, Yousef Ideis: "[S]uch crimes were committed allegedly for religious motives, 'but in fact they were motivated by a desire to defend family honor. In most cases, women are being hurt or killed by first degree relatives motivated by very weak evidence and unsubstantiated rumors." "Chief Justice: 'Honor killing' unacceptable in Islam," Maannews.net, Mar. 16, 2013. 3

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

3. The P.A. represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.

The Palestinian Authority, the governing body in the West Bank, under the leadership of , "is getting tougher with critics, interrogating, prosecuting and even jailing several journalists and bloggers in recent months for allegedly 'defaming' " him.

• K. Laub et al., "Palestinian leader clamps down on critics," Daily Camera (A.P.), April 1, 2013. • Similar efforts by the P.A. and its Fatah affiliates to squelch dissent in the West Bank have been occurring for several years.

• E.g., D. Murphy, "Out of ideas, Palestinian Authority censors critics," csmonitor.com, May 4, 2012; • H. Sherwood, "Palestinian TV Station sued as journalists fear media crackdown," guardian.co.uk, 1 May 2012 (Websites have been closed and independent TV is facing court after investigating alleged corruption linked to the Palestinian Authority.); • K. Abu Toameh, "'PA bans journalists from reporting human rights abuses,'" JPost.com, Jan. 25, 2012; • K. Abu Toameh, "Fatah gunmen shoot up Al-Jazeera studio in Nablus," JPost.com, Jan. 8 2012 (Attack came shortly after station interviewed local academic and staunch critic of the P.A.); • K. Abu Toameh, "PA Magistrate's Court in Nablus sentenced Palestinian man to one year in prison for criticizing the Palestinian Authority leadership," JPost.com, Feb. 23, 2013; • K. Abu Toameh, "Palestinian journalist jailed for 'insulting' Abbas," JPost.com, Mar. 23, 2013 ("Journalist gets one year sentence after sharing photo comparing Abbas' face to a villain on a Syrian TV show").

4. The P.A. Restricts access to and allows desecration of Jewish religious shrine in Nablus.

The Tomb of Joseph, the Jewish Patriarch, is located in Nablus (biblical Shechem). Jews consider the Tomb to be a religious shrine and desire unrestricted access to it for purposes of prayer. However, Israel ceded security and administrative control over Nablus and the Tomb to the P.A. in 2000, after which the Tomb was pillaged and vandalized by local Arabs. The Tomb has been repeatedly vandalized since and access to the Tomb by Jewish pilgrims restricted to periodic late night visits under (IDF) escort.

• G. Queenann, "Four US Jews Arrested [by PA police] at Joseph's Tomb," IsraelNationalNews.com, Feb. 15, 2012; • A. Zeiger, Joseph's Tomb in Nablus vandalized, worshippers say," TimesofIsrael.com, Jan. 24, 2013 (Jewish pilgrims discover urine stains, attempted arson during monthly visit to purported biblical site).

Taken together, these extensive and pervasive human rights violations in the West Bank and in Nablus are so inconsistent with the values and standards of Boulder that they prevent a sister city relationship between Nablus and Boulder from being based on "some common interests and characteristics important to both cities." See Res. 631, 6th Whereas Clause ("[E]ach of our sister city relationships should be based upon some common interests and characteristics important to both Boulder and the sister city.")

4

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

For these reasons alone, Nablus is not an appropriate candidate for a sister city relationship with the City of Boulder.

III. The dangerous and violent situation in the West Bank and Nablus, fostered by terrorism, should preclude establishment of a sister city relationship with Nablus.

Exchange of visits is normally a hallmark of any Boulder sister city relationship. However, the security situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is particularly dangerous currently and is likely to deteriorate in the near future. Several Western countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia have recently issued updated travel warnings to their citizens regarding travel to the West Bank and to Nablus.

On December 20, 2012, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning concerning the West Bank:

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank. Demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning, and vehicles are regularly targeted by rocks, Molotov cocktails, and gunfire on West Bank roads. U.S. citizens can be caught in the middle of potentially dangerous situations, and some U.S. citizens involved in political demonstrations in the West Bank have sustained serious injuries. The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens, for their own safety, avoid demonstrations. During periods of unrest, the Israeli Government may restrict access to the West Bank, and some areas may be placed under curfew. All persons in areas under curfew should remain indoors to avoid arrest or injury. Security conditions in the West Bank may hinder the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens.

Personal travel in the West Bank by U.S. Government personnel and their families is permitted to the towns of Bethlehem and Jericho and to transit the West Bank using Routes 1, 443, and 90. Personal travel is also permitted to Qumran off Route 90 by the Dead Sea, as are stops at roadside facilities along routes 1 and 90. All other personal travel in the West Bank, unless specifically authorized for official purposes, is prohibited. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5841.html

Subsequently, on February 25, 2013, the U.S. Embassy in Israel and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem issued the following update to the earlier Department of State Travel Warning:

Security Message for U.S. Citizens Retransmitted Security Message for U.S. Citizens from U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem February 25, 2013 Due to demonstrations occurring at locations across the West Bank, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem has temporarily limited official travel to the West Bank by U.S. Government personnel. In addition, personal travel to Bethlehem by U.S. Government personnel is temporarily suspended. U.S. citizens are advised to defer non-essential travel to and within the West Bank and to exercise an extra measure of caution during this period. The U.S. Consulate General takes this opportunity to remind U.S. citizens that demonstrations, even peaceful ones, can turn violent with little or no warning. U.S. citizens should be aware of their surroundings at all times, and avoid large crowds.

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http://israel.usembassy.gov/mobile/sm02252013.html. (Emphasis added.)

The U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office ("FCO") travel advisory (updated as of 23 April 2013, and still current as of 26 April 2013) recognized Nablus as a specific hotspot during the current period of ongoing violent clashes between the IDF and Palestinian protesters. The FCO cautioned:

Take care when travelling anywhere in the West Bank, particularly in areas close to refugee camps, in and around Israeli settlements across the West Bank and in the cities of Jenin, Nablus and Hebron. There have been violent clashes between the Israeli Defence Force and Palestinian protestors in the West Bank following the death of Palestinian prisoners in custody and the shooting dead of 2 Palestinian teenagers on 3 April. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel (Emphasis added.)

As violence in the West Bank continued, on April 15, 2013, the Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade office issued the following red alert against travel in the West Bank:

Regional Advisory for the West Bank, excluding Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the West Bank, excluding Ramallah, Jericho and Bethlehem, due to the unpredictable security situation. Consult the Security tab for more information. http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/israel-the-west-bank-and-the-gaza-strip. (Emphasis added.)

The Security section of the Canadian Advisory describes the West Bank and Nablus security situation in even more admonitory terms:

There is a potential for inter-factional tension, demonstrations and military operations in the West Bank. There are frequent police and military operations targeting militants in cities and villages throughout the West Bank, particularly in Nablus, Jenin, Qalqiliyya, Tulkarem and the refugee camps. It is not possible to travel without passing through multiple Israeli military checkpoints. There is a threat of demonstrations and violent outbreaks occurring in areas near checkpoints. Areas in the vicinity of the barrier separating the West Bank and Israel are particularly high-risk. Travel only during the daytime and do not stay overnight. In Hebron and in other parts of the West Bank, there remains potential for violence between settlers and Palestinians or between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. There is a high risk of kidnapping in the West Bank cities of Nablus and Jenin. Foreigners have been kidnapped in the past. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. If you are travelling to the West Bank despite this advice, ensure that you have appropriate security measures in place to protect yourself, as well as alternative travel arrangements in case of a rapid deterioration in the security situation. Carry your passport at all times, register and maintain contact with the Representative Office of Canada in Ramallah, keep a low profile, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/israel-the-west-bank-and-the-gaza-strip. (Emphasis added.)3

3 The Australian Government Travel Advisory as of 23 January 2013 is consistent with the U.K., U.S. and Canada warnings: "We strongly advise you not to travel to the West Bank (with the exception of East Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah and Route Nos. 1, 90 and 443) because of the unpredictable security situation.... Stone-throwing and other violent incidents are common, 6

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Indeed, since the Israeli retaliatory attack on the in November 2012 (known in Israel as Operation Pillar of Defense in response to extensive rocket fire), terror attacks and violent demonstrations by Palestinians in the West Bank, including in Nablus, have continued nearly daily. Violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli civilians and soldiers have escalated with tragic results to all parties.

• "Violent protests in West Bank over Gaza Conflict," JPost.com/Reuters, Nov. 21, 2012 (Dozens of Palestinian youths in Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus hurling stones, some with slingshots, at IDF soldiers, met with tear-gas canisters, stun grenades, rubber bullets, foul smelling 'skunk' spray, and live ammunition);

• " Four Palestinians arrested for Molotov cocktails," JPost.com, Dec. 27, 2012 (Suspected of throwing fire bombs at an army position from a moving vehicle at a position south of Nablus);

• Ben Zion, "Terror attacks in West Bank, Jerusalem on the rise," TimesofIsrael.com, Jan. 7, 2013 (400% spike in number of attacks since August 2012, including throwing Molotov cocktails, explosive devices, grenades, small arms fire, a stabbing, and a hit and run.);

• "Israel 'cracking down' on West Bank terror suspects," /AFP, Jan. 3, 2013 (Security services bolstering efforts to arrest suspected terrorists to prevent simmering civil unrest from escalating into a full-blown uprising);

• T. Lazaroff et al., "West Bank violence continues for fifth straight day," JPost.com, Apr. 7, 2013.

These clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides of this protracted conflict.

• T. Wittle, "Israeli troops practice repelling mass demonstrations in West Bank," Xinhua.com, Feb. 28, 2013 (Number of Palestinians injured during violence across West Bank in prior week);

• N. Browning, "Palestinian funerals draw thousands amid some of worst West Bank violence in years,” NBCNews.com (Reuters), Apr. 16, 2013 (During a disturbance, four Palestinian youths threw firebombs at an Israeli checkpoint near Tulkarm in the northern West Bank. Soldiers returned fire and killed two teenagers).

The Palestinian tactic of rock throwing in the West Bank has inflicted serious injuries and even death on Israeli civilians. In early April 2013, a West Bank Palestinian was convicted of murder of an Israeli and his infant son in September 2011 by throwing stones from a moving car and the victims' car. He was also convicted of attempted murder in a series of similar incidents. "Court convicts Palestinian of murder in Asher Palmer case," I. Fleishman, YNetNews.com, April 2, 2013.

More recently, an Israeli "woman and her three daughters were injured in a car incident caused by stones hurled by Palestinians." "3-year old critically injured by stones near Ariel," YNet News.com, March 14, 2013 (Other incidents of stone throwing incidents listed). See also, T. Lazaroff, "W. Bank:

particularly around settlements and military checkpoints." http://smartraveller.gov.au/zw- cgi/view/Advice/Israel_Gaza_Strip_and_West_Bank. (Emphasis added.)

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Palestinians hurl stones at IDF, Israelis," JPost.com, Jan. 2, 2013 (Including, "near Nablus and Yitzhar settlement, five Palestinians threw stones at soldiers, who responded with riot dispersal methods").

Also, HAMAS is expanding its terror network in Nablus and throughout the West Bank:

Since the end of Operation Pillar of Defense (November 2012) Hamas operatives in the Gaza Strip led by Fathi Hamad, minister of the interior of the Hamas administration, have increased their efforts to establish terrorist squads in Judea and Samaria (i.e., the West Bank) to carry out attacks against Israel. Among the planned attacks were suicide bombing attacks, the abduction of IDF soldiers and Israeli citizens, and killing attacks. "Intelligence Report on Fathi Hamad", Meir Amit Intell. and Terror. Info. Center, Apr. 7, 2013.4

The IDF has focused on thwarting this terrorist effort by Hamas. Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) reported that 32 attempts to kidnap soldiers were foiled since the beginning of 2013, with a dramatic rise due to Hamas' efforts in the West Bank, compared with 24 prevented attempts during all of 2012. "Sharp rise in Hamas attempts to abduct soldiers," YNetNews.com, Apr. 12, 2013.

Nablus also harbors Hamas terrorists. "A Nablus-based Hamas terrorist" was arrested in March 2013, in Mecca where a senior Hamas executive offered him $60,000 to carry out a terrorist attack against IDF troops in Nablus. He was arrested attempting to obtain a gun for the attack. "Hamas terrorist arrested while plotting attack," Ynetnews.com, April 17, 2013.

Also, on April 15, 2013, the IDF announced the arrest of a senior Hamas terrorist in Nablus, part of a cell involved in a shooting attack on a bus station near Ariel two months prior where an IDF soldier and an Israeli civilian were wounded. "IDF arrests senior Hamas terrorist in Nablus involved in Ariel shooting," JPost.com, April 17, 2013.

And in mid-April 2013, an East Jerusalem-based terror cell was indicted in Israel for preparing to attack Israeli security personnel at the Temple Mount. These terrorists sought assistance from Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade and Tanzim terrorists based in Nablus. "East Jerusalem terror cell charged with planning to abduct Israelis," IsraelHayom.com, Apr. 16, 2013.

Under these circumstances, it would be imprudent for Boulder to approve a sister city relationship with Nablus, one of the centers of a violent conflict zone in the West Bank. By approving the BNSCP, the City of Boulder would be encouraging Boulder residents to go there notwithstanding Council's knowledge of the serious risk of injury, kidnapping or death such visitors might incur.

Moreover, these dangerous security conditions in Nablus and the West Bank would appear to render it virtually impossible for the BNSCP to fulfill a major criterion for qualifying as a Boulder Sister City, namely, encouraging a variety of exchanges, including official delegations, between the sister cities. Res. 631, 2d Whereas clause; Section 1.2.

4 Kidnapping Israeli soldiers and Israeli and U.S. civilians is not a new Palestinian terrorist tactic. G. Cohen, "Shin Bet uncovers Palestinian squad bent on kidnapping Israelis in West Bank," Haaretz.com, May 30, 2012.

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Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

For all these reasons, we oppose the application of the BNSCP and request that the Boulder City Council reject it.

Respectfully submitted,

William M. Cohen

Sara-Jane M. Cohen

Talor HaLevi

Thomas Trager

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Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

ATTACHMENT 1 HTTP://GUYBENINTENDI.BLOGSPOT.COM/

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010

FROM THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE Boulder, Colorado, USA As anyone who has paid even a modicum of attention to the goings on in the Middle East can tell you, the United States exerts an enormous amount of influence there. Scholars such as Noam Chomsky and Edward Said have long argued that Israel is a client state of the US doing its bidding in the region. The State Department since the early 1970’s has considered Israel a strategic asset, and has propped up the Israeli military to the tune of $3 billion of aid per year. Most of this aid is in the form of military equipment superior to that of any conceivable enemy. And this is just the above-the-table aid. When accounting tricks such as loan write-offs and tax incentives for American citizens to donate money to Israel are considered, the total is much higher. As the US-Israel relationship has evolved since the 70’s one thing becomes crystal clear: the tail has started to wag the dog, so to speak. The Israeli government’s behavior has become so egregious that not only is it violating international law, UN resolutions, and the Geneva conventions, as it has done almost from its inception, but it is also acting against the strategic interests of its political master, the United States. A recent example of this is the Administration’s desire for an extension of the freeze on Jewish settlements colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Israeli government thumbed its nose at the rich package of incentives it was offered by the US to comply with international law in the US’ effort to keep ‘peace talks theater’ alive.

General David Petraeus, the Army’s CENTCOM Commander, in a recent warning to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, finally let the cat out of the bag regarding US strategic interests. He said, “Israeli intransigence on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was jeopardizing US standing in the region.” Well, Duh! Unfortunately his warning was largely ignored by the corporate media and Congressional representatives. So now we have the situation where the US is funding Israeli aggression and that behavior is actually working against the strategic interests of the US. How could this be happening? One reason for this could be the influence of Israeli citizens within the US government. Yes, it’s true. People with dual US and Israeli citizenship can serve in high level posts in the government. The list of recent appointees is long. Here is a small sample: • Michael Mukasey, former Attorney General • Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of Homeland Security • Paul Wolfowitz, former Deputy Defense Secretary • Richard Perle, former Chair of the Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board • Douglas Feith, former Under Secretary of Defense • ‘Scooter’ Libby, Dick Cheney’s former Chief of Staff • Elliot Abrams, National Security Council advisor • Ari Fleisher, former White House Spokesperson • John Bolton, former UN Representative • Rahm Emanual, Barak Obama’s former Chief of Staff To say that someone has duel citizenship is to say that s/he has duel allegiance. Why these people are selected to represent the interests of the US when they clearly have a bias for another nation is beyond me, but select them we do.

The recent mid-term election in the US has some people wondering how the outcome will affect the Israeli-Palestinian situation. If we listen to the pundits, the election will bolster support for Israeli actions and hurt the cause of the Palestinians. Richard Cantor is poised to assume the majority leader post in the House. He is a Jew who has been vocally critical of the Administration’s efforts to pressure Israel to extend the settlement colony freeze. He said that ‘playing hardball’ with Israel is dangerous to US security. Another key player in the House will be Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican. Her district includes Miami with its large Jewish constituency. She will likely become the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a group with enormous influence on US foreign policy. Now. you might be asking yourself why Republican politicians would support Israel even more stalwartly than Democrats. One reason is that many of these Republicans are Christian Zionists. You don’t have to be Jewish to be a Zionist. There are Jews who are Zionists and others that aren’t. Similarly with Christians. And, why are these Christian Zionists so fanatical in their support of Israel? For most of them the answer is that they believe in the biblical prophesy about Armageddon and the coming rapture, when Christians will be gathered together in the clouds amid trumpets and angels to meet Christ at the time of his return. Christ, in this formulation, will be returning to earth to initiate the ‘God’s wrath tribulation period’ on all the sinners remaining. Ironically they are supporting Israel and at the same time expect that the Jews and Muslims there will be left on earth in the Armageddon while the Christians ascend to meet Christ. Yes, US politics has sunk to this level. Ha’aretz, Israel’s version of , has reported that, “In ’s circles, many are hoping that a weak Obama will be good for Israel. They assume that a president who has had his wings clipped in the middle of his first term will devote the second half of his term to fighting for reelection.” That’s the bad news. The good news is that these so called pundits have been wrong far more often than they’ve been right. Predicting the future is not an easy task. Currently their analyses seem plausible and likely. Time will tell if they prove true. Salam, Guy Posted by Guy Benintendi at 8:52 PM 0 comments

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Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Attachment 2

Photo of Guy Benintendi, around October 2011, downloaded from his Facebook page February 2013.

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Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: William M. Cohen Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 10:36 AM To: Subject: Corrected Summary of Nablus letter

After sending you an email message yesterday, May 29, 2013, concerning the letters to Council concerning the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project, I received additional information about the residency of a few more letter writers. This changed the numbers and percentages in yesterday's message slightly. In the interest of accuracy, here is an edited version of yesterday's message with the updated data.

Thanks, Bill Cohen for the Opposition Presentation to the BNSCP application. *************************** (Message dated May 29, 2013, as modified May 30, 2013)

Thanks for periodically sending me the packets of letters on the Nablus Sister City application and for informing me about the rules and deadlines for the upcoming June 10 Special Meeting on that matter. You have been very helpful as we, the Opposition, to that application prepare for that Meeting.

You and I both noticed the unusual flurry of email letters you received dated 5/21-23/2013, all with the same subject "Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project."

The Opposition's investigation revealed that these letters were all submitted from a solicitation on the website of the militantly pro-Palestine, anti-Israel political action coalition "End the Occupation: U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation (ETO)." The url to the "Support Boulder Nablus Sister City Project" page on that website, including the computerized letter form with the City's email address, is: http://org.salsalabs.com/o/641/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=13488.

We believe that resort to solicitation of support for the BNSCP from such a one-sided international and nationwide political organization is not only inconsistent with the purpose of a Boulder sister city relationship and BNSCP's claim to be non-political, but it also grossly distorts the relative support for this Project vis-à-vis the Opposition thereto.

For example, through May 24, 2013, Council has received 131 communications in support of the BNSCP versus 151 opposed. However, 62 of the supportive letters (47.32%) were generated by the ETO website. Of those 62 letters, only 14 (22.58%) were from City of Boulder residents. Indeed, of the Proponents' 131 total support letters, only 46 (35.1%) were clearly from City of Boulder residents.

In contrast, 112 of the 155 (72.25%) Opposition communications were submitted by City of Boulder residents. This is 2.4 times the relatively weak local support for the Project. Plus none were the result of a website solicitation campaign by a national or international organization.

I would appreciate your informing me if more letters like the ETO-generated support letters are received by Council prior to the June 10 Special Meeting.

I hope you will call this information to the attention of the City Staff working on the BNSCP Application and to Council.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Sincerely,

Bill Cohen for the Opposition Presentation to the BNSCP application.

-- Bill Cohen

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Cohen Jane Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 7:44 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city project

I feel that it is very important to have a sister city that is not a political hotbed. Choosing Nablus would alienate the large Jewish community that are an active part of Boulder, and create unnecessary bad feeling. I suggest either choosing a more neutral place, or having 2 sister cities, one also being in Israel. Please consider the deep feelings about this painful choice.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: GoTeam Cohen [ Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 6:58 AM To: Council Subject: Fwd: Time Urgent Request from Rabbi Rose

Dear Members of Boulder City Council,

I want to express my opinion about the choice of Nablus as a potential sister city for Boulder. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Rabbi Josh Rose and numerous others: Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. The Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project (BNSCP) is not.

I hope that you will reconsider this proposal. Nablus' abysmal track record on human rights runs counter to the values expressed by the Boulder community.

Sincerely,

Julie Cohen

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Linda Cohen Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 2:50 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder/Nablus as Sister Cities

Dear Council Members:

All cities worldwide should be connected and at peace with one another. My objection is that Nablus is part of the Palestinian Authority, which has refused to sign several peace agreements with Israel: one when offered a very generous deal by Prime Minister Barak (under Bill Clinton at Camp David) and the second time under President Bush and Abbas. They do not seem motivated for Peace with Israel. In Wikipedia they are described as a city known for violence and production of missiles. I am certain there are many Peace loving people living there.

In the event that you do include this request, I would hope at the same time you would link it with a sister city in Israel, to show that there is a true desire for Peace.

Thank you for reading this comment. Larry and Linda Cohen

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Madeline Cohen Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 12:07 PM To: Council Subject: opposition to Boulder/Nablus sister-city relationship

For all the reasons expressed in Rabbi Joshua Rose's recent letter to City Council, I oppose the creation of a sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus. Please do not allow this inappropriately political endeavor to proceed. Thank you, Madeline Cohen

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: nikki cohen Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 12:02 PM To: Council Subject: Against sister city with Nablus

I have been a resident of Boulder County for over 35 years. I have a business here, I have raised two children here and I call this home, not where I was born. I live here because Boulder reflects my personal beliefs of peace, education, lovers of life and democracy. I have been to Israel several times and have relatives there. I have stayed in Arab towns and support them by shopping and dining in their villages when I visit. I am against Boulder being a sister city with Nablus.This is not a place that I would want to visit or support their policies toward people. What would be more appropriate would be to have a sister city in Israel that has an equal population of both Israelis and Arabs living together peacefully…… in which there are many. This is what reflects Boulder’s characteristics better that a city that is in so much conflict and uncertainty. Sincerely yours, Nikki Cohen

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Paul Cohen Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 7:46 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City Project

Hello,

I would like to respectfully express my displeasure with the City Council's decision to announce a "sister city" relationship with Nablus. Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. The Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project (BNSCP) is not. The Palestinians have chosen to support violence and a continuing state of war. This decision is short‐sighted and just plain wrong. Boulder should not be choosing this city.

Perhaps Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea would be a better choice.:‐)

Respectfully,

Paul Cohen MD

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Fred Cooper Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 1:37 PM To: Council Cc: 'Elizabeth Freedman' Subject: Nablus as a Sister City

Dear Council Members,

I recently saw a front page article in the Daily Camera stating that members of the Jewish community in Boulder are objecting to the selection of Nablus as a sister city to Boulder. I wanted to speak up as a long time Boulder Resident (37 years), a member of the Jewish Community, and a downtown businessperson. I object to this selection because it gives a Boulder endorsement to a Palestinian city while leaving out any endorsement of an Israeli city. While I favor a two state solution for Israel/Palestine, I think that is besides the point.

Sincerely,

Fred Cooper, AIA

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Charles Corfield Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 9:25 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city proposal -- I oppose it

Dear Council member,

I am writing to echo sentiments that Rabbi Marc Soloway expresses in his letter regarding the Nablus Sister City Proposal.

Approximately 10% of Boulder city/county’s population is Jewish (whether actively practicing, or just secular). It makes no sense for us to get caught up in one activist group’s obsession and gratuitously poke in the eye a sizable fraction of our residents. There’s already enough conflict in the Middle East without importing it to Boulder!

Perhaps you can gently tell the proposers that we leave foreign policy to the federal government and we want our city council members to spend their limited time on (local) matters where they can have a positive impact.

Sincerely, Charles Corfield

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Alex Cox Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:03 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Hi There I understand the city council is under a lot of pressure not to approve the Boulder‐Nablus sister city project, and I very much hope you won't bow to such pressure. I'm a Boulder resident and I'd be honored to see our city paired with Nablus. It's an intelligent and thoughtful move in the face of brute opposition and bullying. Well done! Regards Alex Cox

Alex Cox

Boulder, CO 80305

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Merritt Crocker Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:58 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Boulder Colorado is often described as a city within a 'bubble'. This description can have both good and bad connotations. Beautiful scenery, a stable economy, good people, and an all around positive attitude make Boulder a wonderful place to live. Sometimes it is so comfortable in Boulder that we forget how uncomfortable other parts of the world are. In this way, the 'bubble' is a bad thing. We are all earthlings. The BNSCP will help raise global awareness and serve as a beacon of hope and positivity to those less fortunate. I will certainly lend my hands and a few dollars towards the cause.

Merritt Crocker

Boulder, CO 80302

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: John Cruickshank Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 2:35 PM To: Council Subject: It's Friendship, not Politics -- People to People Sister Cities for Boulder

Dear Boulder City Council,

The Nablus project is a people to people project. To characterize it as "political" suddenly makes it political when it is not. I don't know whether you have friends living in the West Bank, but I do -- a very lovely family who feel very isolated and left out of life because of the domination of the Occupation. They have to wait in long lines to get from place to place, sometimes not getting to their work place on time, or for their daughter, to her college classes. I wonder if those opposing this project have talked to you about these problems?

People in the West Bank are deeply disenfranchised and need a sister city relationship with us. As a caring community, Boulder should reach out to those such as our friends Naim and his wife and family. As sister cities, we Boulderites need to consider "the least of them" in our friendship circles.

There is a great deal of wealth, power, and pressure from those opposing this sister city project. (This is not politically correct to say, so I risk being demonized-- but you have no doubt felt this very organized pressure to oppose this project. That the Boulder Camera should highlight the opposition in its headline yesterday on the front page (!!) indicates the power of the lobby on that side of the discussion. Guy B's viewpoints were buried deep in the article on the second page. Please, please do not succumb to this unfair pressure.

Sister City projects are NOT political. They never have been and they never will be.

If you oppose this project, it will be you who will be accused of making a political statement -- and it will be sadly our own City Council "getting political." Protect yourselves and your reputation from this. They will say you are not "sympathetic to Israel," they will say you are "political." Simply tell them that this is a people to people project -- one that we have with cities in Israel already and now we'll be getting to know residents of the West Bank. What's not to celebrate about this? (:

As elected leaders of my city, I expect and know you will stand your ground. I expect you to act in the spirit of Friendship. The existing criteria for sister cities is fine. Don't let poliltics enter into it.

In the spirit of the beautiful Boulder Duchambe Teahouse, the friendship symbol at the heart of our fair city, vote for another star in the sky of sisterhood.

It's friendship and the human spirit-- not politics!!!

Thanks for listening.

Sincerely, Catherine Lasswell

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: John Cruickshank Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 4:29 PM To: Council Subject: In Support of the Nablus Sister City Project

Hello City Council,

Here is an article explaining why many in the Boulder/Denver/Longmont Jewish community support the Nablus Sister City Project.

http://robertjprince.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/statement-of-some-denver-boulder-jews-in-support-of-the-boulder-nablus- sister-city-project/

I apologize for sending the link rather than the whole article.

Sincerely, Catherine Lasswell Program for Writing and Rhetoric CU-Boulder Statement of Some Denver-Boulder Jews In Support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

May 4, 2013

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Nablus_street

Downtown Nablus

The following letter, signed by 11 local area Jews, has been submitted to the Boulder Daily Camera:

(Note: Although the letter has already been submitted, more names of people willing to sign keep coming in and as they do, I will post ALL of them here at the blog site which is also posted on Facebook)

To the Boulder Daily Camera:

We, the undersigned, members of the Boulder – Denver – Longmont more broadly based Jewish Community of Colorado, 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public want to express our support for the current proposal being placed before the Boulder City Council, for Boulder to establish a `Sister-City’ relationship with the city of Nablus, West Bank, Palestine. People-to-People projects such as the “Sister City” program are highly effective in increasing good will, dialogue and open communication between and among communities. To this end we want to encourage the Boulder City Council to pass this resolution

Some of us who have signed this letter are religious Jews, some not, but we all believe such People-to- People initiatives are important and within Boulder’s long tradition of humanism and empathy for people everywhere. We see such a gesture very much as `a Jewish thing’ to do, to express our sympathy for a people who has long suffered and who deserves the justice and dignity long denied it as a people. There is nothing anti-Semetic, anti-Jewish, or quite frankly, even anti-Israel about such an initiative as some have suggested. To the contrary, it is, instead, a gesture of friendship.

We urge the Boulder City Council to support this initiative.

Signed (in alphabetical order)

Members of the Jewish Community:

Les Canges, Nancy Commins, Joel Edelstein, Melodye Feldman, Zhenya Gallon, Alan Gilbert, Irving Greenbaum, Karla Horowitz, Jennifer Klein, Randall Kuhn, Leslie Lomas, Pat Madsen, Tom Mayer, Barbara Millman, Charles Nadler, Danny Postel, Rob Prince, Rob Smoke, Evan Weissman, Juliet Wittman.

Supporters:

Arnie Carter, Pete Peterson

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Stan Current To: Council Subject: Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project / Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin Date: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 7:59:00 PM

Dear Honorable Boulder City Councilwomen and Councilmen,

I am a member of Jewish Voice for Peace. www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org

We support Israel, Palestine and any country or its citizens seeking peace without war.

We do not support Hamas or any unwarranted military action.

Having Nablus as a sister city would give Boulder the unique distinction of helping to make peace between Israel and Palestine.

What could be more culturally enriching than to reach out to an isolated city that could share in Boulder's unique, diverse and peaceful culture?

No civilization or citizen can survive or evolve without the free exchange of ideas, values or freedom.

Please note comments by President Obama pasted below from his speech to Israeli college students:

“Put yourself in their shoes — look at the world through their eyes,” he said. “It is not fair that a Palestinian child cannot grow up in a state of her own, and lives with the presence of a foreign army that controls the movements of her parents, every single day.” “Neither occupation nor expulsion is the answer,” Mr. Obama said. “Just as Israelis built a state in their homeland, Palestinians have a right to be a free people in their own land.”

Pasted below is the link to read the full article from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/22/world/middleeast/gaza-militants-fire-rockets-as-obama- visits.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also indicated a possible two state solution. Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Pasted below are comments made by Prime Minister Netanyahu from www.haaretz.com

In the Bar-Ilan address, which Netanyahu delivered a few months after his election, he said he would support the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state on condition of its recognition of Israel as the state of the Jewish people. In the speech Netanyahu said: “We must state the whole truth here. The truth is that in the area of our homeland, in the heart of our Jewish Homeland, now lives a large population of Palestinians. We do not want to rule over them. We do not want to run their lives. We do not want to force our flag and our culture on them. In my vision of peace, there are two free peoples living side by side in this small land, with good neighborly relations and mutual respect, each with its flag, anthem and government, with neither one threatening its neighbor's security and existence."

Pasted below is the link to read the full article: http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/likud-beiteinu-charging-forward-but-without-a-party- platform.premium-1.494391

It is a historical fact, that when people or countries open their borders, peace can prevail.

Please make Nablus a sister city.

It would be in the spirit of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin who tried to make peace with Palestine but was assassinated by a deranged Israeli medical student November 4, 1995, almost 17 1/2 years ago.

We need to do our part, especially with the threat of nuclear war with Iran.

If Israelis and Palestinians can coexist as they once did, no country would dare attack them.

Please make Nablus a sister city.

Thank you

Respectfully, Stan Current Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Stan Current Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 4:54 PM To: Council Subject: Fw: Give (Arab) peace a chance

Dear Honorable Boulder City Councilwomen and Councilmen,

Making Nablus a sister city will give (Arab) peace a chance.

Please review below email from J Street.

As you may know, J Street is mostly Jewish university students seeking peace between Israel and Palestine.

The ADL claims any such efforts is purely political.

What is political about making peace?

What other goal or ulterior motive could there be that would be harmful to Israel?

If anyone is being political its the ADL and all others who want to continue taking Palestinian land.

Please make Nablus a sister city.

Reaching out to an isolated, oppressed people will help give peace a chance.

Respectfully, Stan Current

Ps Please also visit www.BuildingBridgesShift.org

Senator Bennet's wife spoke at the film festival in support of these young people.

----- Forwarded Message ----- From: "Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Street" To: Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2013 12:22 PM Subject: Give (Arab) peace a chance

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented auto matic downlo ad o f this picture from the Internet. JS treet - The political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Dear Stan,

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented auto matic downlo ad o f this picture from the Internet. Text AP I to 69866

In Israel, when 40 or more Members of Knesset sign a petition asking the prime minister to discuss a topic with them, he is compelled to do so. Earlier this week 43 MKs in the opposition signed such a petition asking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to respond to the new push for the Arab Peace Initiative, following statements by the Qatari prime minister supporting land swaps. The opposition's sentiment is shared by some members of Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party as well. The API offers a framework for a regional, comprehensive approach to peace that would end all conflicts and claims between Arab nations and Israel. The Qatari prime minister, speaking on behalf of an delegation, addressed what had been one of the major sticking points for Israel. In so doing, he brought the Arab position into alignment with the parameters outlined by President Obama in May 2011. All 22 Arab nations signed the original API. All 57 Muslim nations endorsed it. and Yizchak Molho, Israel’s lead negotiators are in Washington, DC to discuss it with Secretary of State John Kerry today. This represents a major step forward toward achieving a two-state solution, and Jews around the world who care about Israel's Jewish and democratic future mustn't let the moment slip by. 52 Members of Knesset signed a petition urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to seize the opportunity – now it’s your turn. Click here to sign our petition in support of a serious response to the Arab Peace Initiative. The Arab League proposal promises recognition of Israel's right to exist and affirms support for a two-state solution by all 22 member countries. Former director of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, Minister , called the developments "an important, encouraging step." Yachad, the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement in the UK, is also engaging in this important effort to show Israel they will have the support of the international Jewish community in pursuing peace. As former Prime Minister said, “we can’t miss this opportunity.” Secretary Kerry has made solving this conflict a top priority. But it’s going to take the voices of our community, here in the United States and around the world, to show American and Israeli leaders that they've got support in ending the Arab-Israeli conflict. Sign the petition in support of serious consideration and discussion of the Arab Peace Initiative today and help us keep up the momentum for peace. Thank you for all that you do, Jeremy and the entire J Street team

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2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 11:36 AM To: Council Subject: Sister city in Israel

When last in Israel, Nablus was a dangerous city, not a city where we could go. PLEASE, do not support this place that makes a mockery of all we believe this Land stands for.

Thank you, Anita Dalbey

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Bob Damashek Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:06 PM To: Council Subject: Oppose Nablus As A Sister City Of Boulder

Dear City Council:

It is a big mistake to select Nablus as a sister city of Boulder, Colorado. Why in the world would you vote for a place like this that has limited woman's rights, hatred against America and Israel, and is an Islamist sanctuary? There are so many other cities around the world that would be more applicable to be a sister city for Boulder.

Bob Damashek

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Richard Damashek Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 8:51 AM To: Council Subject: Stop

I oppose any decision to make Nablus a sister city. If Nablus were willing to take down all of its pro-terrorist signs.

Richard Damashek

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Tzvi Darling Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 10:29 AM To: Council Cc: Samuel Lourie Subject: Sister City Approval

Categories: Emails to Council

To whom it may concern,

I am a concerned citizen of Boulder that the city council will vote to make Nablus the sister city of Boulder. I was trying to find more information on this approval process and I couldn't find much online.

Is there going to be a hearing about the sister city approval? What is the proper avenue for citizens to express their opinions? Where can I get more info?

Thank you for your time,

Tzvi Darling CU, Bouder Student.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Davis, Charles Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 1:28 PM To: Council Subject: support of sister city for boulder nablus

I am a Geriatric Physician who lives in Boulder (2080 Joslyn Pl ). I am writing to lend my support for the Nablus Sister City Project. I believe our partnership with a city in Palestine is the best way to demonstrate our support for Middle East peace. As a practicing Jew I believe that these citizen to citizen contacts are instrumental in helping Jews and Palestinians foster trusting relationships in solving conflicts.

Charles Davis M.D.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Stan Deetz Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 10:39 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City

Dear Boulder City Council Members:

I am writing on behalf of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City project. I have lived in Boulder for several years and worked on several city efforts. I also work professionally with peace and conflict and community development issues, but I write as a citizen. During the past eighteen months or so I have worked directly on the Boulder Nablus Sister City project. I have been impressed by the focus, commitment, and heart-felt understanding displayed by those involved. Just plain great humanitarians, the folks you like to be identified with.

Concerns and objections to the Boulder-Nablus Sister City have been directed toward the personal political positions and activities of a single member who has worked on the project. All projects have diverse members with different and often contradictory political positions. And I don’t think I have ever worked with any project in any country where there have not been a few from across the spectrum on a largely apolitical issue who have not used its presence as an opportunity to make political expressions. This is unfortunate but should not distract from the merits of the project itself. We need not take sides nor be drawn into the battles of others. Real people with real needs, kids and mothers and fathers, cannot be lost to geopolitical battles and ideologies. I don’t think that they should be stigmatized nor deserted because of their location.

Most important sister cities, in Boulder and elsewhere, happen in arenas of larger conflicts. The very idea of sister cities arose as a grassroots, people to people, attempt to overcome the damage to lives in areas torn by larger social and economic conflicts. The Boulder-Nablus Sister City project continues this noble, and humble/grounded, tradition. The building of a climbing wall, a yoga studio, and opportunities for post-traumatic stress therapy and early childhood education are both in the character of Boulder and to the problems facing everyday life in Nablus. The project is about families and people and our own learning and connection to others. These are projects outside the political spaces and are helpful and sustainable.

Children did not begin the conflicts surrounding their lives. Our best hope of having them not continue them is healing and opportunities to know another world, and sometimes just spaces to be kids.

I hope that you are willing to lend your support.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Stan Deetz

Director, the Center for the Study of Conflict, Collaboration and Creative Governance (3cg) and the Peace and Conflict Studies Program

University of Colorado at Boulder

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Bea Dewing Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 11:00 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I've been a visitor to Boulder and to Nablus.

Both are wonderful cities with a lot to offer each other. The best part of each are the great people that live, work and study in these lively and culturally rich communities.

The people of Boulder will benefit from the chance to learn about how Nablus copes with some very serious challenges, while keeping a positive and hopeful focus on building a better future.

The Palestinian people are often demonized by Americans who support Israel uncritically. We need to get to know them as people, not reject them because of what others say about them. Understanding leads to knowledge which leads to wisdom. Wisdom makes us strong.

Bea Dewing

New York, NY 10031

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Karen Diamond Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 7:33 PM To: Council Subject: No to Nablus Sister City proposal Attachments: Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

To the members of the Boulder CIty Council:

I was one of the signers of the attached letter. I would like my voice counted separately indicating I am opposed to the Nablus Sister City proposal.

Thank you,

Karen Diamond Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Steven Diamond Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 7:50 PM To: Council Subject: Want the Counsel to know of my Objection to Nablus as our Sister City

Importance: High

Dear Council Members,

I want to make my thoughts known in my opposition to Nablus as our sister city.

I ask this simply, why?

Do you really understand the hate, prejudice and continued anti‐Semitic rhetoric that come from the PA?

I don’t think so.

As an American Jew who’s family has fought and survived the Holocaust and truly believes in building an inclusive, tolerant community I feel exceptionally strong that choosing a sister city should include shared values. Nablus does not.

Please do not embarrass my city, and my families legacy by supporting this idea any further.

Thank you for listening.

Steve Diamond

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 9:07 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City. Entering into such a relationship will be detrimental to Boulder, Colorado, the US, and Israel. Please vote against this proposal.

Sincerely, Gail and Gene Diedrich, Denver, CO

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From: maura donahue Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 7:49 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Helping build connections with the Palestinians benefits us all. Don't let yourself be pressured by people motivated by, what I see, an agenda which is destructive to our country as a whole. maura donahue montauk, NY 11954

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From: Sam Dreksler Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 10:28 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Honorable Members of Boulder City Council, I am writing in support of the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. There are only positive outcomes in forming such a relationship with another community. Understanding, empathy and friendship are always worthwhile especially with a community in the Middle East that Americans know little about. I am a Boulder resident, citizen and voter. It would be a wonderful thing to put politics aside in this case and approve the project for the sake of human relationships‐‐which Boulder has always prided itself on. Thank you, Sam Dreksler

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Michelle Eckstein Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 7:01 PM To: Council Subject: Fwd: Boulder Nablus Sister City - request Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx; Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

> I agree with the sentiments expressed in the attached letters. > Michelle Eckstein

> >

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Neil Eckstein Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 8:27 PM To: Council Cc: 'Michelle Eckstein'; [email protected]; 'Joan Nagel' Subject: Reject the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Honorable Members of the Boulder City Council

Please note that my wife Michelle and I, both long time residents of Boulder, CO, fully support the statements and recommendation articulated by Rabbi Marc Soloway in his email message to the Council, which is copied below.

We believe that the proposed Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project request is purely political in nature and not within either the letter or spirit of Boulder’s Sister City Resolution No. 631.

We urge you to reject this request.

Sincerely, Neil and Michelle Eckstein

Dear Members of Boulder City Council,

I have been a rabbi in this community since 2004 and, in that time, have greatly valued the various dialogues I have had the opportunity to be part of with colleagues in different faith traditions, as well as with citizens of different cultural, religious and political perspectives from my own. I have also spent a great deal of time in Israel, including visits to the West Bank on a program called "Encounter," in which I engaged with Muslim and Christian Palestinians and listened to their narratives. In my years living in Israel, I was connected to many activists there working for peace and reconciliation and know that so many Israelis want to live peacefully side by side with their neighbors and believe in a two state solution, as I do.

I have read through much of the materials of the proposed Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project and met some of the organizers and, after much soul searching and consideration, I have really decided that I must express my opposition to the project, as I believe that it will create more polarization in our city than togetherness. It just does not seem like the project is about promoting peace, and all the materials I have read are only interested in an absolutely one- sided narrative of a deeply complex and painful situation between these two peoples. It also must be pointed out that while Nablus for sure has many peaceful citizens, it has also been a center of radical elements over the years that cannot be condoned by our beautiful city.

If there was ever the possibility of a tri-city project with an Israeli and a Palestinian city partnering with Boulder, I would be strongly in support of such a collaboration, but as a leader of the Jewish community, I am writing to oppose the proposal and join the other voices in our community that have also expressed opposition.

Thank you very much. Yours sincerely, Rabbi Marc Soloway 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Olivia Edwards Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:35 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus

What a way to splinter Boulder! Please do not make Nablus a sister city at this time. I am not a Jew, but I stand with Israel and by making Nablus a sister city, you will be disrespecting our steadfast ally, Israel and those who support Israel. Give the Middle East time to resolve these issues. Use some restraint here, leadership. Think. Olivia Edwards Louisville, CO (former Boulderite for 26+ years)

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 1:20 PM To: Council Subject: Vote NO on Nablus as a Sister City

Boulder City Council Members ~

In this time of great moral and ethical confusion, I urge you to vote NO on the proposal to include Nablus, an Arab city in the disputed Palestinian territories, on the list of cities that have been made "sister" to Boulder. For many years, Nablus has been an epicenter of Islamist terrorism whose core cadre's aims are the wholesale murder of Jewish Israeli civilians and the obliteration of Israel as a Jewish homeland. Israel is an important strategic ally and economic partner of the United States; a recognized, legitimate nation state; and a democratic, humane, and cohesive multicultural society that is home to 1.2 million Arab citizens who enjoy equal rights under law.

To reward Nablus with the status of "sister city" with Boulder would simultaneously be a betrayal of fundamental decency, common moral sense, many respected norms of international law, and fealty to the best values of the United States in an age when Islamist nations, movements, sects, and organizations have declared America to be THE ultimate enemy that must be destroyed and Islamified in the name of Allah, by the sword if necessary. That would mean the eradication of free speech, freedom of conscience/religion, women's rights, choice of sexual orientation, and emancipation. Boulder's reputation as a liberal, tolerant American city would suffer irreparable injury as a result, amongst all intelligent, thoughtful, freedom-loving people both at home and abroad.

Please reject this radical attempt to have the City of Boulder validate and venerate a city whose most signal features are the propagation of hatred and barbarism against Jews, Israel, America, and the West in general.

William Eigles Denver

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From: Tara Eisler Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:17 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Respected members of the Boulder City Council,

I am writing you today to express my support of the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. While I am not a resident of Boulder, I do live in Denver and visit Boulder regularly. There are so many things I appreciate about Boulder: the stunning views of the Flatirons, the health‐ conscious lifestyle that prevails, and the overall progressive nature of Boulder residents. As such, I think that Boulder would make a fine sister city to Nablus, Palestine. I am aware that there has been a lot of opposition to this proposed measure, which I simply do not understand.

For starters, the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project is 100% apolitical. It is not motivated by politics, it is not an effectual choosing of sides in the Israel‐Palestine conflict. It is simply a move toward diplomacy and a recognition of our shared humanity. It is a means for the people of Boulder to connect with friends in another culture.

The people of Palestine have been living under military occupation for decades. Life is extraordinarily hard for them and a move toward friendship motivated by nothing other than human kindness and a desire for peace and understanding would ONLY BENEFIT the people of Boulder and the people of Nablus. THAT is what sister cities are about. On the other hand, for Boulder to deny approval of the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project, would be tantamount to engaging in politics and choosing sides. No city funds are spent on these projects, therefore, the City of Boulder has nothing to lose other than the opportunity to live up to its highest potential as a progressive and forward thinking city by joining hands with the four other US cities who have sisters in Palestine.

City Council members, I sincerely hope that you can view this application through the lens of humanity and not politics. The world would be a much better place if we all did that.

Tara Eisler

Denver, CO 80203

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 9:46 AM To: Council Subject: I oppose Nablus as a sister city to Boulder

Dear Mayor Matt Applebaum and members of the Boulder City Council,

How can we enter into a sister city relationship with Nablus or have a friendship with them when Palestinian students glorify terrorism with an exhibit in Nablus of the Sbarro suicide bombing?

I strongly oppose the application to have Nablus as a sister city to Boulder.

I hope you reconsider this project.

Thank you,

Paula Erez

Boulder, CO 80301

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 8:09 AM To: Council Subject: sister city proposal

Dear Council Members, Please, please, please, do not vote to make Nablus a sister city to Boulder. I work and shop in Boulder, and Nablus' values are not Boulder's values. Making Nablus a sister city would not be a step toward an inclusive community. The following Daily Camera opinion piece sums up just one aspect of the objections quite well: http://www.dailycamera.com/portal/guest-opinions/ci_23167719/guest-opinion-council-should-reject- nablus-proposal?_loopback=1

Consider the values of the university in Nablus, by viewing the slideshow here: Notice the women are kept separate in classes and forums, sitting at the back or side of the men's section, and are also kept covered: http://gallery.najah.edu/node/19966

Again, here is a link to a reprehensible university exhibit: http://archive.adl.org/israel/israel_sbarro.asp

Also, human rights are not respected in Nablus: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/gay-palestinian-seeks-residency-in-israel-on-humanitarian- grounds-1.316274

I hope the council will table this ill-advised and politically motivated proposal to add Nablus as a sister city.

Respectfully submitted, Maria Esposito-Weed

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From: peter ewing Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 12:46 PM To: Council Cc: [email protected] Subject: Nablus as a sisterr city:

I would like to express my support for the initiative to make Nablus a sister city of Boulder. While the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians is much too complicated to put into a tight box, it is clear that the Israelis have contributed to the terrorism active in the area. Their State was created through terrorist acts and illegal seizure of Palestinian lands.

Now they continue to seize West bank lands and terrorize and make difficult if not impossible the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank. Rotary International has supported the formation of a Club in the West bank and the theme of RI this year is “Peace Through Service”. I wish to make clear my support of the formation of a formal Sister City relationship between Boulder and Nablus. Please give strong consideration to this valuable relationship which will help contribute to peace and understanding between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Peter Ewing MD Past President Boulder Rotary Club

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From: Yazan Fattaleh Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 10:23 AM To: Council Subject: Support for the Boulder Nablus Sister City Partnership

Dear Boulder City Council,

I would like to express my support for the Boulder Nablus Sister City partnership that is being considered by City Council on June 10th. I personally have visited Nablus on my own last year and had a wonderful, safe, and humbling experience. I believe greater understanding of Americans by Palestinians and vice versa is the only way to transcend the politics of this issue.

Sincerely, Yazan Fattaleh CU Graduate, May 2013

-- I'm raising money to go and work with a community of refugees in Kyangwali, Uganda. Please help me out by donating at my website: http://yazanfattaleh.wordpress.com/

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Linda Feather Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 9:46 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

The political and national issues facing Israel and the Nablus residents are intense, and, as a 43-year resident of Boulder, I do not endorse the proposal of designating Nablus as Boulder’s Sister City. This would send a message which would not represent where many who live in Boulder stand regarding the serious and life threatening circumstances in Nablus.

Linda Feather

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 10:13 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus as a sister city

To the Boulder City Council:

We are firmly opposed to Nablus as a sister city to Boulder, Co.. As a 36 year resident of this city, I see no reason to hold hands with a city filled with terrorists.

Doug and Betsye Feauto

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Neal Feldman

May 16, 2013

Mayor Appelbaum and Boulder City Council: City of Boulder Boulder, CO

Dear Mayor Appelbaum and Boulder City Council Members,

My name is Neal Feldman. I am a young adult, have lived in Colorado since birth, and am a concerned citizen of this state. I am a student at the University of Denver, where I study International Studies and Gender and Women’s Studies. I am an avid social justice activist coming from a long tradition of civic engagement, concerned with issues of democracy in the university, indigenous permaculture, and Palestine. Yet my concern for these issues transcend politics, and are deeply personal.

This is why I write to you so concerned with Palestine and the prospect of Boulder and Nablus becoming sister cities. I have traveled to Palestine, most recently in the summer of 2012. I stayed with a Christian family in Beit Sahour near Bethlehem and spent time in Nablus, where the best Kanafeh in the world is made, and on the outskirts where a community of the Samaritan Jews live. I spent time conversing with Palestinians who live at the Balata refugee camp, and gained an even firmer appreciation about why action on this issue is important.

I identify as a practicing Jew, and my attachment to the region leads me to realize the kind of benefits that a relationship between Boulder and Nablus could confer. The indigenous people of all faiths in Palestine are living under an occupation that disrupts everyday life, and the prospect of coping with these realities is multi‐tiered. The Boulder Nablus Sister City Project is about interpersonal relationships between people across cultures. These ties are the nuts and bolts of building community infrastructure to carry on in tough times, and foster peace where there are tensions.

I have seen through my involvement in Boulder and elsewhere that there is a demand for this type of trust‐building, which is underrepresented between Palestine and the US. The contingent of constituents who are concerned about Palestine is substantial, and I give my full support to them in appealing to you all to increase positive relations between the two communities. Citizens have already mobilized to advance educational campaigns, delegations to the West Bank, and have received endorsements from prominent leaders such as Reb Zalman, a Boulderite himself.

Please consider the need for this relationship. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Neal Spitzer Feldman Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Matthew Finberg Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 11:52 AM To: Council Subject: Sister City Proposal

Dear Boulder City Council Members:

I am writing to express my disapproval of the proposal that Boulder formally engage with Nablus (Shechem) as a sister city, for all the reasons cited in the letters written by Joan Nagel and Rabbi Marc Soloway. It would be a violation of the spirit and purpose of the sister city project to do so and would personally pain me.

I am a Boulder resident.

Sincerely,

Matthew S. Finberg, Esq.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: shelly finberg Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 11:42 AM To: Council Subject: Proposal to Make Nablus Boulder's Sister City

Submitted by Shelly Finberg

To the Boulder City Council

May 2nd, 2013

NO to the Proposal to Make Nablus Boulder’s Sister City

Boulder City Council Members,

Joseph’s Tomb is situated on the outskirts of Nablus, a large Arab dominated town that occupies the location of Biblical Shechem. Until the outbreak of the murderous second intifada in 2000, Jewish and Christian worshippers were able to pray with free and uninterrupted access to the tomb, under the protection of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). When Palestinian mobs began besieging the tomb in 2000 and an IDF soldier was killed defending the site, Israel ceded control to the Palestinian Authority with guarantees that the holy place would be protected. Not hours until after Israel evacuated, a Palestinian mob was permitted to storm and raze Joseph’s Tomb. The holy tomb was demolished, with the full cooperation and participation of the newly governing Palestinian Authority.

In 2008, sixteen burning tires were thrown at Joseph’s tomb and in other instances the tomb has been vandalized with swastikas and other anti-semitic graffiti.

In 2011, Ben-Joseph Livnat, a nephew of Israeli Science and Culture Minister, Limor Livnat, was murdered by Palestinian Security Forces while visiting Joseph’s Tomb and four other Israelis were wounded. At his funeral, Minister Livnat stated, “He was murdered simply because he was Jewish”. Palestinians then proceeded to set Joseph’s Tomb on fire and attacked the funeral procession of Ben- Joseph Livnat with rocks.

In January 2013, Jewish worshippers visiting Joseph’s Tomb were shocked to find the holy site of their Biblical patriarch severely desecrated. Jewish prayer books had been burned, furniture smashed, the smell of urine was overwhelming, and there was evidence of an effort to burn down the structure.

Jewish and Christian groups are permitted to visit the site only once a month, under heavy IDF protection, and continue to try and restore much of the damage, but the tomb is regularly desecrated by the local Palestinians, residents of the city Boulder is considering honoring with its sister-city status. There is an Islamic pattern sanctioned by fatwa to destroy religious icons, statues, and artifacts of all other belief systems. This is part of the campaign to falsify all other religions.

The culture of terrorism that is dominant and glorified in the town of Nablus is not restricted to Joseph’s Tomb. Palestinian students at al-Najah University in Nablus marked the anniversary of the outbreak of Palestinian violence with an exhibition entitled ”The Sbarro Café Exhibition”, celebrating the 2001 suicide bombing of the Sbarro pizza restaurant in Jerusalem, which killed fifteen people and wounded dozens more. The exhibition was

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public comprised of a series of rooms. The Sbarro section of the exhibit was replete with body parts and pizza slices strewn across the room. The walls were painted red to represent spattered blood. Another part of the exhibit glorified the “martyrs” who carry out suicide operations shown with a Koran and Kalishnakov in hand. A third section depicted a Palestinian behind a rock placed in front of a mannequin of an orthodox Jew with a taped recording broadcast on the loudspeaker saying, “O believer, there is a Jewish man behind us. Come and kill him”.

Boulder is a university town. Are these the values that city council deems to espouse and share with its sister- city university in Nablus?

Boulder is an amazing city in so many ways. It is beautiful beyond words. To sanction and authorize a sister- city relationship with Nablus, a place that glorifies terrorism and hate would be a lasting disgrace and embarrasment to the city, and its beliefs in freedom of expression and tolerance.

Respectfully submitted,

Shelly Finberg

Boulder/Denver

I am an artist and counselor, and resided in Shiloh, Israel for 2 years in 2007 and 2008 while there on a sabbatical. I restored and renovated the visitors’ center at Tel Shiloh, the Biblical historical archeological site of the Tabernacle, converting it into a beautiful café/art gallery visited by thousands of worldwide tourists annually. Shiloh is 15 minutes down the road from Shechem. (Nablus)

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Finberg, Valerie Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 5:12 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Proposal Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx

To the Boulder City Council:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal that Boulder adopt Nablus as a sister city. I agree with the sentiments expressed in Rabbi Marc’s letter, attached. Please consider the opposition to this proposal submitted by Rabbi Marc and other members of the Jewish community before you make a decision on this matter.

Thank you, Valerie Finberg

Valerie Finberg

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: hilda fine Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 3:37 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City. For shame! U. S. cities need to be more aware of what goes on. Don't believe all you read. Check into it. In fact check into the following - you will find it true.

2. There is a culture of Jewish hatred that is open, widespread and accepted. It is racism, pure and simple. For example: an exhibit was set up at the government controlled university in Nablus after the bombing in Israel of the Sbarro pizza restaurant during the second intifada. In one room there was a graphic diorama complete with blood splattered walls and various detached body parts of the Jewish victims. Another room showed a Palestinian behind a rock placed in front of a mannequin of an ultra-Orthodox Jew, with a taped recording broadcast on the loudspeakers saying "O believer, there is a Jewish man behind me. Come and kill him. "The exhibit was enormously popular, with Nablus residents and others waiting for hours in line to enter. Hilda Fine

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 12:11 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city?

Dear City Council,

I am writing to express my sincere disagreement with the proposal to have Nablus as a sister city to Boulder. The Palestine Authority which oversees Nablus represents so much that is not Boulder. The lack of free speech, persecution of minorities, and intolerance that exists in the Palestine Authority should not be condoned by adopting Nablus. This would be a farce with selfish political motives. While the situation between Palestine and Israel is unfortunate, I would be embarrassed if our wonderful city of Boulder would be associated with Nablus. We can do better.

Thank you,

Richard Finer, MD

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Yehudis Fishman Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 9:34 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Boulder City Council 1777 Broadway Boulder

April 1, 2013

Dear Boulder City Council,

I would like to strongly express my support for the Boulder- Nablus Sister City project and encourage you to officially endorse Nablus as one of Boulder’s sister cities.

I write you as a Colorado student who has lived in Colorado most of my life and as a community organizer who believes that inter-cultural relations, such as those promoted by this sister city initiatives, can change individual perspectives and encourage community exchange that benefits all involved. I also write to you as someone who has, uniquely, called the city of Nablus home.

While completing my undergraduate degree I took a semester leave of absence to teach English within the Old City area of Nablus with an organization called Teach for Palestine. For three months spent my mornings making class plans and my afternoons teaching young women English and sports. I spent my weekends travelling throughout the West Bank, at times to places that my students are not permitted to travel to, and at other times waiting for hours at the same checkpoints that constantly impede the movement of the people living in the area. It is from those experiences that I have become an advocate for the Sister City project.

Each day in Nablus we would walk through the narrow, covered roads of the Old City, and my Colorado world was slowly expanded one invite to tea, one slice of Kanafeh, one daily encounter at a time. The people of Nablus embraced me and my colleagues as brothers and sisters. They trusted us with their children, they invited us into their culture, and they confided in us with their pain.

My time in Nablus and the interactions I made with Nabulsis changed my life. I constantly apply the patience, sense of community, and the integrity I learned from the women I was teaching and their community that helped shape me as a global citizen. By embracing Nablus as a sister city, you can ensure that interactions between Nabulsis and the people of Boulder will continue and build so that others will have the same impactful interactions I was blessed to experience.

With peace,

ﺏﺱالﻡ,

Sara Fitouri Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Heather Fjare Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 6:07 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My name is Heather Fjare and I participated in an alternative tour to the Holy Land this past January. We visited many places in the West Bank and found the Palestinian people to be very welcoming. The Israeli military occupation under which they live is incredibly oppressive. Every aspect of their day to day life is made difficult ‐ even a basic human need such as clean water is severely restricted by Israel. To have Americans come and witness what is happening to them brings them a measure of human dignity.

We heard from one Christian Palestinian man who is a farmer outside of Bethlehem. He possesses land ownership papers from the time of the Ottoman Empire, but Israel is doing everything it can to confiscate his property. His land is surrounded by Israeli settlers who have destroyed 200 of his olive trees to try to force him to leave. Through all of this he stands his ground, but in a loving rather than defiant way. A stone sign at the entrance to his home reads "We refuse to be enemies."

To have Boulder become a sister city would give Palestinians a great deal of hope that they have friends in America who want peace and justice for them. The benefit for the people of Boulder is a greater awareness of the people and rich culture of Palestine, and the opportunity to hear a side of the story not told through our media.

Sister cities are not about politics but about connecting people. I strongly encourage you to support this project.

Heather Fjare

Fort Collins, CO 80526

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Howard Flug Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 10:19 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx; Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

I firmy agree with the sentiments expressed in the two attached letters, one from Rabbi Marc Soloway and one from Joan Nagel, strongly OPPOSING the idea of including the West Bank city of Nabulus in Boulder's Sister City program. I also agree with the sentiments and legal charter issues expounded by Bill Cohen and others with regard to the program and the idea of including such a city at this time.

The Middle East issues are difficult and, while Boulderites would like all citizens and nations to live in harmony side by side, the Boulder City Council should not be focusing their time and energy on taking sides to promote a solution in this matter. It is clear that the supporters behind selecting Nabulus are trying to make a political statement. There are better choices at this time, cities that do not allow terrorists to roam free, do not celebrate terrorist attacks and death of innocent civilians with shouts of glee. Council should concentrate on more local issues that directly affect our daily lives, like fixing potholes, muni energy and even global warming.

Howard Flug, Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ronald Forthofer Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 6:51 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am writing in support of the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. I am a neighbor of Boulder and take an interest in Boulder happenings for many years now.

I have visited the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel twice so I can speak with a little first‐hand experience. I have traveled throughout the West Bank and parts of Israel. Everywhere I traveled in the Palestinian areas in the West Bank I was treated very warmly. Palestinians treat guests very well, sharing what little resources they may have.

I have found Palestinians to be well informed and interested in the U.S. and world affairs. I have enjoyed numerous discussions with them. They are an amazing people who refuse to allow the Israeli military occupation to kill their spirits. They have managed to maintain their dignity and strong family values despite living under very harsh conditions imposed by the Israeli military occupation.

It would be great if the people of Boulder got to meet and to know Palestinians instead of believing the one‐sided media portrayal of these wonderful people. It would also be great if Palestinians met more Americans and realized that we are also a good people. Person‐to‐person relationships can work wonders if there are enough of them.

The establishment of this Sister City relationship would help Boulder residents to be better informed about a part of the world that is largely unknown to many of them. It would be really nice if we could learn something about another people and their culture through a peaceful relationship instead of learning about them when we attack their country.

I think that Boulder residents would be inspired by the quiet dignity and perseverance of these people. I find that their wonderful qualities give me courage to continue my activities even when the odds of achieving success are very low.

I urge you to join with the broad‐base community support and vote in favor of this Sister City project.

Thank you for you thoughtful consideration of this issue. If you would like to receive any more information from me, please contact me.

Ronald Forthofer

Longmont, CO 80503

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rachel Fraenkel Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2013 5:01 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus

I oppose the boulder Nablus sister city project. Rachel fraenkel Bou lder.

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Seth Frankel Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 7:14 AM To: Council Cc: Jessie Frankel Subject: Nablus Sister City - a terrible proposal

Dear Council,

My family urges you to reject the current proposal to become sister cities with Nablus. Our city of tolerance, human compassion and kindness could not be more in conflict with the sanctioned hatred and tolerated violence of Nablus.

By now, you have surely heard all the points regarding Nablus' intolerance, suppression of the press, treatment of women and homosexuals, destruction of religious locations and harboring of terror. For these reasons alone we cannot support our city in adopting this relationship.

It is clear that the relationship is supported by a group that has very strong and passionate views about the politics of Israel and Palestine. And I agree that the more we understand in this terrible conflict the closer our world comes to resolving the violence and difficulty. But, is a sister city relationship intended to serve as a lesson in Middle Eastern politics? We think not. Sister cities are about fostering peace, prosperity and culture. We cannot support a sister city that is so strongly embroiled in suppression of what we hold dear.

We are very proud of the many wonderful sister cities we share. It's a point of pride for us as we tell our distant friends and family about Boulder. Bringing this highly politicized city into our home will cast a huge dark cloud over us.

Do not let us become a national embarrassment as the city of tolerance that supports terrorism.

Our family has been in Colorado since long before statehood and in Boulder for many generations. It's our home ‐ now and for generations to come. We pray for a time that indeed a sister city relationship with cities like Nablus can be realized for the right reasons. Most sadly, that reason does not exist at the moment.

Respectfully,

Seth and Jessie Frankel

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Andy Franklin Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:39 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City proposal Attachments: Nablus_SC_oppos'n_letter.pdf; RabbiMarcLetter.pdf

Dear City Council,

I would like to add my support to the opposition to the Nablus sister city proposal. I fully endorse the attached letters. I agree that the proposal is politically charged and is asking city to take sides in the Israel – Palestinian conflict. Please vote against for the proposal to add Nablus to the sister city roster.

Sincerely,

Andy Franklin

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Audrey Franklin Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 8:08 AM To: Council Subject: FW: City Council Letter regarding Nablus Sister City Project Attachments: Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

Dear City Council: Please be sure to add my name to those in opposition to the Nablus Sister City proposal, as I was one of the original signers of this letter sent on April 23rd. Thank you very much!

Audrey Fishman Franklin

From: Joan Nagel Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 9:10 PM To: Subject: City Council Letter regarding Nablus Sister City Project

Hi all,

Thank you for signing off on the letter to the city council. I received good input from many of you and cut the letter down to about 2 1/2 pages. I am attaching the version I sent to the council this morning.

Joan

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 4:24 PM To: Council Cc: Rabbi Rose; Fred Cooper Subject: I'm against Nablus as a sister city Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

Dear Council members, I've attached Rabbi Rose's letter in which he eloquently speaks against Nablus as a sister city.

I am in total agreement with his point of view. The sister city project should be apolitical, and there is no way that having a Palestinian sister city is apolitical. I have seen the pictures of one the sponsors of this proposal holding anti-semitic signs and although he asserts that is only his personal view - this proposal is tainted by its one-sided nature.

I do not support a Palestinian sister city of any kind because of the reasons Rabbi Rose outlines. Elizabeth Freedman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Mayor Matt Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council 1777 Broadway Boulder, CO 80302

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council My name is Arnold Fridland and am a resident of Boulder since 2000. My family and I have enjoyed living and working in this community. I write to you today to voice my strong opposition to the proposed Nablus Sister City initiative. My understanding of a sister city relationship is that it strengthens common shared values that reduces differences in geography, religion, culture and race. Such relationships emphasizes common human values that exist between all people and an inspiration for citizens of two cities. Unfortunately a relationship with Nablus would not achieve this. Surely the residents of Boulder would not affirm the intolerance that mars the human rights record of Nablus. For example, Boulder has affirmed the first civil union of gays and lesbians men and women. In sharp contrast, the persecution of gay people in Nablus forces these people often to seek asylum in other countries. What message are we sending our gay and lesbian neighbors here in Boulder if we were to say that the two cities share the same values. I am a holocaust survivor and I constantly rejoice of the opportunities and freedom we have in this democracy. These values are not shared by the Palestinian Authority which represses freedom of expression and of free speech. Violent situations in Nablus and the West Bank, fostered by terrorism, has led many countries including the US, UK, Canada and Australia, to warn against traveling to Nablus and the West Bank. Boulder City relationships should be apolitical. The Boulder-Nablus Sister City project (BNSCP) is not. It is based on a one-sided viewpoint of the Israel-Palestine conflict which demonizes the Jewish state and absolves the Palestinians of their role in the conflict. I hope that the City Council will see fit to block this misguided proposal. Respectfully,

Arnold Fridland, PhD Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 8:43 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city

Dear Council members, I would urge that the Council reject Nablus as a sister city to Boulder. It has been a few years since I personally visited Nablus for a day. I recall well the overall feeling of tension and unease in the streets of Nablus. I blended in with the populace quite well, so there was no personal sense of threat to me. While Nablus is a colorful and lively city, there is also this sense of simmering violence just below the surface. I realize that there is a certain intangibilty in my description, but I have traveled in many places in the world including cities in developing and non- Western oriented countries, and Nablus stands out as a place that I do not feel comfortable, nor would I recommend that my friends visit there. The diverse group of open-minded people with whom I was in company felt about the same, and we were glad to leave Nablus and move on to other places in the West Bank or Palestinian Territories and in Israel.

Nablus is not the good match with Boulder for sister city values. Boulder honors diversity, tolerance, and some eccentricity. I do not believe Nabulus shares these values as it relates to liberty for women, acceptance of gay people, or variations within its rigid social structure. Religious diversity is not tolerated at all.

I therefore recommend that the City Council reject sister city affiliation with Nablus. It is not a good match with Boulder.

Sincerely, Joseph Friedman MD

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: sandy Friedman Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 2:59 PM To: Council Cc: William;M. Cohen; Jane Rubinstein Subject: Against Boulder choosing Nablus as a sister city

Dear Council members,

We are writing to speak against the proposal that Boulder chooses Nablus as a sister city. There are many reasons to oppose this, as you are well aware by now. The most pressing one for us is the evidence of poor human rights in Nablas as exemplified by their poor treatment of women and their glorification of suicide bombers‐ these values of theirs fly in the face of the values that Boulder believes in.

We agree that having a sister city opens up the possibility of understanding a different culture and experiencing new people, but we do not have to do this with a city that glorifies violence! There are many other cities in the Middle East that have values closer to the ones that Boulder espouses.

Thank you for your attention to our thoughts.

Steve and Sandy Friedman

Boulder, CO 80305

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ken Friednash Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 6:19 AM To: Council Subject: Sister Act

Dear City Council Members,

I have recently read about your considerations of Sisterhood for the Town of Nablus in Palestine and oppose this proposal.

As Nablus has a long history of terrorist activity, anti-Semitic propaganda and limitations on human rights, your approval, without strings, would at a minimum establish a conduit for propaganda distribution or worse.

Families that don't hold each other accountable for their actions produce dysfunctional relationships of givers/takers. In most cases you can't pick your families, this isn't one of them. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of your actions and their unintended consequences.

Sincerely yours,

Kenneth A. Friednash Denver, CO 80220

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Greg Frost Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 9:05 PM To: Council Subject: Opposed to Boulder-Nablus Sister City initiative

Dear City Council Members,

I am writing to express my opposition to the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City initiative proposal in front of the Council.

I am proud to live in Boulder and to be part of this progressive community. I would feel very uncomfortable if Boulder moved forward with plans to form a sister city relationship with Nablus. I am neither anti‐Muslim nor anti‐Arab. I believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that all humans, regardless of nationality, religion, or race, have the opportunity to live full lives with access to education, health care, and safety.

My concern about the Sister City proposal with Nablus stems from the manner in which the Palestinian Authority governs its people. The PA's views on the rights of women, the freedom of the press and of religion, and the fundamental right to live without harassment regardless of sexual orientation are in direct opposition to those of most of Boulder's citizens, and indeed, of most Americans.

I urge you not to accept the proposed sister city proposal.

Sincerely,

Gregory Frost

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Duane Gall Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 5:24 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

We are visiting Palestine next month. We are very aware of the issues regarding the Israel occupation of Palestine territory. We intend to visit Nablus as well as other Palestine cities on our trip. We encourage you to support Nablus as a sister city for Boulder. Duane and Jean Gall, Denver.

Duane Gall

Denver, CO 80207

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Kathleen Galt Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 9:33 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city of Boulder

To Boulder City Council Members,

Boulder has the great opportunity to demonstrate the alleged progressive values of Boulder based on a commitment to social justice and human rights by voting yes for Nablus becoming a sister city of Boulder. Nablus is on internationally recognized Palestinian land. A vote yes is not only the right thing to do for Palestinians it is the right thing to do for Israeli's. There is not much hope that is left for a two state solution this would be a Pro Palestinian Pro Israel Pro Peace vote. You all know it is the right thing to do.

Kathleen Galt Boulder Colorado

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Marvin Gang Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 9:07 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Council Members,

I have been a Boulder resident for more than 30 years.I agree with the sentiments in the attached letter OPPOSING this project. It certainly does not represent Boulder's values of inclusion, peace and equality among people.

Marvin Gang

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Shirley Gang Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 10:22 AM To: Council Subject: Sister City proposal Attachments: Nablus_SC_oppos'n_letter (1).doc

I agree with the attached letter from Joan Nagel.

Shirley Gang

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Alice Gansfield Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 8:04 PM To: Council Subject: Proposed Sister City Relationship with Nablus

Dear Mayor Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council:

I am writing to express my disapproval of Nablus as a possible sister city to Boulder. I can think of only 2 reasons for sister city relationships: 1) to expand a relationship where cities share culture or values, or 2) to aid in the development of an area.

Regarding point #1, the treatment of women, gays, religious minorities, the press and opposition figures in Nablus is nothing short of horrendous. In addition, the glorification of terrorism and violence is considered not only acceptable, but laudable by many people there. Please see the recent Anti-Defamation League article about this: http://archive.adl.org/israel/israel_sbarro.asp. In short, the culture and values there are almost diametrically opposed to what many of us value most about Boulder.

In regard to point #2, I am sure that the area is in desperate need of development, but we all know that one cannot do anything in the area without it becoming extremely politicized. Therefore you would also have to form a sister city relationship with a city in Israel (yes, there are parts of Israel that are in need of development), and offer exactly the same assistance to both cities. And even then, it would be easy for people to look at only half the picture and conclude that Boulder supports the oppression of women, gays, dissidents, etc. In short, this would not be a workable solution either.

Please reconsider the idea of a sister city relationship with Nablus.

Thank you, Alice Gansfield

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Steven Gansfield Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 5:14 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Council Members,

It is only in recent weeks that I have been made aware of the Boulder City Councils consideration of the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project.

I consider myself to be an open minded person who looks to examine both sides of an issue and I was a bit shocked that there appears to be a distinct possibility that this sister city project may be approved by the council.

Here is my take on the issue. As far as I understand, the sister city projects are initiated so that people in both cities can have friendship and people to people diplomacy. I am 100% behind bringing culturally diverse people together to learn from each other but would hesitate to do so with a culture that is, in a way, the antithesis to what Boulder stands for in its strong liberalism and inclusion. With Hamas on the rise there, does Boulder wish to have a sister city that supports the extermination of another country, whatever your beliefs on the subject may be? If the thoughts of a sister city are solely to bring people of different cultures together, do we not have any parameters?

The biggest reason for my opposition is how "political" a decision this ultimately is. Why chose a sister city where the passions on both sisdes of the issue are so intense? The tone and vitriol of the initiators and supporters of the project against the opponents and vice versa (though I may be wrong but I believe the opponents are less vitriolic in their comments) makes this issue so blatantly political that only the blind could not see it. Why would Boulder, as representatives of its residents, put itself in this position? Just for example, in commenting on Paul Danish's Daily Camera commentary against the sister project, Richard Forer, a friend and supporter of the project, wrote in response "I would bet that Danish “ululates” with delight every time he hears of the killing of Palestinians and other Arabs by Israeli soldiers and police." Would you say that is political? Would you say that is passionate and vitriolic? Does the Boulder City Council believe what Mr Forer writes? In fact, in reading briefly some of the writings of Mr Forer or Mr Benintendi, the politicalization of the whole project is obvious. The words terrorist, baby killers, dogs, etc. are words used in this part of the world. I have seen opponents to the project matter of factly identified as "right wingers". Why? How in the world could this project not be seen as political? How will this not effect Boulder politically?

If I thought this initiative could help with bringing peace to this region of the world, I would be a strong supporter of the project. I do not believe it can. Can it further the political initiatives of Mr. Benintendi, Mr. Forer, and others of similar political beliefs....yes, I believe it can. But is this what a Boulder Sister City Project is about?

Thank you, Steven Gansfield

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ken Garman Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 4:55 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

I am shocked that the City of Boulder would even consider this considering Nablus' history of supporting and approving of Terrorism.

Ken Garman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mary ellen Garrett Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 10:23 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council,

As a former Boulder resident, and a firm believer in citizen diplomacy and peacemaking, I hope you will give your thoughtful consideration and support to adding the city of Nablus as a Sister City of Boulder.

As you know, Sister Cities are all about people‐to‐people connections, raising awareness, and humanizing people in communities we might otherwise not get to know. I hope each of you on Council, and all residents of Boulder, feels pride and satisfaction each year with the many benefits of the sister city program, and will be excited to add Nablus to your program.

I know Boulder has a long history of expressing support for communities in complex international situations, by linking with sister cities in Nicaragua, Cuba and Tibet. People in Palestine can certainly use our support, too, in their movement for peace, justice and a secure future for Palestinians and Israelis. Very few Palestinian cities are U.S. sister cities; here is another opportunity for Boulder to be a leader.

I believe sister city relationships are one of the building blocks of peace in our time, and are one of the positive steps that communities can take to weigh in on the side of peace during complex foreign policy debates.

I have travelled to Israel and Palestine and have promised the people I met there who work tirelessly for peace, that I will do what I can to influence U.S. actions to secure a just peace there in my lifetime. I would challenge anyone who has criticized the Boulder Nablus Sister City initiative to meet with the organizers, hear their accounts of visiting Nablus, and see their photos of daily life there, then explain what is objectionable about this proposal! Guy Benintendi's motives, attitude and approach to this project I think are a wonderful example of the factual and compassionate efforts that are needed to bring peace with justice in our world.

Long‐term peace and security for Israelis by definition has to include peace and security for Palestinians. It is not either/or; it is both/and. I hope Boulder will continue its leadership role in expanding people‐to‐people peacemaking opportunities, and approve the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City request. Thank you for your consideration of my views.

Mary ellen Garrett

Denver, CO 80207

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: mcgelman Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 1:36 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city project.

Dear sirs, I very much agree with the letters from Rabbi Marc Soloway and the letter signed by Joan Nagel and many others. To chose to make a Sister City arrangement with a city in a troubled area is to choose sides in the conflict. Not appropriate for Boulder at this point. Thanks Lloyd Gelman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

When I first heard of the BNSCP was when they applied for a grant at a meeting of the Boulder’s Human Relations Commission. As a member of the Commission, it was my duty to be as objective as I could about their proposal. That was about a year ago and I have been thinking about the issue of Nablus becoming one of Boulder’s sister cities ever since. My initial negative reaction to the proposal is not only unchanged but it has deepened as I read about Nablus- the Sbarro pizza terroist act, the persecution of gays and other human rights violations. It is a shame that the issue is divisive for as we Boulderites consider a city as a sister city, we should be delighted at the prospect. The controversy is not a good reason to turn the request down, however. A good reason to deny it is the doubts that it has raised as a reasonable choice. A sister city is not one we were born to- it is one that we choose. There are too many concerns about the suitability of Nablus as a sister city.

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 4:47 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus--Strongly Opposed

Dear Colleagues:

I write today to voice my strong opposition to the proposal to make Nablus a sister-city of Boulder.

The beauty of the sister city relationship is that it can underscore the shared values that cut through the differences of geography, race, culture, and creed.

The relationship with Nablus would not do this, however.

The residents of Boulder surely do not seek to affirm the intolerance that mars the human rights record of Nablus. Boulder is a beacon to free-thinkers and vibrant democracy. These values are not shared by the Palentinian Authority, which fights against freedom of the press, the freedom of speech--and harbors, encourages, and condones terrorism.

This sister city proposal runs counter to the very purpose of sister city relationships which celebrates the bonds of the deepest humanity linking global communities. Nablus's abysmal track record of the treatment of gays, lesbians, freedom the press, religious tolerance, and fomenting violence runs contrary to our most cherished values and beliefs.

I hope that the Council sees fit to block this deeply misguided proposal.

Best wishes,

Miriam Gilbert Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sacramento Bethlehem Sister City Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2013 9:22 AM To: Council Subject: Support BoulderNablus Sister City relationship Attachments: Boulder-Nablus support letter.pdf

Dear Mayor and City Council of Boulder, Greetings from Sacramento, California! We are writing not as local constituents but as enthusiastic supporters of Sister City relationships and to encourage you in your decision to recognize Boulder and Nablus as Sister Cities through the efforts of the Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project. Sacramento, California and Bethlehem, Palestine entered an official Sister City relationship in 2009. However, like the Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project, we had already been actively promoting our partnership for a number of years. As Sister City organizations it is both helpful and inspiring to follow one another’s efforts. We have been following the Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project for over two years now. The group has shown the commitment and creative engagement that is needed to make a successful Sister City relationship. Sister City relationships hold a world of possibilities for those who become directly involved. They are also an asset to the communities they represent by fostering meaningful connections and cross cultural understanding. The Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project is worthy of your endorsement. Please support this grassroots, all volunteer, people to people effort! Sincerely, Pauline Gilmour, President SacramentoBethlehem Sister City www.SacramentoBethlehem.org

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: kath glatz Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 8:32 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I have been to Palestine. It is entirely safe in the West Bank. I have seen many Palestinian villages that are walled in by Israelis, limiting their movements between other villages and to their agricultural fields. The Palestinians offered generous hospitality nonetheless. Boulderites could learn much from Palestinians about their lifestyle and customs. Sharing is what sister cities do! therefore, it would only be beneficial for Boulder to have Nablus as a sister city. Please support it. kath glatz denver, CO 80223

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 11:22 AM To: Council Subject: No to Nablus as sister city Attachments: nablus.doc

Please see the attached. Thank you.

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1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

To Mayor Matt Applebaum and the members of the Boulder City Council Concerning the proposal to accept Nablus as a sister city to Boulder.

April 30th, 2013

I traveled to Nablus once, as it is a holy city for the Jewish people. Our small group had to be escorted by four tanks, two in front and two in back. We were given exactly fifteen minutes at the site of the grave of the Biblical Joseph.

It seems flawed to me that Boulder would take a sister city where certain residents of Boulder would not be allowed to go. Where human rights, rights to free press, rights of women and gays are completely disregarded. Where the political message would be perceived loud and clear: “Boulder is pro-Palestinian” and, therefore, in many people's minds, “anti-Israel” or at least “anti-Zionist.”

While this may be a sentiment that is shared by some citizens of the Boulder community, it is my opinion that Boulder itself must remain neutral in these issues.

Thank you for considering,

Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder Kehillath Aish Kodesh

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: jennifer goldman Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 9:05 AM To: Council Subject: OPPOSED to Nablus as Sister city to Boulder

May 2, 2013

Dear City Council;

The Boulder resolution that covers the sister city program specifically spells out that "sister cities must have a commitment to basic human rights." Nablus does not meet this criteria.

While Boulder Sister City Affiliation Policy is wonderful, making Nablus Boulder's 8th sister city goes against the very fiber of your criteria for Sister City Status. We strongly oppose and hope you reject this proposal due to basic human rights violations: honor killings, lack of respect for women, and lack of respect for free press. Finally, putting Boulder's reputation into the political area is a huge mistake. All of these are so far from the values we hold so dear in Boulder.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Goldman

Boulder Resident

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rachel Goldstein Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:10 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

As a CO native I want to show my support for the Boulder‐Nablus sister city project. I believe this can only bring good things, and greater understanding between peoples who are very far removed from each other geographically. Please make this official!

Rachel Goldstein

Lakewood, CO 80227

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: C D G Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 7:08 AM To: Council Subject: re: NEBLUS as a Sister City- PLEASE VOTE NO

Dear Boulder City Council Members;

The City of Boulder "policy" that covers the sister city program specifically spells out that "sister cities must have a commitment to basic human rights."

The city of Nablus does not meet this criteria.

While Boulder Sister City Affiliation Policy is wonderful, making Nablus Boulder's 8th sister city goes against the very fiber of our, and your criteria for Sister City Status. We strongly oppose and hope you reject this proposal due to basic human rights violations: honor killings, lack of respect for women, and lack of respect for free press. Finally, putting Boulder's reputation into the political arena is a huge mistake.

All of these are so far from the values we hold so dear in Boulder.

Very Sincerely,

Chris & Rory Goodman Boulder City Residents

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jean Gore Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 4:51 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City

To Boulder City Council,

As a Boulder resident for 55 years, I have been pleased with our various Sister Cities. It has been a great benefit to become aware of and friends with people from different parts of the world.

My heritage is Jewish and I have been especially concerned with the Israel‐Palestine situation. I have been to that area twice, once to Nablus where I saw the Quaker school. I do believe we do not have knowledge of the culture and life of the Palestinians. I especially agree with Rabbi Schacter's comment about "overcoming psychological blocks in recognizing the humanity in each and every one of our neighbors is exactly what is needed to foster a peaceful world."

It would be a significant value for Boulder to have a connection with Nablus.

Respectfully yours, Jean Gore

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Darrow, Alisa

From: Joan Graff Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 7:10 PM To: Council Subject: Sister city project Nablus/Boulder

I have lived in Boulder for seven years and moved here when I retired to be near my children and grandchildren. I am a retired librarian and I am strongly in favor of community peace projects.

I am Jewish but have been very sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinians living in the West Bank whose human rights have been severely limited under what has turned out to be a long occupation (since 1967)

I know that Boulder has other sister-city projects but I think it would be very encouraging of the peace process in the middle east if the Council would vote to adopt Nablus as a sister city. This would be a humanitarian and educational partnership and I sincerely endorse it and the hard work that the group supporting this project has been doing in Boulder to move this project forward.

Sincerely, Joan Graff

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Darrow, Alisa

From: Irvgrb Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 1:01 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus

YES! Make Nablus a sister city! IRVING GREENBAUM Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Darrow, Alisa

From: Stephanie Greenberg Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 11:42 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx; Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

Members of City Council, As a 31-year resident of Boulder, I am writing to let you know that I am in wholehearted agreement with both attached letters opposing the Nablus sister city proposal. The allegedly apolitical proposal to make Nablus a sister city is nothing but political. In my opinion, the acceptance of Nablus as a sister city would be very much at odds with the intent of this program.

Thank you. Stephanie Greenberg

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: LindaGroth Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:43 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council:

As a resident of Boulder, I support the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project. Although I have not yet been able to visit Palestine, and I do hope to do so, I have made it a point to hear several speakers from Palestine when they visit the Boulder area. I have concern for the people of Palestine, who live in very difficult circumstances – military occupation; severe water restrictions; difficulty of travel to work, hospitals, and school due to the road restrictions as a result of the occupation; and economic hardship.

I believe that a sister city relationship would benefit both Boulder residents and Nablus residents. In our city rich in resources – educational, economic, recreational, and intellectual – we have much to offer people who have less. But, hardship often produces strengths in the people of Nablus that the people of Boulder have not had to draw on. I think it would expand the worlds of the many Boulderites who would choose to visit their new sister city. I also envision exchange programs; school children learning about and communicating with children from a world very different from theirs; businesses looking into developing joint ventures; and sports teams planning joint sporting events. And the goodwill created will cost the taxpayers nothing.

This is not a political decision, nor should it be. It is about establishing a relationship that will benefit both sides. As a Boulder constituent, I hope I can count on your support for this worthwhile project.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project.

Sincerely, Linda Groth Boulder, Colorodo 80303

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ernest Guindon Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:00 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Boulder has long been nationally regarded as a center of intellectual achievement and humanitarian concern. It would be entirely consistent with this level of awareness for Boulder to become a sister city with Nablus, Palestine. In fact it would be highly significant for Boulder to do so. It would help improve the sense of a unified humanity, of global interconnectedness, of good will between peoples. I would urge Council members not to be overly influenced by those who seem not to wish for world peace, and those who seem to harbor unhealthy and inappropriate attitudes toward our Palestinian brothers and sisters, regardless of their reasons, if they have any. I sincerely hope the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project proceeds as it should toward becoming another significant step forward toward world peace.

Ernest Guindon

Akron, OH 44310

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council Members,

After reading the article “Group to Request Sister City” in the Daily Camera of April 11 2013, I attended the group endorsed book presentation by Pamela Olson discussing her book “Fast Times in Palestine”

Following the non-political message by Guy Benadini, the Sister City Outreach Coordinator, I was expecting a more balanced presentation but to my dismay, the presentation was simply another outlet for anti Israeli bias.

A quick internet search on Guy Benintendi showed me his clear anti Israeli prejudice. Please read his blog at http://guybenintendi.blogspot.com/ for further substantiation.

Given the above, I am deeply concerned that the Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project is another avenue for anti-Israeli actions. As a longtime Boulder resident I would like to ask the City Council to not participate and endorse this obvious channel for an additional outlet of anti-Israeli opinion and turn down the request for a City Sister relationship with Nablus.

Sincerely

Talor Halevi

Boulder, CO 80305

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: ann halloway Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:49 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content ann halloway justice, IL 60458

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Andrew Halperin (ahalper) Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 10:54 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus as a Sister City

Dear City Council Members,

I am writing to communicate my strong opposition in considering Nablus as a sister city to Boulder. Although I’m in support of finding a peaceful solution to the long term conflict in the region, the current behavior of the city of Nablus is not representative of values of Boulder.

I am by no means singling out Nablus for this decision and due diligence should be given to ALL cities considered for this relationship with Boulder. It is through education, research and consensus that decisions like this should be made.

Nablus has demonstrated instances of human rights violations, disregard for regional law and more.

I truly hope that at some time in the future a resolution to the turmoil in the region can be resolved in a peaceful way. Until that time, I would encourage the City Council to broaden their view of the world and consider some of the many other candidates for selection as a sister city.

Respectfully, Andrew Halperin

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rosalind Hanckel Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 9:52 AM To: Council Subject: NABLUS

City Council Members:

I strongly oppose making Nablus a Sister City.

Boulder requires that a sister city must agree to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

Bonding with Nablus as a Sister City makes a mockery of these values, and therefore I oppose this petition. The city of Boulder has a long history of respect for minorities without regard to their gender, national origin, religion, race, or other distinctive characteristics. This laudable history would be mocked by bonding with a city that respects, by their record, none of the values Boulder holds.

Sincerely,

Rosalind Hanckel

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Barbara Hanst To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013 6:49:36 AM

To the members of Boulder’s City Council

From Barbara Hanst, resident

Greetings to those of you who work so hard to make our city the beautiful cosmopolitan city it is. I come with the request that you make it even more so by saying “yes” to the request to make Nablus, Palestine our 8th Sister City.

I moved to Boulder almost 9 years ago because my grandchildren live in near-by Lafayette. I had recently retired but quickly became involved as a volunteer in numerous community organizations. The one that I continue to work with is Intercambio because I enjoy working with immigrants from many different countries. It has also led me to travel a bit more broadly, including to Nicaragua and Palestine. I used to be a Lutheran and had heard a Lutheran bishop from the Holy Land talk about the church there. This was before retirement and moving to Boulder but soon after coming here I learned about a fact finding trip to Israel and Palestine and quickly signed up.

The first time I visited Nablus was during that fact-finding trip but we were there for less than 24 hr. Nonetheless I was captivated by the “feel” of the city and knew I wanted to go back. When I did so several years later, I stayed for almost 2 wk. It seemed to me that Nablus was very much like Boulder: the cities are roughly the same size, they both boast a world-class university, and although Nablus doesn’t quite have a Pearl St. Mall, they nonetheless have a vibrant city center which I visited almost every day. The sights and sounds and smells were captivating!

During my stay I took an early morning walk every morning by myself. I was told it would be perfectly safe, and that’s precisely what I experienced. Two times I wandered off so far I couldn’t find my way back to the hotel. Once a teenage boy led me and another time I hailed a cab, even though I had little money with me. It made no difference: in both instances my rescuers were eager to help. I also left a package in a cab twice, and both times the drivers went to a lot of Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public trouble to find me and return them. Each time I shook my head in amazement. Yes, this is quite a warm and caring city.

“Where are you from?” I was asked repeatedly. Initially I would say “Boulder” or “Colorado”, but often that elicited only a quizzical look. Finally I learned to say “America”. “America?” was the amazed response. I quickly found out that very few Americans come to Nablus; most Caucasians who visit there are from some European country.

This may be one reason I think Boulder should become the sister city of Nablus. They need to know that there are lots of Americans who are interested in knowing them better! And I think they could benefit from some of the skills we have to offer. We’ve already encouraged two college students to go there to teach English as volunteers, and there are others eager to share their skills in rock climbing, yoga, and psychotherapy.

I think I’m even more eager to have Boulderites learn from the people of Nablus. One of the things that I reflected upon after about 48 hr in this city where most of the women wear hijabs, was that although the population is 98.5% Muslim, I felt no “strangeness” or separation as I interacted with them in the souk (marketplace) or in a sidewalk café. Particularly today when so many Americans have such a distorted view of Muslims, having such experiences would be beneficial to all.

Similarly I reflected a day or so later on the fact that I was surrounded by Arabs. My reaction to that sudden awareness was “So what? They’re just like me!” I know that sounds obvious and elementary but I regret to say that even in Boulder I hear people commenting in a derogatory fashion about “the Arabs”.

Yes, I think travelers from Boulder to Nablus would have quite a few stereotypes erased and such an experience would be another way of broadening their knowledge of and appreciation for a part of the world where few have traveled.

I do SO hope you’ll approve the request to make Nablus our Sister City. The rewards on both sides would be plentiful.

Thank you for seriously considering my thoughts. Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Barbara M. Hanst

Barbara Hanst Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Katharina Harlow Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:49 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear friends in Boulder, My son, Harlow Stimson (until his untimely accidental death in 2006)attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and loved your city. I, his mother, have been to Nablus in Palestine and would like for you to declare it to be a sister city of Boulder. Like Boulder, Nablus is a beautiful city with mountainside neighborhoods and wonderful residents who love their city and wish for it to prosper in peace and tranquility. Please prepare for a good relationship with the people in Palestine by declaring the beautiful city of Nablus to be a sister city of Boulder. Kindest regards to all in Boulder, Katharina Harlow (

Katharina Harlow

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:59 AM To: Ageton, Suzy; Appelbaum, Matt; Becker, KC; Cowles, Macon; Jones, Suzanne; Karakehian, George; External - Morzel, Lisa; Plass, Tim; Wilson, Ken Cc: Darrow, Alisa Subject: FW: Web Email

‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐ From: Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 8:00 PM To: Marshall, Dianne Subject: Web Email

name: Carl/ Hana Hartman email: topic: Other other_topic: Sister city Nablus comments: We strongly urge you to vote AGAINST adopting Nablus as a sister city. This would be a major affront to the Boulder Jewish community and to supporters of the state of Israel. Carl and Hana Hartman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Hana Hartman Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 8:30 AM To: Council Subject: Sister City Nablus Proposal

We urge you to vote against supporting any group that represents thugs and terrorists which means voting against the proposed Nablus Sister City Project. Supporting this effort will make Boulder a laughing stock if the nation. Do the right thing and vote NO. Dan Feldheim, Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Kamilia Hassouneh Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:53 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My name is Kamilia Hassouneh I visited Nablus and I visited Boulder, both sixties give you friendly feelings I am an American citizen with Palestinian origin and I support Boulder‐Nablus SisterCity Project

Kamilia Hassouneh

Ann Arbor, MI 48105

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2013 7:02 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Support

Dear Mayor Applebaum and City Council Members,

I support the efforts for this potential sister city. The voice, needs and concerns of the Palestinians could use some help. So much could be learned by opening a link between our two communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Jim Haswell Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Andrew Havas Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:40 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister City project.

To the members of the City Council. To pick Nablus as another sister city is to commit the city and its citizens to a political stance that is one‐sided and unfair to those who support Israel. If we had both an Israeli town and a Palestinian one to sister with, I would see no problem. As it is, I am against this project. Thanks for your attention. Andrew Havas

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Hawra Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 8:37 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dears,

This letter is in support for Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project, I believe it should be on official state.

Thank you, Hawra

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sylvain Hayoun Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 4:23 PM To: Council Subject: Fw: Nablus

Sylvain G. Hayoun

----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Sylvain Hayoun Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 12:51 PM Subject: Nablus

Dear Council,

I live in Boulder and would like to add my voice against Nablus as a sister city. I have attached the letter which I am in agreement with. Thank you for your consideration,

Sylvain Hayoun

Sylvain G. Hayoun

Sylvain Hayoun shared this file from Dropbox:

DOC Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Virginia B Heddens Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 12:15 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content ai am a retired librarian living in Denver, but anticipating a pilgrimage to Israel and Plaestine. Nablus is one of the places I will visit. How pleasing to think that it could be a sister city to Boulder.

How sad that some are turning this into a political item. As I understand the idea of a sister city si for friendshop, for cultural exchanges, for getting to know others in a different environment and for exchanging all experiences. Let's keep it a positive experience and not stoop to political advantage. Virginia B. Heddens

Virginia B Heddens

Denver, MS 80237

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: eve heimbach Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 12:12 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City. There are better choices out there in the same area. Evelyn Heimbach

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Christina Hendricks Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:34 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content

Christina Hendricks

Tampa, FL t3g2c7

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Carla Henebry Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 1:56 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City Status for Nablus

Dear Members of Boulder City Council:

I wish to add my voice in support of the nomination of Nablus to become a sister city of Boulder.

My name is Carla W. Henebry. I have resided at 140 South Glencoe Street in Denver for the past 25 or 30 years. I was born in Denver but had the good sense to attend the University of Colorado in your fair city, where I majored in International Relations. After graduation in 1952 and a couple of years in Washington with the Department of State, I married a U.S. Foreign Service officer who was assigned first to Germany and then to the Middle East. Prior to his assignments in this latter, more exotic part of the world, we were both given some twenty months of language and area training in Beirut. We then lived in Tripoli, Libya, where my husband did oil and other economic reporting, and afterwards in Basra, Iraq, where he served as American Consul. During this time we did not visit Palestine/Israel, as we had to be careful that our passports did not contain any Israeli stamps.

I then returned to Colorado to raise an infant son, but never lost my interest in this controversial and important part of the world. When Israel was founded, it had seemed to have much in common with our once‐rugged West, with a pioneering spirit and go‐getter outlook. Sadly, it now bears some of the aspects of a modern totalitarian state. But, from what I have read, Palestine still retains its warm and genuine hospitality and customs, as it strives to merge with the West's technology.

How beautiful to have sister cities in Colorado which represent both these life‐styles: the relatively‐newly arrived pioneers and representatives of the more traditional, uniquely‐ Palestinian. Denver has a sister city, Karmiel, in northern Israel. Boulder has the opportunity to have such a relationship with Nablus.

This summer, while you are deliberating the adoption of this new sister city, I shall finally have the opportunity to visit Israel and Palestine, to see the new and the old for myself. I am in hopes, upon my return, that you will have voted to include Nablus in Boulder's outstanding collection of sister cities.

Sincerely, Carla Henebry

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Linda Hermelin Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 10:24 AM To: Council Subject: sister city meeting

I am writing this to ask you not to approve Nablus as a sister city of Boulder. I have never written a letter to an official before or gone to any demonstrations in my life, but I feel so strongly that this is a mistake that I have decided to write to you.

I live in Israel at least 4 months a year and am more familiar with the situation in Nablus than most people. My husband has been to Nablus and we have talked about conditions there. The human rights record of the Palestinian society is dismal. Honor killings are not unusual. Women are oppressed. Education for young girls is poor. Hamas and Al Aksa Martyr Brigade members live in Nablus. Boulder is a democratic, pro human rights, progressive, educated city. It may have much to offer Nablus, but Nablus has nothing to offer Boulder. I hope you will not confirm this attempt to make Nablus a sister city of Boulder.

Thank you, Linda Hermelin

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: pat hewett Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 5:29 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder/Nablus Sister City

Boulder City Council members:

I'm a Denver resident that is very interested in a Boulder project that I believe is of benefit to Boulder and actually the wider front range. The project I'm speaking of is the Boulder- Nablus Sister City program.

I'm a bookseller in Denver and have been for many years. I'm Jewish and very interested in the Holy Land. In 2008 I visited Palestine and was so very impressed by the people I met and what I learned about how they live. I visited Nablus and had a very favorable response to the warmth of the people. Nablus is a pretty college town that is surrounded by hills, and I learned that it was founded in 72 C.E. I was with 2 other women, both were American; one Jewish and the other married to a Palestinian living in Ramallah. We were guided around the ancient soukh, treated to tea in a family's home, toured around the city and introduced to merchants and various relatives by a stranger we encountered on the street. We were basically accepted into the fold and left with very fine memories.

I don't think there could be a better choice for a sister city than Nablus. The contacts with people from Nablus is such a positive experience, and I'm aware that it is not the usual perception of Palestinians. I know that the people there would be more than delighted to be selected and to have the opportunity to learn about and from Boulderites. I'd hate to miss this opportunity for the education this would provide residents of both cities.

I do hope you'll consider this wonderful collaboration.

Sincerely,

Pat Hewett Denver, Co. 80203

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jeni Umble Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 11:46 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council Members,

I am writing to ask you to support the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project.

Although I live in Broomfield, many of my activities take place in and around Boulder. I am an active member of the Boulder Mennonite Church. I volunteer weekly with TRU Community Care, formerly Hospice of Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Many of my shopping and leisure activities also take place in Boulder.

I believe that it is important for cities in Palestine to be linked in a sister-city relationship. This provides an important link with the outside world. In my travels in Israel/Palestine, I have seen that Palestinians feel isolated and ignored. I have also learned that many Americans are not aware of the conditions in Palestine. Friendships that enable ordinary people to learn and share with each other are vital to world understanding and peace.

This past fall I made my second trip to Israel/Palestine and I hope to make further trips to this Holy and troubled land. The participation of Boulder in a sister-city project with Nablus is a positive move toward friendship and understanding. I urge you to formalize this relationship.

Sincerely,

Rev. Jeni Hiett Umble, Mennonite Church USA

Jeni Umble

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 2:43 PM To: Council Subject: Opposed to Nablus Sister City of Boulder

Good Afternoon,

After reading the recent front page article in the Daily Camera about Nablus and Boulder becoming sister cities, I feel it is my duty as a concerned citizen and resident of Boulder county for the past 13 years, to express my disapproval of such an appointment.

Recently Rabbi Joshua Rose of Congregation Har Hashem, posed multiple reasons why a vote in favor would be so far off the mark of what America, let alone, Boulder represents, that it is unconscionable to think that such a relationship could be considered at this time.

Respectfully,

Barbara Hill

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Adrienne Hirschfelder Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 5:41 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Support

Dear Boulder City Council Members,

I am writing in support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project. I believe that a sister city relationship between the two cities is a wonderful opportunity to share cultures, knowledge, and form beneficial relationships.

Although I am not a resident of Boulder, I have heard of this project through the media. I live in Michigan and am a math instructor at Eastern Michigan University. Working on a college campus, one that is very diverse, shows me the importance of cross-cultural relationships and education. I am also the mother of seven children, who I try to raise with open minds and acceptance of all peoples. A sister city connection offers many opportunities from an educational standpoint to broaden children’s minds.

I first learned about sister cities as a kid in Seattle when my class became pen pals with school children in Tashkent. We made friends with them, learned what their daily lives were like, and what kinds of food and sports that they enjoyed. It opened my mind to wanting to learn more about people who are different from me and ignited the spirit of cultural exchange. To this day I love to travel the world sharing my culture and being immersed in other cultures.

I have had the good fortune to be acquainted with many kind and generous people of Palestinian origin. I have heard stories of life in Palestine from a friend who came to America to get help for her autistic daughter. From her I learned the Arabic language and learned how to make my favorite Arabic dish, stuffed grape leaves. I see their culture as rich in history and traditions.

I applaud the city of Boulder for taking steps to create a sister city with Nablus particularly in today’s climate filled with anti-Arab sentiment. There is beauty in every culture and sister cities are about sharing that beauty. The idea of sister cities is all about people-to-people connections and in a small way is a means to global peace. The non-political nature of sister cities is part of their appeal. I think a sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus is a fantastic idea.

Respectfully yours,

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Adrienne Hirschfelder

Lecturer, Dept. of Mathematics Eastern Michigan University

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: James Hoskins Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 10:50 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Council Members,

I'm writing to you to encourage going forward with giving official status to the Boulder‐ Nablus Sister City Project.

As a musician who plays music from the whole region from Eastern Europe, thru Turkey, and down through the middle‐east and north Africa, I tend to see the connections between these varied cultures, and foster their growth. Arabic AND Jewish, Greek AND Turkish, Serbian AND Bosnian, etc.

Palestinians have a rich history, and a relationship to Boulder will help bring that into the consciousness of many in America.

I have worked extensively with Cameron Powers of the "Musical Missions of Peace", and am consequently acutely aware of how helpful this sort of collaboration can be!

Thank you for your time, and please, again, go forward with this proposal.

Sincerely, James Hoskins

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rev. Dr. Vaughn Huckfeldt Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 12:40 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus is not a good choice for a sister city

Boulder City Council

As a resident of Boulder since 1963 and a former professor at the University of Colorado; please accept my statement that entering into the Middle East conflict by selecting Nablus as a sister city would be wrong in terms of helping the peace process. Only by direct talks between the parties can the situation be resolved for the long term peace in the region. Having traveled in all these areas and having family living in the region, I have a perspective that those only living in Boulder do not have. Please do not make a mistake by selecting a city on either side of the conflict for a sister city.

Rev. Dr. Vaughn Huckfeldt

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Kerry Irwin Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 5:56 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

One Bold step for Boulder. I am not a Boulder Constituent, but rather a life long New Jersey resident and Christian. I accidentally found out about the proposed Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project on the internet and would urge the Council to support this proposal. While I support the right of Israel to exist and recognize Israel as a strong democratic ally, the condition of the Palestinians exists in contrast to ideals of freedom and equality. By extending a hand of support to Nablus you would be helping promote human rights and peace not only in the Middle East, but World Peace. Please do the right thing and accept the Boulder‐ Nablus Sister City Project and be recognized as a leader in promoting peace and human rights. Respectfully, Kerry Irwin

Kerry Irwin

Howell, NJ 07731

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: M Ito Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 6:42 PM To: Council Subject: No to Nablus sister city proposal

City Council members,

I add my voice to those against the Nablus sister proposal which, I believe, would be a big mistake.

I am a long-time Boulder resident with a lot of inter-cultural experience. I worked for many years teaching English to international students and enjoyed connecting with people from all over the world. I applaud the idea of sister cities in general.

However, Nablus is not just any city. Nablus is not just a city with a few terrorists; it is a city well- known for its terrorism and for glorifying the killing of Jewish civilians. Just a few examples. Dr. Reuven Erlich, head of the Intelligence and Terrorism information Center, said in a 2006 article, "The Nablus terrorist infrastructure directed and executed suicide attacks in which scores of Israeli citizens were killed and over 400 were wounded."

Nablus is also the city where thousands of people streamed into the streets in celebration of the deaths of 3,000 Americans in the 9/11 attacks. They passed out candy, cheered and chanted, "God is great."

In 2001, Palestinian university students set up an exhibition in Nablus, celebrating a terror attack at the Sbarro pizza parlor in Jerusalem which killed 15 and wounded many more. The exhibition included replicas of body parts, blood- red walls, a room that glorified "martyrs" who've blown up Israelis and a Jewish mannequin with a loudspeaker nearby proclaiming, "O believer. There is a Jewish man behind me. Come and kill me."

Dylan Burton,a Boulderite living in Israel, wrote a letter to the editor of the Boulder Camera, published on September 12, 2001. He described his trip to the West Bank in this way: ...everywhere there are monuments to martyrs and anti-Israel and anti-Semitic graffiti..."

As recently as December of last year, the terrorist group Hamas, drew 10,000 supporters to a rally in Nablus.

We have also seen a number of kidnappings from the West Bank. Sexual harassment and rapes of western female peace activists have become so commonplace that workshops are organized by activist groups to deal with the problem.

A sister city with Nablus, which promotes a culture of death and intolerance, would make a statement about Boulder, whether we like it or not. I love Boulder, as I believe most residents do, for its mountains, its active, healthy lifestyle, its friendly people and not a single terrorist, as far as I know. I am horrified to

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public think of being associated with this center of terrorism and I shudder to think of putting Boulderites in harm's way by encouraging them to visit Nablus through a sister program.

Please do NOT allow Boulder to become a sister city to Nablus.

Respectfully, Mimi Ito, Boulder

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: jbe.email Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 7:31 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Project Support

Dear members of Boulder City Council,

Boulder is the home of people of all around the world, including students and families with middle-eastern origins. Boulder is an oasis of fresh ideas, humanity and strong friendship. Learning about the Boulder Nablus Sister City project was exiting, so the natural reaction is to express my encouragement and my support for such an admirable initiative. This town twinning is another opportunity for Boulder to reinforce their leadership in sharing knowledge, uniting nations via education and embracing different cultures. Meeting the members of this project was an honor and privilege. They are energetic volunteers and willing to make a significant difference in this world by reaching to less fortunate people. By doing so, they are exporting and advertising the enthusiasm of Boulder residents and they are showing us the real values of the american people. Let's help them bring some positive energy in a conflicted and suffering region and show them our appreciation, however we can.

Sincerely, J.B.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Alise Jackson Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 3:26 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus-1.pdf

Dear City Council Members,

I agree with the expressed opinion in the attached letter by Rabbi Rose. I hope you would vote AGAINST this. I would be ashamed to say that Boulder is a sister city to Nablus. When I speak of Boulder to friends and family across this country, there are so many reasons to "brag" about why it is such a great city. There are so many ideals that we are the forefront of, that I can't believe anyone would even consider this proposal. Yes, I believe that having a "sister city" is a good thing, but lets find one that truly believes in "brotherly love". I volunteered for 15 years in the Boulder Valley School district in many different schools and on committees at the district level. I was part of the hiring process from teachers, to principals, and to superintendents. There is an equity process to hiring as well as qualifications. BVSD has an Equity Committee that most districts across the country do not have. Each school has programs that stress equity in the building and teach our children equality. If the guidelines are followed for all of these processes, than we could teach our children in a social studies class about Nablus, but we wouldn't tell them that it is a "sister city" to Boulder because the politics they practice there, goes against what we are teaching our children in a Bully Free environment.

Please DO NOT pass this initiative.

Alise Jackson

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Cindy Jacobson Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 8:14 PM To: Council Subject: Making Nablus a sister city with Boulder

Dear Council: I am against the Boulder Nablus Sister City Relationship. I feel Boulder’s Sister City relationships should be apolitical and this is not. The West Bank and Nablus is a dangerous and violent situation fostered by terrorism and many countries warn against travel to this area. The P. A. represses freedom of the press and freedom of speech. The human rights situation there is abysmal. For these reasons as well as others, I am against becoming a Sister City with Nablus. Cindy Jacobson Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: nora jacquez Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:40 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council,

I visited Nablus last October and our group was fed by a wonderful women's cooperative there. They were so very kind and hospitable. The occupation by Israel of the Palestinian lands is visible everywhere and it causes great hardship. Still, these people manage to smile and welcome foreigners as if their lives were normal.

I think having Nablus as a sister city would be a fine gesture and Boulder would have the distinction of being only one of four cities in he U.S. that has a Palestinian sister city.

Thank you for your attention,

Nora Jacquez nora jacquez

Denver, CO 80206

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Maryan Jaross Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 4:53 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City Nablus -- No thank you!

I agree with everything Rabbi Rose said and do not believe that it is appropriate for Boulder to embroil itself in Mideast politics. We have a vibrant Jewish population, many of whom would be offended by this political ploy on the part of a few.

Human rights in the West Bank are atrocious, especially for women and gays/lesbians. the P.A. doesn't allow for Freedom of the Press so the people are not necessarily truthfully informed.

Why would Boulder become joined with a city that many countries, including our own, warn our citizens not to travel to because of the terrorism and danger there.

Why would Boulder become associated with a city where some of the residents think it's fine to lob rockets into Israel and who deny the right of Israel to exist?

Thank you for listening

Respectfully, Maryan Jaross

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jennifer C. Johnson Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 3:19 AM To: Council Subject: no to palestine

Dear Council This city you are considering adding as a sister to Boulder is very intolerant in many ways. It would be difficult to support a cause that isnt completely good and poses such intense problems for people groups of religion and culture. I'd recommend choosing a city from Switzerland instead. Jennifer C. Johnson

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Wesley Johnson Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 9:38 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council: May 3, 2013 My recommendation: vote for the Sister City Project if the inter-city friendship could possibly open a dialog about America’s continuing support for the mistreatment of the Palestine People. Since 1948, lobbying has influenced U.S Presidential and U.S. Congressional Middle Eastern decisions and actions; for 60 plus years, the United States has supported the mistreatment of the Palestine People. Proper and equal recognition of the Palestine People is due now. The DAILY CAMERA – OPEN FORUM has recently had comments for and against the Boulder- Nablus Sister City Project; interestingly, foremost for both sides is the survival of Israel; so, they differ only on whether a lobbied U.S. congress should insanely start a war with Iran and thus protect Israel, or whether a lobbied U.S. should not start a war with Iran and thus protect Israel from disaster. A vote for the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project must support equal treatment for all people within the region – financially and politically. Sincerely, Dr. Wesley Johnson Boulder, CO 80301

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Dwayne Jones Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 1:43 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City of Boulder

Dear Boulder City Council,

Please reconsider what Sister Cities are chosen for Boulder.

I oppose Nablus being considered as a candidate. Nablus does not represent the values of the people of Boulder whether civil rights or human dignity or fundamental freedom.

Thank you, Dwayne Jones

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Pierre Joubert Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 4:24 AM To: Council Subject: Fwd: Oppose Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities

To whom it may concern

I echo my sentiments to the piece written by Michael Wolin. Would you please reconsider your decision.

Regards,

Pierre Joubert

------Original Message ------Subject:Oppose Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities Date:Wed, 29 May 2013 01:58:42 -0700 (PDT) From:Stand By Israel Reply-To: To:

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Hello;

Next month, on June 10, the Boulder, CO City Council is scheduled to consider a petition to join with the city of Nablus, in the disputed Palestinian territories, as a sister city. The founder of this initiative, Mr. Guy Benintendi, is well known in the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement, which seeks to delegitimize the State of Israel.

The Sister City Program, according to Resolution 631, which sets forth Boulder's policy for the program, is intended to foster communication and understanding between peoples of other cities. The program seeks to encourage educational, technical, cultural, and recreational exchanges between peoples of the world, and give the citizens of Boulder opportunities to give service to and derive benefit from community projects of international scope. These laudable goals are based upon several requirements. The resolution states that "Boulder sister cities should be carefully selected to assure that these special relationships will be useful, educational, and of maximum benefit, and ... each of our sister city relationships should be based on some common interests and characteristics important to both Boulder and the sister city."

The resolution goes on to say that the sister city agreement must contain a statement of commitment of respect for human rights according to the provisions of the 1989 Vienna Concluding Document 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. This document sets forth many goals, including:

* Promoting democracy; * A commitment to elections; * A commitment to gender equality; * Human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion; * Protection of minority rights.

To summarize, Boulder requires that a sister city must agree to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

Stand by Israel believe bonding with Nablus as a Sister City makes a mockery of the values set forth above, and asks that you join us in opposing this petition. The city of Boulder has a long history of respect for minorities without regard to their gender, national origin, religion, race, or other distinctive characteristics. This laudable history would be mocked by bonding with a city that respects, by their record, none of the values Boulder holds.

This is not an issue that involves Boulder alone, however. The media have spread the story, and a Google search returns 111,000 results. This issue is correctly understood as having political significance well beyond Boulder. Well known anti-Israel groups are mounting their own letter writing campaigns. If successful, this petition would strengthen the effort to delegitimize Israel, and serve as a model for other cities. Despite the slick graphics and rhetoric, there is nothing peaceful behind this sister city project. It is an attack upon Israel, and an attack upon the many values Israel and America share and hold dear.

The City of Boulder has scheduled a special Council meeting to discuss this proposal for Monday, June 10, at the Council chambers, 1777 Broadway, at 5 PM.

Stand by Israel is asking for anyone who opposes this project to do one or both of the following:

1. Write a short courteous letter to the Council stating your objections. The address is: [email protected] This one address will reach the whole Council. This is the week to send a letter to the Council, since they will have time to review all letters before June 10. Please write a short letter to them today.

2. Come to the Council meeting 5 PM, June 10. If you would like to speak to the Council you must register in advance by email beginning after 4 PM Friday June 7 at the their web site. Go to:

http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=464&Itemid=260

and click on the electronic sign-up link. OR you may sign up in person after 4 PM on June 10, the day of the Council meeting.

Even if you do not speak, your presence is welcome as a statement of support for those who understand that this is a cynical and politically motivated abuse of the Sister City Project, and oppose it.

Please drop a note to [email protected] if you can speak at, or attend, the Council meeting

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public June 10, so we can coordinate our response to the Council. And THANK YOU for your support and action on this very important issue.

Michael Wolin

Stand By Israel, Accurate Mideast Information, Boulder, CO 80301

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3 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: nina judd Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 8:53 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus

Dear City Council Members,

Please consider this a very strong vote against initiating a Sister City project with the city of Nablus. The request to do so is clearly politically-motivated, one of many strategies designed to de-legitimize Israel as a Jewish state. When the organizer says the project is "not politicial but aimed at...... raising awareness of the situation in the Palestinian territories" his own words give lie to his actions.

Sincerely,

Nina Judd

Boulder 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Ross G Kaminsky

May 2, 2013

Boulder City Council Boulder, CO 80306

Dear Mayor Applebaum and members of the Boulder City Council,

I write in strong objection to the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project.

It is one thing for Boulder to befriend a town in a country which was formerly an enemy of the United States, such as in Nicaragua. It is another thing for Boulder to have a sister city in a current, though not currently a military risk, enemy of the US, such as in Cuba. Boulder has done both of these things.

But it is beyond the pale, even for Boulder, to suggest the creation of a bond with a town whose residents include thousands who, per the New York Post, “handed out sweets, a traditional sign of celebration, and danced in the streets” when more than 3,000 Americans were murdered in the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001.

Americans, and perhaps Council members, labor under a misapprehension that the Palestinian Authority or Fatah, which governs the West Bank, is “moderate” simply because it is not quite as overtly hateful and violent as Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. PA television routinely lauds terrorists such as and Abbas Al-Sayid, the latter of whom is serving 35 life sentences for mass murder. Fatah leaders frequently call Jews “descendants of apes and pigs” and teach children hatred while encouraging them to “martyr” themselves in the process of killing Jews.

A recent Pew poll (results released last week) shows that of all Muslim-dominated countries (to include the Palestinian Territories despite the fact that it is not truly a country), Palestinians were the most likely to believe that violence against civilians “in defense of Islam” is “at often/sometimes justified.” A stunning 40 percent of those Palestinians surveyed gave such a response. Only three other countries’ residents were over 20 percent in support of that same position.

Of course, not all residents of Nablus share these abhorrent views. Still, Boulder’s consideration of Nablus as a Sister City makes one wonder if you would have considered a town in Germany in 1942 for a similar relationship.

Rather than Nablus, if you want to show support for people who are truly in need of, and grateful for, the support of sympathetic people everywhere, I suggest Sderot or Ashkelon, in the free, democratic nation of Israel, where the friendship of an American town won’t be interpreted as tacit support for anti-Semitic hatred and murder.

Most sincerely, Ross G Kaminsky Ross G Kaminsky Host, The Ross Kaminsky Show Newsradio 850 KOA, Denver CO (Opinions are mine alone, not those of KOA) Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Kane, John Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 11:41 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City relationship

Dear members of the Boulder City Council:

While I’m not a Boulder resident, I am a Colorado citizen who pays attention to issues involving Israel and Palestine. I am an emeritus professor of religion at Regis University who regularly taught courses on the complex relationships of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – especially as they play out both in the contemporary Middle East and in US politics and culture. I was also for years a member of and one‐time chairperson of a Catholic‐Jewish dialogue group in Denver (co‐ hosted by the ADL and the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver).

I understand from the news that the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City relationship has been questioned for being “political.” I admit that I know little of the activities of this particular Sister City program. Yet it strikes me that the whole concept of “sister cities” and the group to group, individual to individual relationships thereby encouraged is exactly the kind of cultural politics our world so‐much needs. Insofar as criticism of the Boulder‐Nablus relationship comes from Jewish groups like the ADL, then I believe it is their politics that need questioning.

We very much need to work for peace in the Middle East and against religious‐cultural prejudice here at home. Anti‐ Semitism must be condemned, but so too must Jewish activism which (rhetoric notwithstanding) places the interests of Israel above the interests of peace. If there is clear evidence that the Boulder‐Nablus group has indulged in anti‐ semitism (something quite different from legitimate criticism of Israeli policy), then that should be challenged and corrected. Yet allegation and innuendo from pro‐Israel fundamentalists, where it is clearly in evidence, must also be challenged and corrected.

John F. Kane Professor Emeritus, Religious Studies, Regis University

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Michael Kaplan Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:03 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I am a resident of Boulder and I oppose the adamantly proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

Nablus has a history of being an organizational center for terrorist attacks.

 The terrorist leadership is well known to most all and continues to operate with the consent and approval of the Nablus governmental powers and the population.

 There is a culture of Jewish hatred that is open, widespread and accepted. It is racism, pure and simple. For example: an exhibit was set up at the government controlled university in Nablus after the bombing in Israel of the Sbarro pizza restaurant during the second intifada. In one room there was a graphic diorama complete with blood splattered walls and various detached body parts of the Jewish victims. Another room showed a Palestinian behind a rock placed in front of a mannequin of an ultra-Orthodox Jew, with a taped recording broadcast on the loudspeakers saying "O believer, there is a Jewish man behind me. Come and kill him. "The exhibit was enormously popular, with Nablus residents and others waiting for hours in line to enter.

Is this the kind of city that a city that peace-loving Boulder would want to be involved with as a sister city. Of course not!!

This is madness!!

Thank you!

Michael Kaplan Boulder, CO 80305

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Suhad Karzon Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 10:53 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content

Suhad Karzon

St. Louis, MO 63119

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Melinda Kassen Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 11:24 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus

Council:

Please don’t politicize our sister city program by adding Nablus as a sister city. I don’t know if adding other cities on the list engendered a lot of controversy, or split the community, but I see no purpose in making the sister city list a venue for a political dispute, and that’s what happens if the city council considers adding Nablus.

Meanwhile, there are substantive reasons to keep Nablus off the list. It’s an occupied territory governed by a corrupt authority, so it’s honestly hard to tell the genesis of its current problems. But, the plight of gays and the treatment of women, as well as the teaching of hatred against Israel, are inconsistent with Boulder values.

Thank you,

Melinda Kassen Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: lela kay Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 5:03 PM To: Council Subject: "BOULDER CONDONES INTOLERANCE"

Mayor Matt Applebaum and Members of Boulder City Council:

This is what the headlines of newspapers will read regarding the Boulder/Nablus Sister City alliance ‐ should it be approved.

I write as a concerned citizen, someone with deep roots in Boulder, an alumni of the University of Colorado (1968), along with many, many members of my immediate family who are also alums, and a love for your city. I write as a frequent visitor to your city, a supporter of business and commerce, and someone who loves the free and liberal ways of Boulder.

I am shocked that a lovely laid‐back town like Boulder would consider adopting Nablus as a sister city. The perception of Boulder is that you are citizens who support women's rights, and the rights of gays, and minorities. How is it, therefore, that you are considering partnering with a city that suppresses the rights of women, including female genital mutilation, stoning of women, and honor killings? How can you partner with a city that tortures and kills gay individual? How can you partner with with a city that preaches and teaches hatred of infidels (you and me) and hatred and intolerance of anyone is that is not a Muslim? Nablus glorifies suicide bombers, abuses children by encouraging them to be suicide bombers, allows the marriage of girls as young as 6 years old to be married to older men, and most disturbingly, favors Sharia law.

I refer you to a Pew Research Center Forum on Religion and Public Life, conducted by the Pew Research Center between 2008 and 2012. 89% of the people in Palestinian territories support Sharia Law and favor making it official in their country. That would include Nablus. Furthermore, 49% feel it should be applied to only Muslims, BUT, 44% feel it should be applied to both Muslims and non‐Muslims.

Are these values and teachings in sync with the citizens of Boulder? Is this what Boulder now stands for?

I would encourage to learn more about Sharia law and it's implications to the freedom of women and minorities. I also encourage you to looking further into the Pew Research Center, referenced above, and sharing that with the members of your council before you pass the resolution of having Nablus as a sister city.

Nablus as your sister city would change the perception of Boulder as a liberal place and would indeed qualify your city to be considered a place that condones intolerance. Intolerance today ‐ Sharia law to follow?

Sincerely yours,

Lela Kay Denver, Colorado

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mireille Key Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 3:52 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City Project

Hello, I am writing to tell you that I fully support the views expressed in Rabbi Marc Soloway's letter and the letter signed by numerous people, beginning with Joan Nagel.

Thank you.

Mireille Key Boulder 80303

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Tammy Kilgore Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 4:18 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am your neighbor to the southeast ‐ I resident of Denver. I'm saddened to hear that some groups are opposing and apparently feel threatened by the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. The goals of this project are peaceful and without political agenda.

Please think carefully about what is at stake here. Friendship with Palestinians should not threaten our friendly relationships with Israelis or their supporters. Friendship doesn't need to choose sides. In her book Daring Greatly, Brené Brown states, "It doesn’t matter if the group is a church or a gang or a sewing circle or masculinity itself, asking members to dislike, disown, or distance themselves from another group of people [...] is always about control and power." (p. 108)

Our job is to do what's right, especially when those in power seek to stop us from doing it.

I urge you to support the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. No city funds are involved and the project offers the benefits of friendship to people both in Boulder and in Nablus.

Tammy Kilgore

Denver, CO 80220

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Lorraine Kirk Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 8:33 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am a Boulder resident. I support the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. We need more international understanding and friendship, not separation. This is not a political issue. It is an issue of conscience and of peace.

Lorraine Kirk, Ph.D.

Lorraine Kirk

Nederland, CO 80466

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: klanita Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 7:59 PM To: Council Subject: sister city

I am completely against making Boulder Colorado a sister city to Nablus. It is unthinkable. Anita Kleinfeld, St.Petersburg, Fl

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jennifer Kraemer Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 7:36 PM To: Council Cc: Rabbi Rose Subject: Palestine Sister City Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

Dear Boulder City Council Members, I am writing you in response to the proposed Sister City Project in Nablus. I strongly urge you to NOT pursue this project. I support Rabbi Joshua Rose's position on this issue and have attached his letter to show I concur with his conclusion. Thank you, Jennifer Kraemer

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ramah Kudaimi Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 12:31 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I urge you to vote yes on the proposal for Nablus to become a sister city for Boulder.

Palestinians in this West Bank city are living under a brutal military occupation. By choosing Nablus as a sister city, you can do your part to support peace and justice in the Middle East.

Ramah Kudaimi

South Hollanf, IL 60473

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: ChristopherKuehl Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 5:50 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Considering Partnering With Nablus / Sister City Attachments: PAHR.13.11.FINAL.pdf; Final.Hidden Injustices Short Version.pdf

Hello,

My name is Christopher Kuehl and I represent an organization called the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, which is a legal, legislative, human rights NGO based in Jerusalem. I recently received an email about the city of Boulder, Colorado reviewing the possibility of becoming a sister city to Nablus in the PA. When looking at the standard that the city of Boulder set forth to define what possible cities would be considered in this laudable effort by Boulder, the most basic standard a sister city must be committed to is the human rights standards laid out in the 1989 Vienna commitment. At it's core this is the most basic starting point that should be demanded by a city sister partnership, and it is a starting point that our organization stands behind. This is why we believe we must offer a voice in this ongoing discussion.

I now speak as a son of Boulder. I was born in Boulder, Colorado and my father worked there for 32 years. Growing up he always described boulder as 24 square miles of reality. He couldn't have spoken more accurately about Boulder as it is a city that cherishes diversity, learning, political discussion, democrat elections, freedom of expression through the arts, minority expression and gender equality. The qualities that I just mentioned are what makes Boulder the wonderful city that it is. It is also why it is imperative that Boulder reconsider standing with Nablus as Nablus and the other cities in the PA do not allow for even one of the before mentioned basic human right standards. Partnering with Nablus would, at it's core, make a mockery of everything the city of Boulder stands for. Any kind of partnership with Nablus must be based around actual proof that they are upholding the most basic human rights standards.

I am hoping that the city of Boulder is aware of the very public of trial of Anis Awad a few months ago who got 1.5 years in prison for making a joke on Facebook about Mahmoud Abbas. It was in a court in Nablus that he was given his sentence. Our organization recently released a 37 page document called "Hidden Injustices" that documents the human rights abuse committed by the PA against their own Palestinian people. We have been before the UN, EU and are schedule to speak before the US Congress regarding our recent report. Our report focuses on the systematic human rights abuse committed by the PA. It also demands that foreign aid and partnerships be based around the adoption of basic human rights standards in the Palestinian territories. It is very important that what we are saying not be taken as an anti-Palestinian stance as it is not. What we are saying is make support of the PA contingent upon human rights standards. What our report shows is that at it's most basic level the PA is in flagrant violation of human rights standards.

It would be more then a shame for the city of Boulder to partner with such abusers of human rights. I have enclosed a summary and the full document of our report that highlights the human rights abuse by the PA.

Best,

Christopher Kuehl // Director of Human Rights Advocacy The Jerusalem Institute of Justice www.jij.org.il // [email protected] Toll Free Phone // 1-866-545-1542

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

HIDDEN INJUSTICES

A REVIEW OF PA & HAMAS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE WEST BANK AND GAZA

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Report presented by: JERUSALEM INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

P.O. Box 2708 Jerusalem, Israel 91026

Phone: +972 (0)2 5375545 Fax: +972 (0)2 5370777 Email: [email protected] Web: www.jij.org.il

In partnership with: EUROPEAN COALITION FOR ISRAEL

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

HIDDEN INJUSTICES A REVIEW OF PA & HAMAS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE WEST BANK AND GAZA

Executive Summary ...... 4 Introduction ...... 5 International Human Rights Law...... 6 The PA and Hamas ...... 8 Chronology of West Bank and Gaza Control ...... 8 Status of PA and Hamas in the International Framework ...... 11 Separation of Powers ...... 14 Internal Conflicts and Rifts ...... 16 Human Rights Violations ...... 17 Arbitrary Imprisonment ...... 17 Torture and Degrading Treatment ...... 17 Freedom of Opinion and Expression ...... 19 Freedom of the Press ...... 21 Freedom of Religion and the Rights of Minorities ...... 23 Women’s Rights ...... 24 The Rights of Children ...... 25 International Funding of the PA ...... 26 Inefficient UNRWA Funding...... 28 EU Funding of the PA ...... 29 US Funding of the PA ...... 31 The PA's Funding of Terrorism ...... 34 Celebration of Terrorism in the PA Media ...... 35 Financial Corruption within the PA ...... 36 Funding of Propagandist Education ...... 36 Potential Links between Funding and Terrorism ...... 38 Conclusion ...... 38

Figure 1: Areas A, B, and C from 1995 ...... 9 Figure 2: 2006 PA Legislative Council Electoral Results ...... 10 Figure 3: Deaths and Death Sentences ...... 18 Figure 4: Total Official Humanitarian Aid to Palestinians, 2001-2010 ...... 28 Figure 5: US Bilateral Assistance to PA, FY2005-FY2013 ...... 33

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Hidden Injustices

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood,” states Article I of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that in 1948 became the cornerstone of international human rights law whose mission of protecting human rights lives on today.1

The Oslo Accords (1993 - 1995) established the Palestinian Authority (PA) as a semi- autonomous governing authority. In the West Bank, the PA controls a specific territory, government mechanisms and key institutions such as courts, prisons, public administration services, educational institutions, welfare and health, and security forces, among others.

Within the United Nations, the PA and Hamas are considered non-state actors for the purposes of international law and therefore cannot be a party to international treaties. Although international human rights law applies to both state and non- state actors, non-state actors are unable to become party to the international treaties as states. Within the existing international judicial system, it is difficult to prevent or punish violations by such parties. Though the PA has stated its intention to comply with international human rights law, this compliance can only be enforced through strong mechanisms of accountability. The Palestinian Basic Law incorporates and affirms international principles on human rights. Even so, under the PA government, the human rights violations of arbitrary imprisonment, torture, and degrading treatment are regular occurrences and the freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and the rights of minorities, women's rights, and the rights of children are routinely impaired.

The political, international, and effective status of the PA and Hamas as non-state players with regard to international human rights treaties places special responsibility on foreign aid providers to the PA to uphold the authority of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Jerusalem Institute of Justice calls on the United States and the European Union as major providers of foreign aid to the Palestinian Authority to stand up against assaults on human life by calling for human rights reforms within the PA. Failure to make foreign aid contingent upon compliance with respect for human life and all other human rights renders those providing aid as complicit in and even enabling the continued violations of human rights. Our recommendations include the establishment of an adequate separation of powers within the PA to decentralize power and prevent corrupt internal practices such as nepotism and misappropriation of funds. This and other reforms would increase the integrity of institutions founded to protect the rights of the Palestinian people, most urgently the right to human life.

1 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), at http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/, accessed Aug 8, 2012.

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INTRODUCTION

The Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ) values life as the most basic human right. Any assault on the right of an individual to life is the most extreme violation of human rights. Governments across the globe must cooperate to create environments that promote basic human rights such as education and freedom of expression and diminish hate speech and other factors that contribute to violence and hate crimes.

In this report, JIJ examines the Palestinian governing authorities through the lens of international human rights standards, reporting the foremost violations of human rights committed by them against Palestinians, distinguishing between the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Gaza).

In considering the human rights conditions in the West Bank and the Gaza, we must first recognize that the situation exceptionally complex. The failure of the public to acknowledge certain dimensions of the situation in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza fosters a limited understanding of its complexities and keeps the governmental authorities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip from being held responsible. International decision-makers must not only consider the relationship between the major parties—Israel and the Palestinian governing authorities—but must also consider the implications of internal politics, cultural diversities, and religious pluralism within each system of government. With the information contained in this report, JIJ urges the international community to hold these governing bodies accountable for respecting and protecting the rights of those under their governance.

This report contains personal interviews with representatives of local and international human rights organizations that are active in the West Bank and Gaza (hereinafter: the Representatives of Human Rights Organizations, the Human Rights Organizations Representatives, and/or the Representatives). Out of concern for the safety of the representatives who were interviewed for this report, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice has removed their names and other information from this document that these representatives may continue their humanitarian work without hindrance.

Local and international human rights organizations operating in the West Bank and Gaza Strip serve as the main source of information shaping international public perception of the state of human rights in the respective territories. Because of global interest in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the peace process, the scope of information disseminated by these groups is largely limited to the wrongs committed by Israelis against Palestinians or vice versa. The organizations frequently impugn Israel, directly and indirectly, for human rights violations against Palestinians. Though the organizations are aware of human rights violations committed by the Palestinians government authorities against Palestinians, violations of this nature are not the organizations’ primary focus and thus are not reported. They assert that the PA does not possess the means to develop a functional governmental infrastructure or to establish law and order due to

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Hidden Injustices continuous Israeli intervention in the West Bank and Gaza.2 Even so, representatives from within these organizations are concerned about the international community’s unattended lack of awareness of the human rights violations committed by the Palestinian government authorities.3

JIJ does not present information here as a denial of human rights violations committed within Israel, as material is readily available on the subject. Instead, JIJ seeks to call the attention of international bodies providing financial support to the PA—namely, the US Congress and the European Parliament—to human rights violations committed by Palestinian governmental authorities and to challenge oversimplified or distorted understandings of the situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip by presenting objective facts and perspectives from the grassroots level.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR or the Declaration) is the cornerstone of international human rights law. After the end of World War II, a period of egregious violence against humanity, representatives from around the world convened to articulate a standard of human rights and establish a framework for international human rights law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged from this convention and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The Declaration became the founding document of the international community on human rights and civil liberties, prohibiting any entity from obstructing human rights without reason.4 Its founders acknowledge human rights as inherent to all persons by nature of their existence and view infringement upon any person’s human rights as a violation against all persons.5

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that all human beings everywhere have the right to life, liberty, and security of person; the right to an education; freedom from torture or cruel, inhumane treatment or punishment; freedom to peaceably assemble; and freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Article 2(b) declares "no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other

2 Interview dated Aug. 23, 2011, with "H.", a representative of a human rights organization in the Territories. (Hereinafter: the "Interview with H."); Interview dated Aug. 17, 2011 with "Y.", a representative of a human rights organization in the Territories. (Hereinafter: the "Interview with Y."); Interviews dated Aug. 7 and 23, 2011 with "G.", a representative of a human rights organization in the Territories. (Hereinafter: the "Interview with G."); Interviews dated Aug. 8 and Sep. 9, 2011 with "M.", a representative of a human rights organization in the Territories. (Hereinafter: the "Interview with M."); Interviews dated Aug. 9 and 25, and Sep. 15, 2011 with "S.", a representative of a human rights organization in the Territories. (Hereinafter: the "Interview with S."). 3Interviews dated Aug. 28 and Sep. 14, 2011 with "B.", a representative of a human rights organization in the Territories. (Hereinafter: the "Interview with B."). 4 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), supra note 1. 5 Robby Sibbal, INTERNATIONAL LAW 167-169 (2003).

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Hidden Injustices limitation of sovereignty." The United Nations insisted that every possible measure be taken to distribute and explain the text of the Declaration "without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."6

The principles of the Declaration and its content are used as the basis of international law as "a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations."7 The Declaration is, in legal terms, a non-binding recommendation; it is thus a tool of persuasion, not coercion, for applying diplomatic and moral pressure upon governments who violate its articles. Because the document is not legally binding, its effectiveness depends on how firmly the members of the global community take ownership in upholding the cause of human rights as reflected in the Declaration.

Most nations across the globe value human rights; where nations differ is how they interpret and prioritize human rights among other concerns. For Islamic nations, holiness before Allah is more important than the rights of individuals. Saudi Arabia did not sign the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stating that it violated Islamic law. Moreover, in 1981 and 1984, a representative from post- Islamic Revolution Iran said the Declaration was a “secular understanding of the Judeo-Christian tradition” and would violate Islamic law if implemented by Muslims.8 In 1990, Islamic nations created the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam (Islamic Declaration) as an alternative to the 1948 Universal Declaration. The Islamic Declaration is perceived as a proper reflection of Allah’s “binding divine commands.”9

The Islamic Declaration qualifies and limits individual human rights granted by the UDHR. The document reads, “All human beings are Allah's subjects, and the most loved by Him are those who are most beneficial to His subjects, and no one has superiority over another except on the basis of piety and good deeds” (Article 1b), and “All the rights and freedoms stipulated in this Declaration are subject to the Islamic Shari'ah” (Article 24). Freedom of opinion and expression is allowed under the Islamic Declaration so long as such expression does not contradict Sharia. Under Sharia, criticism of the Prophet Muhammad is blasphemous and is punishable by death. The Declaration’s final article reads, “The Islamic Sharia is the only source of reference for the explanation or clarification of any of the articles of this Declaration” (Article 25).10

6 United Nations General Assembly Resolution 217 D (III) of Dec. 10, 1948 on "Publicity to be given to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." 7 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,, supra note 1. 8 David Littman, “Universal Human Rights and Human Rights in Islam,“ Midstream, Feb 1999, at http://www.dhimmi.org/Islam.html, accessed on Aug 14, 2012. 9 ”Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam,” U.N. GAOR, World Conf. on Human Rights, Aug 5, 1990, at http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/cairodeclaration.html, accessed on Aug 11, 2012. 10 Id.

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In 2004, the League of Arab States—whose members include the West Bank and Gaza Strip—adopted the Arab Charter on Human Rights (Arab Charter). The Arab Charter avows to affirm the principles of both the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam. The Charter reads, “All forms of racism, Zionism and foreign occupation and domination constitute an impediment to human dignity and a major barrier to the exercise of the fundamental rights of peoples; all such practices must be condemned and efforts must be deployed for their elimination.”11 This condemnatory language led the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour to issue a disclaimer upon the ratification of the charter in 2008 stating the following: “Throughout the development of the Arab Charter, my office shared concerns with the drafters about the incompatibility of some of its provisions with international norms and standards. These concerns included the approach to death penalty for children and the rights of women and non-citizens.” She also noted that the Arab Charter’s rejection of Zionism contradicts the United Nations’ position that Zionism is not racism or racial discrimination.12

THE PA AND HAMAS

Chronology of West Bank and Gaza Control

Today, the geographical area of West Bank and the Gaza Strip covers between 2.9 to 3.8 million people (between 1.4 to 2.3 million in the West Bank and 1.5 million in the Gaza Strip),13 and the Sunni Muslim majority is strong at 98%.14 Residents of the West Bank have experienced a number of shifts in power within the local government. Since the mid-20th century, administrative and governmental responsibilities within Palestinian affairs in the West Bank and Gaza have been divided and transferred among several different organizations. A review of 20th century gives crucial background highlighting the present day political context—the Palestinian Authority government in the West Bank and the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip—sustaining the human rights conditions.

According to the UN Partition Plan of 1947, the West Bank was to be included in a future Arab state. The plan was subsequently rejected by the Palestinians and led to

11 " League of Arab States, Arab Charter on Human Rights,” May 22, 2004, reprinted in 12 INT’L HUM. RTS. REP. 893 (2005), University of Minnesota Human Rights Library, at http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/loas2005.html?msource=UNWDEC19001&tr=y&auid=3 337655, accessed on Aug 10, 2012. 12 “Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Entry into Force of the Arab Charter on Human Rights,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Press Release, Jan. 30, 2008, at http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/0/6C211162E43235FAC12573E00056E19D?opendo cument, accessed on Aug 10, 2012. 13 Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and the Begin - Sadat Center for Strategic Studies report different figures. 14 “International Religious Freedom Report for 2011,” US State Department, at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/religiousfreedom/index.htm?dynamic_load_id=192889#wrappe r, accessed Aug 12, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices the 1948 War. During the 1948 war, Jordan conquered the West Bank, annexing it three years later. In the wake of 1948, Palestinians organizing liberation movements, forming Fatah in 1959 as an independent Palestinian movement among others. In 1964, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) was established as an umbrella organization for the national Palestinian movements. Shortly thereafter, the Fatah movement joined the PLO and immediately enjoyed power and influence.

During the 1967 War, Israel conquered the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, annexing only East Jerusalem and instituting military rule in the West Bank. In 1969, the head of Fatah became the PLO leader through an election, deepening Fatah’s strong presence in the PLO. In 1987, the Muslim Brotherhood established Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The next year, the king of Jordan renounced any affiliation between Jordan and the West Bank, thus denouncing any future Jordanian claims to the territory. Support for Hamas continued to grow while support for Fatah weakened during the intense period of violent conflict from 1987 to 1993 between Israelis and Palestinians known as the .

Upon the end of the First Intifada, the Oslo Accords (1993-1995) established the PA government. Under the Oslo Accords, the PLO became recognized by Israel as an organization representing the Palestinian people, and the Palestinian Authority led by Yasser Arafat was established as a semi-autonomous entity in the West Bank and Gaza. Fatah became the leading party within the PA government, and many of its members were given positions within the PA security or civil services. The Israeli military government granted Fatah and the PA authority to manage the civil life of the Palestinian residents. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) held formal sovereignty. The Oslo Accords divided the West Bank into three sub-areas as the first step of a phased process of transferring control of the West Bank from the IDF to the PA. Area A (initially 2.7% of the area) came under complete PA control in civil and security matters; Area B (initially 25.1% of the area) came under Palestinian civil control and joint security control by Israel and the PA; and Area C (initially 72.2% of the area), remained under complete Israeli control.15 Although Israel gradually transferred control of the West Bank to the PA after signing the Oslo

15 Haim Gvirtzman, ”Maps of Israeli Interests in Judea and Samaria Determining the Extent of the Additional Withdrawals,” at http://www.biu.ac.il/Besa/books/maps.htm, accessed Aug 11, 2012.

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Accords, Israel froze the transfer process in 2000 as a result of the Second Intifada. The Second Intifada led to a blurring of the boundaries between Areas A, B and C and a restriction of PA control of Areas A and B. In 2010, the United Nations reported that Areas A and B together make up 38% of the land area in the West Bank, and Area C consists of the remaining 62%.16 IDF presence is still felt in each of the West Bank sub-areas.

Beginning in 2000, Fatah experienced a period of trouble. The organization’s power and stability faltered as a result of the Second Intifada in 2000, the death of it’s leader Yasser Arafat in 2004, and the transition from the leadership of Arafat to the leadership of Abu Mazen, also known as Mahmoud Abbas. This period saw a heightening of criticism towards the PA and Fatah government for corruption, lack of vision, lack of viable social and political programs, negligence, and its inability to manage the lives of its residents efficiently. The Palestinian public’s faith in the Fatah leadership diminished while expressed support for Hamas grew. Hamas was perceived as a religious group that stood passionately against secular and corrupt government. On January 25, 2006, the general elections for party representation within the PA’s legislative body, the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), were held. Hamas won the elections and was granted 74 seats out of 132 total, while Fatah received only 45 seats. The representatives of Hamas formed the government, which was headed by its leader .

Figure 2: 2006 PA Legislative Council Electoral Results

6 3 2 2 Hamas Fatah PFLP (1)

45 The Alternative (2) 74 Independent Palestine Others

1 Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, aka Martyr ; 2 Coalition of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Palestinian People's Party, the Palestine Democratic Union, and indepedents.

Members of the Palestinian Legislative Council agreed to establish a national unity government after the economic and diplomatic crisis that ensued after the June 2005 kidnapping of soldier provoked Israel to arrest members of the PLC. Before the government was established as planned, violent clashes broke out between Fatah and Hamas, resulting in an armed conflict in December 2006.

16 “Area C Humanitarian Response Plan Fact Sheet,“ August 2010, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, at http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/59AE27FDECB034BD85257793004D5541, accessed Aug 11, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices

Another agreement to form a joint government of Fatah and Hamas was signed in March 2007; nevertheless, the Fatah-Hamas clashes resumed in May 2007 and became more severe. Hamas began to win control over the Gaza Strip from Fatah and completed its takeover of control by June 2007 as the Fatah government fell. Shortly following this event came PA President Abu Mazen’s announcement of the dissolution of the unity government led by Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas. Mazen appointed Salam Fayyad as the new Prime Minister of the PA. Though Hamas claimed that these decisions were not legally valid because they did not receive the approval of the Palestinian Legislative Council, the international community accepted the new government as presented by Abu Mazen.

In the years following the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip, there were several mediation attempts between Hamas and the PLO with the purpose of reuniting the West Bank and the Gaza Strip under one political unit. However, these attempts have encountered difficulties in light of the deep distrust and conflicting interests between both parties. On May 4, 2011, a reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah was signed that guarantees the future establishment of a joint government. Despite the signing of the agreement, many remain skeptical regarding the actual possibility of unity and do not foresee great change.

Until the dissolution of the Palestinian unity government in 2007, the two geographies of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip were collectively considered “the Territories.” The term “the Territories,” formerly referring to both the West Bank and Gaza, now only refers to the West Bank. The West Bank and Gaza differ by system of government, political ideology, degree of autonomy, and approach to protecting human rights.

Status of PA and Hamas in the International Framework

In the West Bank, the PA controls a specific territory, government mechanisms and key institutions such as courts, prisons, public administration services, educational institutions, welfare and health, and security forces, among others. Around 120 countries recognize the PA as a state; however, within the United Nations, the PA is considered a "quasi-state player" for the purposes of international law and therefore cannot be a party to international treaties. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the foundation for subsequent human rights treaties adopted by the international community.17 These treaties address the obligations of sovereign nation states only and thus do not address the responsibilities of non-state actors such as the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip to protect human rights. The international legal system recognizes the potential of non-state actors to infringe on human rights as proscribed in the UDHR and subsequent treaties and accordingly has obliged both state and non-state actors

17 The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966); The International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966); The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965); The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979); The Convention against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (1984); The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

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Hidden Injustices to respect the principles of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.18 Although international human rights law applies to both state and non-state actors, non-state actors are unable to become party to the international treaties as states.19 Within the existing international judicial system, it is difficult to prevent or punish violations by such parties. The PA has stated its intention to comply with international human rights law, yet international human rights law can only be enforced through the creation of strong mechanisms of accountability.

The PLO and the PA have undertaken initiatives to protect human rights over the years.20 The UN General Assembly granted the PLO “observer” status as the representatives of all Palestinians in 197421. Additionally, the leaders of the PLO have been granted participation in UN Security Council deliberations since 1976. With the Oslo Accords, the PA was recognized as a legal, sovereign, or "quasi- sovereign" entity directly representing the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Later, in 1998, the name under which the "observer“ status was registered was changed from the PLO Observer to Palestine Observer.22

The PA has made a commitment to international human rights organizations and has submitted several declarations made by Yasser Arafat and other PLO delegates recognizing its obligation to adhere to international norms of human rights and to adopt them in internal Palestinian law.23 In addition, the PLO has released public statements declaring its intention to comply with the human rights norms.24 The UN awarded the Palestine Observer additional permissions including the right to participate in the general discussion held at the beginning of each session of the General Assembly, the right to respond at the General Assembly, and the right to raise points for discussion on Palestinian and Middle East issues. 25

On the issue of human rights, the Oslo Accords required that Israeli and Palestinian parties line up to meet the standards of the "acceptable international norms and principles of human rights and the rule of the law." The Oslo Accords also required the PA to pass Basic Laws in order to guide the government in the interim. The PA

18 Emeka Duruigbo, Corporate Accountability and Liability for International Human Rights Abuses: Recent Changes and Recurring Challenges, 6 NW. U. J. Int’l Hum. Rts. (2008) 222; John H. Knox, Horizontal Human Rights Law, 102 Am. J. Int’l L. 1 (2008); David Kinley & Junko Tadaki, From Talk to Walk: The Emergence of Human Rights Responsibilities for Corporations at International Law, 44 VA. J. INT’L L. 931,934–35 (2004); Theodor Meron, HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN NORMS AS CUSTOMARY LAW (Oxford University Press 1989). 19 A. Clapham, HUMAN RIGHTS OBLIGATIONS OF NON-STATE ACTORS (2006). 20 Irwin Cotler, "Palestinian Undertakings to Respect Human Rights - Basic Sources,” The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group, May 1997, at http://www.phrmg.org/monitor1997/may97-1.htm., accessed Aug 8, 2012. 21 A-RES-3237 (XXIX) UN General Assembly Resolution, Nov. 22, 1974. 22 A-RES-43-177 UN General Assembly Resolution, Dec. 15, 1988. 23 Cotler, supra note 20. 24 Id. 25 A/RES/52/252 UN General Assembly Resolution, July 7, 1998.

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Hidden Injustices subsequently legislated Palestinian Basic Law, which serves as the basis of the constitution for the future Palestinian state. The Palestinian Basic Law incorporates and affirms international principles on human rights, including the rule of law; equality before the law without discrimination; respect for basic human rights and joining international human rights treaties; prohibition on arbitrary detention or imprisonment; maintaining due process; prohibition of torture, cruelty, and confession under duress; freedom of religion; freedom of opinion and expression; freedom of movement; right to property; right to education; freedom of occupation; freedom of association; freedom of the press; and right of access to the courts.26

Palestinian Basic Law establishes a democratic form of government that is based on the principles of the rule of the law, separation of powers, partisan and political pluralism. Though the ideology reflected in Palestinian Basic Law is inherently secular, liberal, and parliamentary, Islam shapes the protection of various rights of the Palestinians under the PA. The law declares the Palestinians to be part of the Arab world and the principles of Islamic Sharia law as the main source of legislation.27

Hamas’s presence in the Gaza Strip deepens the influence of Islam directly in the Gaza Strip and indirectly in the West Bank.28 Founded in 1988, Hamas’s charter articulates a fundamentalist Islamic and national ideology that heavily relies on Islamic religious texts. In contrast with the secular ideologies of the PLO and Fatah, Hamas was the first Palestinian national organization to combine national identity with religious identity. Hamas describes the Qur’an as its sole constitution and Islam as the ultimate religion. While Hamas does acts of charity and seeks to avoid dishonoring the commandments of other religions, the organization takes up a militant position that justifies the use of force and violence in achieving its ideological goals. Although Article 31 of the Hamas Charter states that Hamas is a humanistic movement that preserves human rights and guarantees freedom of religion, Article 13 of the Charter expresses reservations regarding initiatives, proposals and international conferences, and Article 27 of the Charter withdraws support of any type of liberal secular ideology.29

While Hamas has the defining characteristics of a national liberation movement, it also meets the international law definition of a terrorist organization. The UN does not recognize the organization, and countries around the world do not recognize its

26 “The Amended Palestinian Basic Law” (2003), at http://www.palestinianbasiclaw.org/2003- amended-basic-law, accessed Aug 8, 2012. (Hereinafter: the "Palestinian Basic Law"). 27 Id. 28 "Internal Palestinian Issues – Islamization,” Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), at http://www.pmw.org.il/main.aspx?fi=737, accessed Aug 8, 2012; Jonathan Schanzer, "The Talibanization of Gaza: A Liability for the Muslim Brotherhood,” Hudson Institute’s Center on Islam, Democracy and the Future of the Muslim World, Aug. 19, 2009, at http://www.currenttrends.org/research/detail/the-talibanization-of-gaza-a-liability-for-the- muslim-brotherhood, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 29 “Hamas Charter” (1988), at Yale Law School Lillian Goldman Law Library http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp, accessed Aug 8, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices rule in Gaza. Hamas is recognized as a "non-state player" for purposes of international law, same as the PA. Hamas has never joined an international treaty and has not committed to international principles of human rights protection or humanitarian law. The Hamas Charter is the only legal document that binds Hamas. Since Hamas has not committed itself to the principles of international law, it can be charged to uphold only customary norms.

Separation of Powers

A basic separation of powers is vital to the integrity of a sovereign or a quasi- sovereign government, including a democratic government. The extent to which a government has an effective structural separation of powers is a key consideration in evaluating how well institutions protect human, civil and political rights. Decentralizing power into a network of accountability establishes a system of mutual control and supervision by one power of the other, allowing the reduction of political corruption and the violation of human and civil rights.

In terms of separation of powers within the PA government, it is doubtful that adequate separation of powers exists. Within the PA system of government, a semi– presidential republic, the President heads the system as the top-most official within the political structure. He is elected directly by the people and appoints the Prime Minister following an approval by the parliament. The powers of the President are limited to foreign relations and security, while the Prime Minister governs all areas of domestic policy.

Palestinian Basic Law theoretically requires the government to be held accountable to the President and to the Palestinian Legislative Council.30 In practice, however, the PA’s power is concentrated in the hands of an executive government authority without effective parliamentary supervision by the Legislative Council or judicial and public examination. According to M. and S., political corruption is widespread. S. observed that the interest motivating the PA officials is protecting and furthering their own positions instead of the general good.

The human rights organization representatives interviewed suggested there is no independent legislative procedure within the Palestinian system of governance.31 They noted that, even if legislative initiatives are introduced, they are delayed or stagnated due to internal rifts. In practice, the passage of legislation is dependent upon the President’s authority to publish emergency decisions that are regarded as laws. Drafts of bills on civil matters that the government ministries want to promote are formulated by legal advisers in the government offices and are forwarded to the President to be published as laws on his behalf. 32

30 “The Amended Palestinian Basic Law,” supra note 26. 31 Interview with Y., Interview with S., supra note 2; Interview with B., supra note 3. 32 Ephraim Lavie, "The Palestinian Authority’s Challenge: Building a Lack of Governmental Legitimacy", 14 Strategic Assessment 59-70 (2011).

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Hidden Injustices

George Washington University Professor and Palestinian political expert Nathan J. Brown argues that current Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is not building the structure of the Palestinian State but has only prevented the total collapse of the existing structure. He concludes there is no separation of powers within the PA. Palestinian journalist and researcher Haled Abu Toameh likewise noted that “the Palestinian authority has failed to provide its constituents” with a democratic political system and an independent judiciary system.33

Amnesty International asserts there is no independent jurisdiction within the Palestinian justice system.34 However, in official reports on the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the US State Department has noted the PA’s general respect for judicial independence as well as the limitations of the Palestinian police forces and judicial system to carry on duties such as the transfer of detainees and the gathering of evidence due to Israeli restrictions on movement.35 The US State Department has also noted unconfirmed reports of attempts of various Palestinian factions to influence judicial decisions in the West Bank.36 The human rights organization representatives cited the intervention of the Israeli military judicial system as a root cause of the PA’s lack of an independent judicial system, because Israel intervention leaves the Palestinian system without power.

Regardless of Israeli interventions, there are structural components compromising the integrity of the PA judicial system. There is a strong presence of nepotism, advancement on the basis of connections, and the appointment of relatives to power within the judicial system. This diminishes the freedom of government officials to criticize the PA or, in many cases, to enforce court orders,37 which are often violated due to lack of perceived authority of the justice system.

Evidence suggests the executive branch of the PA has benefited from the existence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The PA’s executive branch has established many large security services, accounting for one-third of the PA’s budget at the expense of health, education and welfare budgets. This includes six different security branches that are each divided into sub-units, each branch having its own roles and orders. Coordination among the forces is not always appropriately defined. These forces, including the intelligence and the counter security forces, aid the executive branch by screening candidates for positions in the public sector based on political

33 Khaled Abu Toameh, "No Democracy for Palestine,” Gatestone Institute, Aug. 30, 2011, at http://www.stonegateinstitute.org/2389/palestine-democracy, accessed Aug 8, 2012 34 “Annual Report: Palestinian Authority 2011,” Amnesty International, at http://www.amnestyusa.org/research/reports/annual-report-palestinian-authority-2011, accessed Aug 8, 2012 (Hereinafter: "Amnesty Report"). 35 Interview with M., supra note 2. 36 “2010 Human Rights Report”, US State Department, at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/index.htm, accessed Aug 8, 2012 (Hereinafter: "The US State Department Report"). 37 Khaled Abu Toameh, "No Democracy for Palestine,” Gatestone Institute, Aug. 30, 2011, at http://www.stonegateinstitute.org/2389/palestine-democracy, accessed Aug 8, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices characteristics.38 Since the labor market in the PA contains jobs under the auspices of the government, nepotism and the promotion of personal interests has become a widespread phenomena.39

Internal Conflicts and Rifts

The majority of the representatives of the human rights groups identified the conflict between Fatah and Hamas as the greatest cause of human rights violations committed by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.40 There is general non- cooperation between the Palestinian parties as well as intra-partisan conflicts and rifts outside of Fatah-Hamas relations as well.41 Other parties in the PA include the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), the Palestinian People’s Party (PPP), the Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) and the Third Way. Though political pluralism is not inherently destructive, the internal conflicts within the PA are severe and are conducive to violence. It has been suggested that the primary unifier of Palestinian factions is shared opposition to Israel.42

The representatives of human rights organizations noted the heavy influence of the tribal and clan structure in the West Bank and Gaza in addition to divided loyalties to political and ideological factions.43 Palestinian society as a whole is very traditional, and Palestinians are not one singular group but have a range of devotions based on the villages and cities, geographic origins, families, tribal clans, and other communities to which they belong. Professor Dror Ze´evi, founder of the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, noted, "Hamas in Gaza and the PA in the West Bank will not take any action on public or political issues without informing or consulting the local tribes."44 The International Crisis Group (ICG), a non-profit organization led by Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour, also acknowledged the power of tribes and families, especially in the Gaza Strip where, on the one hand, there is tension between the different clans and on the other hand, each of them constitutes a threat to Hamas. This traditional culture is conducive to diffusing the national unity of the Palestinian society. According to ICG’s 2007 report, several strong families have established armed units to protect their

38 Interview with Dr. Mamdukh Al-Acr, Ha’aretz, Feb. 3, 2011. 39 Amnesty Report, supra note 34. 40 Interview with M., Interview with I., supra note 2; Interview with B., supra note 3. 41 Interview with C., Interview with H., and Interview with D., supra note 2. 42 Khaled Abu Thoameh, "Palestinians Busy Fighting each Other: Not Ready for Statehood,” Gatestone Institute, June 21, 2011, at http://www.stonegateinstitute.org/2214/palestinians- fighting-eachother-statehood, accessed Aug 8, 2012; Khaled Abu Thoameh, "Are the Palestinians Ready for Statehood?" Gatestone Institute, Mar. 22, 2011, at http://www.stonegateinstitute.org/1981/palestinians-ready-for-statehood, accessed Aug 8 2012. 43 Interview with S., Interview with G., supra note 2. Interview with B., supra note 3. 44 Dror Ze’evi, "Clans and Militias in Palestinian Politics,” 26 Brandeis University Crown Center for Middle East Studies: Middle East Brief (2008), at http://www.brandeis.edu/crown/publication/meb/MEB26a.pdf, accessed June 2012.

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HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

The degree of the observance of human rights by the Palestinian authorities should be examined according to the benchmark for human rights and freedoms set by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Below are the foremost current violations of basic human rights in the West Bank and Gaza by the Palestinian government authorities. Under customary international law, these governments are responsible for preventing such violations.

1. Arbitrary Imprisonment

Article 9 of the Declaration of Human Rights prohibits arbitrary imprisonment of any individual. The Amended Palestinian Basic Law upholds this protection of rights by guaranteeing personal liberty and prohibiting encroachment on any grounds or pretexts. The Law additionally stipulates that arrest, detention, or restriction of freedom is prohibited unless carried out under a court order in accordance with the provisions of the Law.

Arbitrary arrests and imprisonment routinely occur both in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.46 A Palestinian man from Jericho, West Bank, recounted to JIJ that the Palestinian Authority imprisoned members of Hamas on the day of PA elections as a means of suppressing political opposition. In 2011, the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) received a total of complaints of 755 arbitrary arrests in the West Bank and more than 250 in Gaza.47 Although most of the cases were and are connected to the conflict between Fatah and Hamas, many cases involved the political arrests of reporters, teachers, university professors, students, mosque imams and other persons who opposed the reigning government.

2. Torture and Degrading Treatment

Article 5 of the Declaration of Human Rights declares that no person shall be subjected to torture, or cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the US State Department along

45 "Inside Gaza: The Challenge of Clans and Families,” International Crisis Group, at http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/middle-east-north-africa/israel-palestine/071-inside-gaza- the-challenge-of-clans-and-families.aspx, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 46 Interview with I., Interview with G., Interview with S., Interview with M., supra note 2; Interview with B., supra note 3. Also, Amnesty Report, supra note 34; “World Report 2011,” Human Rights Watch (Hereinafter: "HRW Report"). 47 “The Status of Human Rights in Palestine, 17th Annual Report (2011),” The Independent Commission for Human Rights, at http://www.ichr.ps/en/2/6/753/ICHR-17th-Annual-Report-ICHR- 17th-Annual-Report.htm?d=2012, accessed Nov 1, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices with the representatives from human rights organizations report that torture and cruel punishment occur on a regular basis in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, often resulting in death.48 The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) received 112 complaints of torture against the security forces in the West Bank and 102 against the security forces in the Gaza Strip. The ICHR is barred from visiting detention centers in Gaza, and the governing authorities failed to respond to the ICHR’s request for investigation into deaths of five prisoners while they were held in detention, so the actual number of torture cases may be higher.49

During the course of the Fatah-Hamas conflict, there was an extensive use of torture by both parties.50 In the West Bank, increasing failure to investigate these events by the PA’s security authorities is allowing for a culture of leniency towards those who wrongfully employ torture. Meanwhile in Gaza, Hamas makes frequent use of torture and degrading treatment as punishment of crimes that are defined as morality crimes. Human Rights Watch describes the cases of torture as often involving beatings with sticks or electric cables, tying a detainee’s arms behind his back and suspending him off the ground so his shoulders become dislocated, forcing detainees to sit or stand in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods, and occasionally staging mock executions.51 In addition, authorities in the Gaza Strip regularly carry out executions without the approval of the PA´s President, as required by the Palestinian Basic Law.52

Figure 3: Deaths and Death Sentences Source: Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG)53

Deaths in Palestinian custody1 49 Death sentences for collaboration with Israel2 30 Death sentence for selling property to Israel3 1

1 As recorded by PHRMG, 1994 - 2009. 2 30% of total sentences issued and recorded by PHRMG. 3 Sentence not carried out, according to PA officials.

In one account of torture from April 2009, Internal Security officials in Gaza held Mohammed Baraka Abdel-Aziz Abu-Moailek incommunicado for more than 50 days after his arrest on suspicion of collaboration with Israel. Mr. Baraka Abdel-Aziz Abu-

48 Interview with I., Interview with G., Interview with S., Interview with M., supra note 2; Interview with B., supra note 3. Amnesty Report, supra note 34; US State Department Report, supra note 36; "West Bank: Reports of Torture in Palestinian Detention,” Human Rights Watch, Oct. 20, 2010, at http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/10/20/west-bank-reports-torture-palestinian-detention, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 49 Independent Commission for Human Rights, supra note 50. 50 Amnesty Report, supra note 34; HRW Report, supra note 51. 51 “Abusive System: Failures of Criminal Justice in Gaza,“ Human Rights Watch, http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/iopt1012ForUpload_0.pdf, accessed Nov 1, 2012. 52 Amnesty Report, supra note 34; HRW Report, supra note 48. 53 Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group, http://www.phrmg.org.

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Moailek stated he was tortured with electric shocks, beaten on the soles of his feet, burned with cigarettes, and threatened with death to force him to confess. He remained on trial and in detention indefinitely.54

In another account in September 2010, Ahmed Salhab, a 42-year-old mechanic from Hebron, was arrested and detained until October 16, first in Hebron and then in Jericho. On October 16, Preventive Security officials transferred him to a hospital in Hebron suffering from injury to previously torn spinal discs and severe mental distress resulting from torture in custody. Similarly, on September 16, 2010, a second man who wished to remain anonymous, was arrested and held first in the Preventive Security detention facility in Hebron and then in Jericho, where he was tortured for 10 days. Both were accused of having ties to Hamas.55

Human Rights Watch interviewed a lawyer in Gaza who was tortured in April 2011 after Hamas civil police and police detectives arrested him without a warrant. In the investigation room, Hamas forces cursed him and beat him, called him an unbeliever, tied him to a bed, and beat him on the feet with a rubber hose for an hour. Later, the lawyer was forced to put his legs in buckets of water, to move them as if he were riding a bicycle, and to drink bleach. When he received medical attention, the doctor hit him and threatened him. He told a prosecutor looking into the charges against him, “I have been beaten more than any donkey in Palestine.”56

The systematic use of torture and other abuse by Palestinian government authorities toward Palestinian detainees and prisoners violates international human rights and shows lack of regard for those human rights. Such tactics motivated civil Palestinian organizations to appeal to the European Union in September 2010 urging the EU to re-examine its relations with the PA in view of its treatment of the human rights of its residents.57

3. Freedom of Opinion and Expression

According to Article 19 of the Declaration of Human Rights, every person has the right to the freedom of opinion and expression, and according to Article 27, every person has the right to the freedom of the arts and the sciences. Yet the representatives of human rights organizations reported the Palestinian government authorities restrict the freedom of opinion and expression both in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.58

In both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, any person or organization expressing criticism of the existing government, even a human rights organization, is likely to receive threatening phone calls and in certain cases even be arrested and

54 Amnesty Report, supra note 34. 55 “West Bank: Reports of Torture in Palestinian Detention,” Human Rights Watch, supra note 51. 56 “Abusive System: Failures of Criminal Justice in Gaza,“ Human Rights Watch, supra note 54. 57 Abstract of 2010 Report, The Independent Commission for Human Rights, at http://ichr.ps/pdfs/exs2011.pdf, accessed June 2012. 60 Interview with S., Interview with M, supra note 2. Interview with B., supra note 3.

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Hidden Injustices interrogated.59 As one example, in September 2010, the Palestinian General Intelligence Service in Hebron in the West Bank summoned Lama Khater and tried to restrict her from expressing her opinion and her writings on the internet. Intelligence Service officials subsequently arrested her husband and questioned him about the writings of his wife and her relationship with the media. The officials asked him to influence her in order to cut back her writings against the PA, and then asked her to stop writing in return for his release.60 This restriction on public expression creates an atmosphere of suspicion in which many lose their jobs because of their political views or are required to keep their opinions private.61

Similar restrictions are imposed on the organization of peaceful demonstrations, press conferences, seminars and meetings of individuals and groups holding opposing or critical views of the government authorities. If individuals succeed in assembling, Palestinian Police Forces often scatter them, sometimes employing force against the peaceful demonstrators.62 On August 25, 2010, PA security officials in Ramallah forcibly dispersed a peaceful protest against the PA’s agreement to participate in new peace talks with Israel. Journalists, photographers and human rights monitors were among those assaulted.63 Another case in February 2011 involved the PA violently attacking peaceful demonstrators at a rally supporting the protests.64 These actions taken by the government stand in violation of Article 20 of the Human Rights Declaration, which ensures the freedom of association.

Conditions are worse in Gaza. Article 24 of the Hamas Charter prohibits defamation of individuals or groups and grants the organization the right to act against any "erroneous" standards.65 The Interior Ministry of the Hamas government imposed numerous restrictions on the right to freedom of opinion and expression. On November 10, 2010, the Internal Security Service of the Interior Ministry in Gaza Strip summoned Dr. Ibrahim Abrash—a Palestinian writer, political analyst, and a lecturer at Al‐Azhar University in Gaza City. Dr. Abrash was asked to sign a pledge that he would not criticize Hamas and refrain from doing anything to incite activities, whether in writing or statement. When he refused to sign the pledge, the government summoned him again four days later. This instance represents a broader pattern of intimidation tactics used by Hamas against critical journalists.66

59 Interview with M, Interview with S., supra note 2. Interview with B., supra note 3. 60 Independent Commission for Human Rights, supra note 50. 61 Interview with I., supra note 2; Interview with B., supra note 3. 62 Amnesty Report, supra note 34. 63 Id. 64 "Palestinian Authority: End Violence Against Egypt Demonstrators,” Human Rights Watch, Feb. 4, 2011, at http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/02/03/palestinian-authority-end-violence-against- egypt-demonstrators, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 65 Hamas Charter, supra note 29. 66 "No News is Good News, Abuses against Journalists by Palestinian Security Forces,” Human Rights Watch, April 2011, at http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/iopt0411webwcover.pdf, accessed June 2012.

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Several organizations have been forced to shut down because of their views. The South Society for Women’s Health, an NGO providing family planning advice to women in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, was forced to close for three weeks from May 31, 2010, by the Hamas authorities and then only allowed to reopen under Interior Ministry supervision. Two other women’s NGOs in Rafah were also closed May 31.67 The Sharek Youth Forum, an NGO funded by the UN Development Program and operating in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, was issued with a temporary closure notice in Gaza on November 30, 2010, following several months of harassment by the Hamas authorities. Its Gaza offices remained closed at the end of 2010.68 Finally, in May 2010, a summer camp for children operated by the UN in the Gaza Strip was attacked by a masked gunman who accused the UN of promoting immoral values.69

4. Freedom of the Press

Article 19 of the Declaration of Human Rights grants every individual the right to receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Extensive use of arrests, interrogations, violence and threats has been made against reporters and various journalists. TV stations and newspapers are often censored and closed by the authorities. In 2010, Reporters without Borders ranked the PA 150th out of 170 state in freedom of the press70 and, in 2011, Human Rights Watch reported a significant in violations of reporters’ rights by the Palestinian authorities.71

In one case in October 2010, the Palestinian General Intelligence Service in the West Bank town of Qalqilya detained blogger Walid al-Husayin on suspicion advocating atheism and criticizing Islam and other religions through comments posted on a blog. Al-Husayin remained held at the end of the year.72 In February 2010 in Gaza, Hamas officials arrested Paul Martin, a British journalist, after he tried to help a man accused of collaboration with Israel. Paul Martin was initially accused of spying for Israel but was released after 25 days in custody without charge.73

On May 6, 2010, the General Intelligence Service in Hebron detained Samir Anwar Rushdi Rashid, a Palestinian journalist from the city of Hebron who works as a correspondent for the Voice of Al‐Aqsa. According to the ICHR, the journalist was detained without being brought before any competent judicial authority regarding the background of his work as a journalist. On December 8, 2010, the General

67 Id. 68 Id. 69 "Gaza gunmen set fire to UN summer camp for children,” BBC News, June 28, 2010, at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10433004 70 "Freedom of Press Index of 2010,” Reporters without Borders, at http://en.esf.org/press- freedom-index-2010,1034.html, accessed June 2012. 71 Human Rights Watch Report, supra note 69. 72 Amnesty Report, supra note 34. 73 Id.

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Intelligence Service re‐arrested him and confiscated his computer, knowing that he was working for ‘Alam Radio affiliated with Hebron University.74

In a high profile case, the PA detained journalist Yusuf al-Shayeb on March 26, 2012, without charge following the publication of his article criticizing Palestinian government officials for corruption, spying, and nepotism. He was charged under Article 191 of the Jordanian Penal Code (which still operates in the West Bank and Gaza), which allows for imprisonment of up to two years for "slandering" of government officials. The PA detained al-Shayeb while they investigated his sources, which he refused to provide when interrogated. Regardless of whether or not the journalist’s statements were true, under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he cannot be detained for expressing them.75

Along with forms of intimidation and detention, infringement on freedom of the press sometimes comes in the form of assault. The Palestinian Center for Development and Freedom of the Press (MADA) reported that during the first half of 2011, there were 68 cases of assault on reporters by the Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.76

On March 29, 2010, members of the National Security Forces in Bethlehem prevented journalists from covering the demonstration called for by the national forces in the governorate in protest against Israeli occupation crimes. A number of journalists were attacked, beaten, insulted and cursed at by the security forces. Mohammad Abu Ghaniyeh, a Palestinian journalist and a photographer for Reuters, Iyad Hamad, a Palestinian journalist and a photographer for the Associated Press, and Loay Saban, a Palestinian journalist and a photographer for Ma’an News Agency, were all beaten with sticks and cursed by the security forces.77

After Palestinian voters elected Hamas into power, Hamas implemented absolute governmental control of the media by distributing Hamas-issued press cards throughout Gaza.78 Numerous journalists and media representatives have been assaulted by the Security Service elements of Hamas’s Ministry of the Interior while covering certain events. For example, Ahmad Mousa Ibrahim Abu Fayyad, a Palestinian journalist and correspondent for Al‐Jazeera Net, was beaten and insulted

74 ICHR Report, supra note 50, at 107. 75 “Palestinian Authority/Israel: Escalating Assault on Free Expression,” Human Rights Watch, Apr. 3, 2012, http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/04/03/palestinian-authorityisrael-escalating-assault- free-expression, accessed Aug 12, 2012. 76 "113 Attacks on the Freedom of the Press in the First Half of This Year in PT,” The Palestinian Center for Development and Freedom of the Press, July 18, 2011, Ramallah, at http://www.madacenter.org/report.php?lang=1&id=873&category_id=13&year=, accessed Aug 12, 2012. 77 ICHR Report, supra note 50, at 111. 78 "Hamas disbands Journalists Union amid continuing incidents,” Reporters Without Borders, Sep. 6, 2007, at http://en.rsf.org/palestinian-territories-hamas-disbands-journalists-union-06-09- 2007,23565.html, accessed Aug 12, 2012; "Hamas widens crackdown on journalists in Gaza,” Nov. 15, 2007, at http://www.b92.net/eng/news/world- article.php?yyyy=2007&mm=11&dd=15&nav_id=45429, accessed Aug 12, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices by members of the police during his reporting for the ceremony organized by Toyour al‐Janeh Band on August 4, 2010, in the sports city playground in Qizan al‐Najjar in Khan Younis.

When the media and public mechanisms of expressing opinion are restricted, the enjoyment of the basic human right of freedom of expression is replaced by the phenomenon of self-censorship due to fear of punishment. This restrictive climate also inhibits the work of human rights organizations in the area serving in the West Bank and Gaza as they strive to raise awareness within the international community of issues local to those territories.

5. Freedom of Religion and the Rights of Minorities

Article 18 of the Human Rights Declaration requires freedom of religion. The Palestinian Basic Law grants Islam the status of an official religion of the state and the principles of Sharia serve as the main source of legislation, although the Basic Law states that freedom of belief and worship are also guaranteed. However, some of the Sharia laws, called Hathimi, do not allow treating members of other religions as equals or with complete tolerance.79 These laws prohibit any non-Muslim from holding authority over a Muslim. Most of the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza (98%) are Sunni Muslims; however, there is also a population of around 52,000 Christians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, only a small fraction of who live in Gaza.80 Any state governed by Sharia is required by the principle of Thimi to protect members of monotheistic religions as long as they comply with the rules imposed on them such as prohibition of public worship and payment of special taxes. In its latest report on religious freedom in the West Bank and Gaza, the US State Department noted that the PA generally respects religious freedom in law and in practice.81

Hebrew University Professor of International Law Justus Weiner reports that the PA facilitates crimes against Christians in the West Bank, considered second-class citizens under Islamic law, by neglecting to take action against perpetrators.82 Christians hide the offenses made against them due to their fear of arbitrary arrest and torture, since it is highly probable that Christians will be suspected of cooperation with Israel.83

Restrictions on religious freedom are more severe in the Gaza Strip, where Christians “have tended toward political invisibility”84 under the Islamic Hamas government. Upon its inception, Hamas declared that one of the goals of overtaking the Gaza Strip was to put an end to secularism and heresy. Article 31 of the Hamas Charter

79 Interview with G., supra note 2. 80 International Religious Freedom Report for 2011, supra note 14. 81 US State Department Report, supra note 36. 82 Justus Weiner, “Human Rights of Christians in Palestinian Society,” Jerusalem Center of Public Affairs, 2005, at http://jcpa.org/christian-persecution.htm, accessed Aug 13, 2012. 83 Interview with G., supra note 2. 84 Jonathan Spyer, "Analysis: Cruelty and silence in Gaza,” The Jerusalem Post, Dec. 11, 2008, at http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=124148, accessed Aug 10, 2012.

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Shortly after Hamas gained control over the Gaza Strip, Hamas gunmen used rockets and hand grenades to blow through the doors of the Latin Church and the adjacent Rosary Sisters School in Gaza City.87 The Hamas forces burned all the Holy Scriptures they were able to find before setting both buildings on fire. In the same year, Hamas members set fire to a bookstore belonging to the Bible Society and later kidnapped the storeowner in the middle of the night. His body was found mutilated and dumped in a nearby field. Thus, Hamas’ use of power and threats became a reality for Gaza’s Christian population, and most of them have migrated from the Gaza Strip.

6. Women´s Rights

In its Preamble, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms equal rights for men and women. However, in the societies of the West Bank and Gaza, both formal and informal forms of discrimination against women exist. Honor killings, which are murders of females by members of their family or social community after the women have brought shame on the group, occur each year in the West Bank and Gaza. A community can be shamed for a number of reasons, such as the female dressing in a way considered inappropriate, engaging in sex outside marriage, or desiring to marry or divorce based on her own will. Though these killings are carried out privately by individuals and not by the government, the Palestinian law allows those who commit honor killings to evade justice by providing them with quasi- impunity.88 Women are also denied legal protection against domestic violence. Many women cannot defend themselves against sexual abuse by their relatives and, in order to make a complaint about sexual abuse, women must go to the police station escorted by a male relative.89

Women do not always have freedom to choose their spouse or decide how or when to marry.90 Islamic law makes it difficult for women to initiate divorce, though men can divorce women quite easily. Among other things, women must prove that they were beaten, which is exceptionally difficult because the testimony of a woman is worth half the testimony of a man.91 This directly contradicts Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which requires that couples have equal rights in marriage and in divorce. Furthermore, the Palestinian Inheritance Law is

85 Hamas Charter, supra note 29. 86 Spyer, supra note 87. 87 “Hamas: Call for Expanded Human Rights Jurisdiction,” Jerusalem Institute of Justice, 2010. 88 Interview with S., supra note 2. Interview with B., supra note 3; Interview with R., supra note 2. 89 Interview with S., supra note 2. 90 Interview with R., supra note 2. 91 Interview with S., supra note 2; Interview with R., supra note 2.

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Hidden Injustices not equal; women cannot inherit as much as men.92 Since the majority of the Palestinian population uses local and informal jurisdiction, a kind of village council whose members judge according to the rules of religion and cultural custom, men have superiority within these justice mechanisms.93

There are differences between the treatment of women in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, as women in the West Bank generally enjoy more freedoms than those living under Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian women in the West Bank generally enjoy more freedom than those living in other Arab countries as well. They do not need permission from a man to drive a car or to travel, unless they want to travel with their children.94 Moreover, five women are currently serving in the Palestinian government as ministers of culture, tourism, education, social affairs and women’s affairs.

Articles 17 and 18 of the Hamas Charter establish the role of Muslim women as mothers in charge of the household and the education of their children and their children’s preparation to fulfill the religious commandments and their role in war.95 Accordingly, Hamas has founded the "morality police" to patrol the Gaza Strip to ensure that women dress in accordance with the conservative Muslim code. There in Gaza, socializing in public with the opposite sex is forbidden, and premarital sex is punishable by imprisonment.96

7. The Rights of Children

Protecting children’s rights is a high priority of international human rights law. Though Palestinian Basic Law prohibits violence against children, the authorities often fail to take steps against cases of domestic violence, even when cases of severe abuse are reported. Palestinian law allows for marrying underage girls, and it is customary to employ minors to work in shops, sell goods, or work on family farms.97

Muslim parents with a disabled child may perceive the child’s disabilities as a form of divine punishment and thus a source of shame.98 These children are often isolated from society and, in many tragic cases, are sexually abused by their relatives or neighbors. The situation of disabled children in the West Bank and Gaza is rarely discussed, as statistics and data on this population are not readily available.

92 Interview with R., supra note 2. 93 Interview with S., supra note 2; Interview with B., supra note 3. 94 Interview with B., supra note 3. 95 Hamas Charter, supra note 29. 96 Diaa Hardid, "Hamas tries to detain woman walking with man,” Associated Press, July 8, 2009, at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31793001/print/1/displaymode/1098/, accessed Aug 8, 2012; Khaled Abu Toameh, "They accused me of laughing in public,” The Jerusalem Post, July 4, 2009, at http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=147555, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 97 Interview with B., supra note 3. 98 Sofie Hviid, "Disabled Children Face a Hard Life,” This Week in Palestine, Feb. 2011, at http://www.thisweekinpalestine.com/details.php?id=3327&ed=191&edid=191, accessed Aug 8, 2012.

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In the Gaza Strip, children are exposed to incitement, intolerance, and delegitimization of others, especially Israelis and Westerners. In April 2012, the PA TV children's program, The Best Home, featured a child reciting a poem promoting Pan-Arabism. The poem, by an Egyptian writer, included the following words: "Our enemy, Zion, is Satan with a tail."99 Hamas organizes "summer camps" for thousands of teenagers aged 13-18 years, which combine social activism with Islamic radicalism, political indoctrination and paramilitary training.100 These camps violate Article 26(2) of the Human Rights Declaration, which advocates education for peace, tolerance and friendship between all nations and groups.

Additionally, the fighting forces in Gaza often use children as informants, as part of their combat system, and as human shields, when necessary.101 The fighting forces send the children to the border with Israel to gather information about the movements of the Israeli army. Combatants choose to locate their center of activity at the vicinity of children’s educational institutions and escape into these institutions to avoid exposure and deter retaliation.

INTERNATIONAL FUNDING OF THE PA

Upon its creation under the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority faced a range of challenges, the most pressing ones concerning the Palestinian economy. Israeli closures, permits policies, and other complex restrictions on the movement of people and goods aggravated the economic situation that was already stifled by low public investment and the contraction of the regional economy.102 As these conditions threatened the stability and survival of the newly established PA, it became the responsibility of international communities to support it. International communities refocused and redirected funds to finance the PA’s continued budgetary shortfalls, housing programs, and emergency job creation measures.103 Even so, such funding proved ineffective and only created more tension between all parties. In 1996, the President of the World Bank stated: "The sense of urgency is clear. Peace will only be assured in that area if you can get jobs for those people."104

99 "Israel is 'Satan with a tail,' in poem recited by child on PA TV,” Palestinian Media Watch, Apr. 22, 2012, at http://www.palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=6776, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 100 "Children and Youth,” Palestinian Media Watch, at http://www.pmw.org.il/main.aspx?fi=339, accessed Aug 8, 2012; "Children as Combatants," Palestinian Media Watch, at http://www.pmw.org.il/main.aspx?fi=844, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 101 “Hamas Exploitation of Civilians as Human Shields,” Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC), Jan. 6, 2009, at http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism- +Obstacle+to+Peace/Terror+Groups/Hamas_Exploitation_Civilians_Human_Shields.htm, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 102 Aid Effectiveness in the West Bank and Gaza. Japan and the World Bank. 1999. 103"West Bank and Gaza: An Evaluation of Bank Assistance" (PDF). OECD. March 7, 2002. Retrieved 2008-10-29. 104 Ball, Nicole; Friedman, Jordana D.; Rossiter, Caleb S. (2000). "The Role of International Financial Institutions in Preventing and Resolving Conflict". In David Cortright. The Proce of Peace: Incentives and International Conflict Prevention. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 0-8476-8557-8.

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In 1997, Israel reduced their closure policy, which led to growth in employment and economic expansion in both the West Bank and Gaza.105 This Israeli action supported the goal of stability within the Palestinian Authority. However, during the violence of the Second Intifada, the Israeli government put back into place many closure policies as well as many restrictions. In the two years following the start of the Second Intifada and the reintroduction of Israeli restrictions, the GDP in the West Bank and Gaza shrunk 40%.106 After Hamas won the election in Gaza in 2006, most international donors halted assistance to the PA.107 The political rivalry between Hamas and the PA strained financial conditions. The World Bank estimated that in 2008 the PA would need $1.2 billion in recurrent budget support, in addition to $300 million in development aid.108 The Hamas-PA political rivalry and the growing economic problems in the West Bank and Gaza prompted the EU to propose a plan to send aid directly to the Palestinians. Accordingly, the EU set up a "temporary international mechanism" (TIM) to channel the money for an initial three-month period, which was later extended.109 In the beginning of 2008, the EU moved from the TIM mechanism to program known as PEGASE in which direct support is transferred to the PA's Central Treasury Account in addition to the support transferred through the TIM.110

Overall, foreign aid is the main driver of economic growth in the West Bank and Gaza,111 and the two major providers of foreign aid to the PA are the EU and the US. All foreign aid sent to the West Bank and Gaza generally falls into one of three categories: budgetary, emergency/humanitarian, and development. The three major institutional foreign aid providers are the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

105 Aid Effectiveness in the West Bank and Gaza, supra note 105. 106 Overview: Stagnation or Revival? Israeli Disengagement and Palestinian Economic Prospects" (PDF). World Bank. December 1, 2004. 107 Sayigh, Yezid (September 1 2007). "Inducing a Failed State in Palestine". Survival (Routledge) 49 (3): 7–39. doi:10.1080/00396330701564786. 108 "Palestinian Economic Prospects: Aid, Access and Reform" (PDF). World Bank. September 22, 2008. 109 "Powers Agree Palestinian Aid Plan". Middle East (BBC News). June 18, 2006., "Palestinians to Get Interim Aid". Middle East (BBC News). May 10, 2006. 110 "Implementing the Palestinian Reform and Development Agenda" (PDF). World Bank. May 2, 2008. 111 David Wainer "Palestinians Lure Banks With First Sukuk Bills: Islamic Finance," December 08, 2010, Bloomberg/Business Week.

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Figure 4: Total Official Humanitarian Aid to Palestinians, 2001-2010* (Stated amounts represent millions of $USD)

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*Amounts as reported by a non-profit watchdog organization compiling data from OECD Development Assistance Committee.112

Inefficient UNRWA Funding

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established on December 1949 by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) to carry out relief and works programs for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.113 In its own words, UNRWA's vision is for "every Palestinian refugee to enjoy the best possible standard of human development, including attaining his or her full potential individually and as a family and community member."114 Originally founded as a temporary organization, UNRWA continues to provide education, health, relief, and social services to all eligible Palestinian refugees. The refugee status is transferred across generations, and UNRWA is now providing services to Palestinians whose families, four generations ago, became refugees as a result of the 1948 war.115 Predating the PA government by over forty years, UNRWA has survived wars and periods of political turmoil in the West Bank and Gaza. The organization acts as a non-territorial government whose control over its services is independent of and parallel to services provided by the PA.

Within the United Nations, UNRWA and the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) together oversee all global refugee issues. While UNRWA is responsible for

112 Global Humanitarian Assistance, http://www.globalhumanitarianassistance.org/countryprofile/palestineopt, accessed Nov 5, 2012. 113 Jewish Virtual Library, “United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): History & Overview,” http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/UN/unrwa.html, accessed Nov 12, 2012. 114 U.N. GAOR, 64th Sess., U.N. Doc. A/64/13/Addl. (2009). 115 Nitza Nachmias, “Quo Vadis UNRWA?“

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Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, the UNHCR is responsible for all other refugees. Comparatively, the UNHCR has a staff of 7,400 to serve 36 million refugees, and UNRWA has a staff of 31,000 to serve 5 million refugees. The 2011 budget for the UNHCR was $3.3 billion, or around $92 per capita, and the 2011 budget for UNRWA was $1 billion, or around $200 per capita. Since 1949, UNRWA has not removed one refugee from refugee status except by death, while the UNHCR has helped 50 million refugees to be removed from refugee status over the same time period. UNRWA was created to relieve starvation and distress among Palestinian refugees, but only 10% of its funds are allocated directly to relief, the other 90% is allocated for development initiatives funding education, business loads, and healthcare.

Both the EU and US have laws governing foreign assistance and programs to facilitate transfer of the foreign aid to the PA. The following paragraphs describe the different EU and US regulations and laws as well as amounts of foreign aid. In a broader perspective, in the fifteen years following the Oslo Accords, the Palestinians received $4 billion in aid, which translates into $1,330 a year per person, four times the amount per person grant by the US’s Marshall Plan for the post-World War II reconstruction of Europe.116

EU Funding of the PA

The EU’s role as one of the largest donors to the Palestinian Authority dates back to the Oslo Accords. The guidelines for EU foreign aid to the PA are compiled primarily in the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which serves as the EU’s constitutional basis, as well as secondary legislation.117 The EU has launched many development programs in accordance with its foundational principles as laid out by the Lisbon Treaty: liberty, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. The EU has, to a large extent, espoused a policy of delivering untied aid for the last twenty-five years with the objective of increasing transparency and accountability. However, under EU law, foreign aid to third countries may be reduced or discontinued, wholly or partially, if such countries fail to respect international law, human rights, and the rule of law.118

The EU’s mandate in foreign aid, including the granting of humanitarian assistance, is based on the 2009 Lisbon Treaty and secondary legislation. Title III of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), as amended by the Lisbon Treaty, provides the legal framework for the EU’s development policy. In particular, Article 208 of the TFEU on Cooperation with Third Countries and Humanitarian Aid establishes the principles on which foreign aid policy must be conducted and the objectives to be

116 Clawson, Patrick, “The Palestinians’ Lost Marshall Plans,“ originally published by The Jerusalem Post, Aug 9, 2002, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-palestinians-lost- marshall-plans, accessed Nov 5, 2012. 117 Consolidated Version of the Treaty on European Union, Feb. 7, 1992, 2010 OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION [O.J.] (C 83) 13. 118 “Regulation of Foreign Aid in Selected Countries 2011/2012,“ The Law Library of Congress, Global Legal Research Center LL File No. 2011-006054, http://www.loc.gov/law/help/foreign_aid_2011-006054_FINAL_RPT.pdf, accessed Nov 5, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices achieved. It also delineates the capabilities of the EU and its Members and obliges them to fulfill their commitments and take into account the objectives endorsed within the UN framework and other international organizations. Specifically, Article 208 stipulates that the EU must exercise its development policy within the framework of the principles and objectives of its external actions; that “the Union’s development cooperation policy shall have as its primary objective the reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty;” and that the Union’s development policy and that of its Members “complement and reinforce each other.”119 The EU continues to endorse the European Consensus on Development (ECD) adopted in 2005.120 The ECD established the foundation for a common EU vision on development designed to deliver increased and more effective aid, and also led to the adoption of the EU Code of Conduct on Complementarity and Division of Labour in Development Policy in 2007.121 The EU Code of Conduct is designed to harmonize donor practices and increase cooperation and collaboration in joint co-financing programs with other donors.122

The EU launched the PEGASE (Programme d'Expérimentation d'une Gestion Automatisée et Sécurisée, French for Experimental Program of Automated Management and Security) mechanism as part of the three year Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP). PEGASE’s job is to ensure that EU funding aligns with the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan (PRDP) axes: governance, social development, economic and private sector development and public infrastructure development. PEGASE serves as the main instrument that allows the EU to channel money from its budget and from its member state's budgets into the PA's budget. This money is used to help pay salaries of public workers, give money to vulnerable families, support Gaza's power plant, as well as many infrastructure projects, judicial and financial reforms, and Palestinian security, health and education systems.123

Since the start of PEGASE, the EU has helped foster Palestinian trade by giving €432,000 to finance the Trade Corridors’ Facilitation, €2.5 million to modernize Palestinian customs procedures, and €14.5m to the European-Palestinian Credit Guarantee Fund which guarantees loans to small and medium enterprises through the Palestinian banking system. The EU has also given €10 million to support a number of agriculture-based initiatives such as land reclaiming projects to increase

119 Article 208 of the Lisbon Treaty, http://www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon-treaty/treaty- on-the-functioning-of-the-european-union-and-comments/part-5-external-action-by-the- union/title-3-cooperation-with-third-countries-and-humantarian-aid/chapter-1-development- cooperation/496-article-208.html, accessed Nov 5, 2012. 120 The European Consensus, 2006 O.J. (C 46) 1 121 European Union Code of Conduct on Complementarity and Division of Labour in Development Policy [EU Code of Conduct), http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2007:0072:FIN:EN:PDF, accessed Nov 3, 2012. 122Towards a Division of Labour in European Development Co-Operation: Operational Options,“ June 2007, http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/60/23/46859449.pdf, accessed Nov 3, 2012. 123 EU Assistance to the Palestinians, http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/eu_westbank/tech_financial_cooperation/index_en .htm, accessed Nov 3, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices levels of arable land and olive oil, projects that produce export-quality organic and fair trade Palestinian olive oil.124 Thirdly, the EU has given €1,026 million to UNRWA for its core programs in education, food assistance, health and relief and social service.125

In addition to assisting trade and agriculture, PEGASE has assisted in civil situations. Through PEGASE, the EU gives financial support to nearly 50,000 Palestinian families, over half of whom live in the Gaza Strip, in its Aid to Vulnerable Palestinian Families program. These families receive regular allowances through a cash support program and a network of banks. In 2008, the EU provided €33 million in aid through this program. Furthermore, the EU contributed €95.8 million to provide fuel for the Gaza power plant, €20 million to a World-Bank led multi-donor trust fund, the Emergency Services Support Project, to help Palestinian public services in education, health and the social sectors across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In 2008 alone, the EU allocated €551 million including €421 million of direct EU support and €130 million of support from EU member states. On a monthly scale, that is €21.25, representing more than 25% of the total wage bill of PA employees and 45% of the civilian bill.126

Through 2012, the EU has continued to give over €20 million a month specifically for salaries and pensions. For the year of 2012, the EU pledged €155 million to the Palestinian Authority and since the start of PEGASE, the EU has given over €1.3 billion in direct financial support programs.127

The EU’s values of liberty, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law inform its policies abroad. These values are shared among the twenty-seven member states of the EU who have collectively adopted the Lisbon Treaty and have endorsed the EDC to achieve these goals, forming a major pillar of the EU's development policy. In 2008, the EU adopted the PEGASE mechanism to help support the Palestinian Authority. Since then they have given over €1.3 billion in support, not including all donations from member states and other European NGO's to UNRWA.

US Funding of the PA

124 “Economic: Providing for Sustainable Economic Growth,“ EU Assistance to the Palestinians, http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/eu_westbank/tech_financial_cooperation/index_en .htm, accessed Nov 3, 2012. 125 “Refugees and UNRWA: Improving the Lives of Palestinian Refugees,“ EU Assistance to the Palestinians, http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/eu_westbank/tech_financial_cooperation/index_en .htm, accessed Nov 3, 2012. 126 “Direct Financial Support to the Palestinian Authority,” EU Assistance to the Palestinians, http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/eu_westbank/tech_financial_cooperation/index_en .htm, accessed Nov 3, 2012. 127 EU Assistance to the Palestinians, http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/press_corner/all_news/index_en.htm, accessed Nov 3, 2012.

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US legislation on foreign assistance exists to prevent the allocation of foreign aid to human rights abusers. One of the principal pieces of legislation is the Leahy Law, which prohibits the US from funding any foreign security unit for which there is credible evidence that the unit commits human rights abuses. The Leahy Law states:

None of the funds made available by this Act may be provided to any unit of the security forces of a foreign country if the Secretary of State has credible evidence that such unit has committed gross violations of human rights, unless the Secretary determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the government of such country is taking effective measures to bring the responsible members of the security forces unit to justice.128

The United States has passed legislation to restrict aid to a variety of governments that engage in human rights abuses. For example, under the Cuban Democracy Act, the United States Congress found that the Cuban government has "demonstrated consistent disregard for internationally accepted standards of human rights and for democratic values. It restricts the Cuban people’s exercise of freedom of speech, press, assembly, and other rights recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."129 Accordingly, the United States Congress voted to maintain sanctions on the Castro government so long as it continues "to refuse to move toward democratization and greater respect for human rights."130 These sanctions include prohibiting any direct financial assistance to the Cuban government.

In 2011, under the Trading with the Enemy Act (1917), President Obama chose to renew the embargo on Cuba, stating that the Cuban government "certainly ha[s] not been aggressive enough when it comes to liberating political prisoners and giving people the opportunity to speak their minds."131 Likewise, in 2010, the US State Department withheld $26 million in aid to Mexico for its failure to meet human rights standards in its military efforts against drug cartels.132

In regards to the PA, the United States’ annual appropriations legislation regularly contains a number of conditions, limitations, and restrictions on US aid. For example, the law prohibits any US assistance to a PA government that includes Hamas as a member unless all members agree to recognize Israel’s right to exist and accept previous Israel-Palestinian agreements.133 No aid is permitted for a future Palestinian state unless it: 1) demonstrates a firm commitment to peaceful

128 2001 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act (Sec. 563 of P.L. 106-429). 129 22 USC. § 69. 130 Id. 131 Uri Friedman, "Obama Quietly Renews US Embargo on Cuba,” The Atlantic, Sep. 13, 2011, at http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2011/09/obama-quietly-renews-us-embargo- cuba/42430/, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 132 Elisabeth Malkin and Randal C. Archibold, "US Withholds Millions in Mexico Antidrug Aid," The New York Times, Sep. 3, 2010, at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/04/world/americas/04mexico.html, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 133 Id. at 4.

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Hidden Injustices coexistence with Israel, 2) takes appropriate measures to counter terrorism and terror financing, and 3) works with other countries in the region to establish a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.134 Moreover, under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, the United States Congress prohibits funding in the West Bank and Gaza of any person who "engages in, or who has engaged in terrorist activity" or "for the purpose of recognizing or otherwise honoring individuals who commit, or have committed acts of terrorism."135

Figure 5: US Bilateral Assistance to Palestinian Authority, FY2005-FY2013136 (Stated amounts represent millions of $USD)

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*Amount stated for FY2013 is suggested but not yet appropriated.

The US continues to provide direct financial assistance to the PA and funds other Palestinian institutions through USAID. Since the establishment of Palestinian self- rule after the Oslo Accords, the US government has committed over $4 billion in bilateral assistance to the PA. Since 2008, the US assistance to the Palestinians has averaged over $600 million per year, including an average of $200 million per year in direct budgetary assistance, $100 million in security assistance to the PA, and $200 million per year through USAID. In 2011 alone, US bilateral assistance consisted of approximately $550 million.137

The total dollar amounts of annual aid from the US to the PA (see Figure 4) in large part represent direct funds issued to the PA through USAID. This direct assistance is intended to cover costs of government administration, education, health, economic development, and humanitarian assistance. The US also provides assistance through its International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) in order to train, reform, and provide non-lethal equipment for PA civil security forces; to restrain

134 Id. at 4-5. 135 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010, P.L. 111-117, Sec. 7039 (b). 136 Jim Zanotti, “US Foreign Aid to the Palestinians” (2011), Congressional Research Service, at http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/166792.pdf, accessed Aug 13, 2012. 137 Id.

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Hidden Injustices militants from Hamas and other organizations advocating violent jihad; and to institute rule of law for a future Palestinian state.138

US Congress conditions the PA’s receipt of the funds on its commitment to peaceful coexistence with Israel and restriction of terror related activities. However, there is inadequate accountability and oversight of the PA's use of the funds and, meanwhile, the PA is not required to abide by international human rights norms prior to receiving the funds. Human rights organizations operating in the West Bank and Gaza have urged the international community to condition funding to the PA on human rights reforms. In February 2011, following a violent attack by the PA security forces on peaceful demonstrators at a pro-Egypt rally in Ramallah, the Human Rights Watch stated: "The US and EU should suspend aid to Palestinian Authority forces unless the Palestinian authorities take appropriate measures to end such abuses and allow Palestinians to enjoy their rights to freedom of assembly and expression." The speaker, Sarah Leah Whitson, head of Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa division, added that instigators of the violence should be prosecuted. "The PA should take action against the responsible police officers or the US and EU should find another use for their taxpayers’ money."139

The PA's Funding of Terrorism

In contradiction with the stated values and regulations on foreign aid held by the EU and the US, evidence suggests the PA funds terror-related activities out of foreign aid. Under a newly enacted Palestinian law, for example, the PA allocates monthly salaries to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel for terror-related offenses. The salary goes directly to the prisoner or the prisoner’s family from the day of arrest. Currently, families of more than 5,500 Palestinian prisoners are receiving aid totaling over $5,207,000 per month. This program is entirely subsidized by foreign aid.140

In addition, PA officials regularly commemorate terrorists. In March 2011, the PA Minister of Prisoner Affairs visited the family of terrorist Abbas Al-Sayid, who planned a suicide attack in 2002 that killed 30 Israelis. The family was given an honorary plaque.141 In honor of Mother's Day in March 2011, PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad honored three Palestinian women who were directly involved in terrorist bombings in Israel.142 In April 2011, the PA Minister of Prisoner Affairs

138 Id. 139 "Palestinian Authority: End Violence Against Egypt Demonstrators,” Human Rights Watch, Feb. 4, 2011, at http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/02/03/palestinian-authority-end-violence-against- egypt-demonstrators, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 140 Palestinian Media Watch, PMW SPECIAL REPORT, JULY 26, 2011, at http://palwatch.org/STORAGE/special%20reports/Funding%20terrorists%20with%20US%20mone y.pdf, accessed June 2012 (hereinafter, "PMW Report"). 141 "A Palestinian 'gift' for Passover- Official Palestinian promotion of terrorism,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Apr. 8, 2011, at http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism- +Obstacle+to+Peace/Palestinian_incitement/Palestinian_gift_for_Passover_8-Apr-2011.htm, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 142 PMW Report, supra note 140, at ¶11.

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Hidden Injustices unveiled a "Tree of Freedom for Prisoners" in Bethlehem during a ceremony honoring 73 terrorists serving life sentences in Israeli prisons.143

PA Prime Minster Fayyad sponsored a children's summer camp in 2011 in which the children were divided into three groups named after three renowned terrorists: Dalal Mughrabi, who led the most lethal attack in Israel's history, , who headed the Black September terror group, and Abu Ali Mustafi, the General Secretary of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.144 In each of these cases, the general budget support granted to the PA by the US enabled this celebration of terrorists or individuals involved in terror-related activities.

Celebration of Terrorism in the PA Media

Through its official media, the PA encourages an understanding of terrorism as heroism by commemorating anniversaries of terrorist attacks, those that assist them, and the terrorists themselves. For example, on the anniversary of the Fatah movement in January 11, the official PA TV celebrated terrorist Dalal Mughrabi who was involved in the 1978 that killed 38 Israeli civilians, including 13 children.145

In March 2011, PA TV honored Ahlam Tamimi, the woman who drove the suicide bomber to the Sbarro pizza in Jerusalem in which 15 people were murdered in 2001. The PA TV included footage of a certificate Fatah awarded to Tamimi. The certificated read, "To the heroic prisoner, Ahlam Tamimi, as a token of esteem for your sacrifices and your acts of heroism..."146

In April 2011, the official PA daily referred to four terrorists involved in murdering 117 Israelis as "heroic."147 Then in May 2011, PA TV honored terrorist Fahimi Mashahr, an accomplice to a suicide bombing in Jerusalem that killed 19 Israelis. The PA television host told Mashahr's daughter that her father was "heroic."148

The use of US funds by PA officials and the PA media to celebrate acts of terrorism against Israel both stands in violation of US laws governing foreign aid and reduces the funds available for the PA to "reduce poverty, improve health and education, create jobs and advance democracy." In pursuit of these goals of USAID, the United States should take action to ensure all USAID funds are appropriately invested in building up Palestinian society in accordance.

143 "PA unveils 'Tree of Freedom' decorated with pictures of terrorists serving life sentences," Palestinian Media Watch, May 19, 2011 at http://palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=5035, accessed Aug 8, 2012. 144 PMW Report, supra note 140, at ¶10. 145 Id. at ¶17. 146 Id. at ¶ 18. 147 Id. at ¶ 16. 148 Id. at ¶ 19.

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Financial Corruption within the PA

Charges of financial corruption within the PA are frequent and involve a prodigious amount of money. After the PA ousted him in 2011, former Fatah leader Mohammad Dahlan accused Mazen of financial corruption and poor character, observing that the situation in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza has enabled Mazen “to practice dictatorship against the Palestinian people, silence people and deny them their salaries.”149 Dahlan claimed he was forced out of the PA because he inquired into the disappearance of $1.3 billion from the Palestinian Investment Fund—an independent investment company established in 2000 to “maximiz[e] the assets’ value for its shareholders: the Palestinian people” that, since the death of Arafat, Mazen personally oversees. Dahlan says the amount of money held in the fund shrunk from $2 billion to $700 million for unknown reasons.150

Concerned about millions in foreign aid going to waste, the international community asked Salam Fayyad, at that time an economist, to supervise spending in the PA. For years, little action was taken to investigate cases where embezzlement of public funds was suspected. Mazen recently established the Anti-Corruption Commission along with a special court to investigate cases of corruption and embezzlement within the PA. In 2011, two PA Ministers faced accusations of corruption: Economy Minister Hassan Abu Libdeh and Agriculture Minister Ismail Daiq. On April 30, 2012, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed charges of fraud, embezzlement and money laundering against Arafat's former economic advisor, Mohammed Rashid. Head of the Commission Rafik Natche said Rashid is suspected of taking millions of dollars out of the Palestinian Investment Fund and the PLO’s treasury, as well as setting up fake companies in his name and in the names of relatives. "The money and the companies disappeared," Natche stated.151

Osama Mansour, the PA official in charge of tracking Palestinian land sales to Israelis, recently faced accusations that he was stealing money the PA entrusted to him to catch Palestinians selling land to Israelis and to buy the land back when possible. Mansour fell from a window to his death in July 2012 while in Palestinian custody. The PA claimed he committed suicide, but Mansour’s family suspects he was killed.

Funding of Propagandist Education

Epidemiological research shows a correlation between hate language—language “used to dehumanize, demonize, stigmatize, delegitimize, or slander groups defined by their national, ethnic, religious, racial or political identity”—and acts of violence. When prejudice, bigotry, revulsion and hatred are accepted, individuals immersed in

149 Khaled Abu Toameh, “Abbas ‘Feels He’s Above the Law,’ Charges Dahlan,” The Jerusalem Post, July 31, 2011, at http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=231686, accessed Aug. 13, 2012. 150 Id. 151 "Arafat's moneyman targeted in highest-profile Palestinian corruption probe," Associated Press, May 17, 2012, at http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/05/17/214664.html, accessed Aug 13, 2012.

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Hidden Injustices them become predisposed to violence and bystanders to violent behaviors are desensitized and therefore do not protest against such behaviors.152 Journalist David Bedein discovered in a recent investigation that Palestinian school textbooks continue to praise the use of terrorist violence against Jews and to deny the existence of the State of Israel. Eldad Pardo, board member of the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-SE) and head of the organization’s Palestinian textbook research group, asserted that, within Palestinian textbooks, "there is generally a total denial of the existence of Israel – and if there is an Israeli presence it is usually extremely negative."153 In geography textbooks, Israel usually does not appear in maps of the Middle East, instead "Palestine" is shown to encompass Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Jaffa is also shown on maps of “Palestine,” but Tel Aviv and other predominantly Jewish cities, such as Ramat Gan, are not displayed.154

IMPACT-SE also found that Palestinian textbooks include many references to martyrdom, death, jihad and refugees returning to cities and towns in Israel – and frequently demonize Israelis and Jews. Other textbooks teach students "the rank of shahid (martyr) stands above all ranks," and included a Muslim hadith about the destruction of Jews by Muslims on the day of the resurrection, which also appears in the Hamas charter.155 This reflects a larger pattern permeating Palestinian culture that reveals itself on television, in banners posted in streets, in newspapers, and in colleges and universities.

The Jerusalem Center for Genocide Prevention states, “People are not born to hate, and a culture of death is not natural to life.”156 Education can either embrace positive core values of life and dignity of the other, or it can reinforce negative depictions of the other. According to Bedein, the Palestinian textbooks containing and schools where they are used have been largely financed by USAID. While USAID stated that these funds have been used to "reduce poverty, improve health and education, create jobs and advance democracy," a USAID official admitted to Bedein that the agency does not inspect the PA school curriculum to ensure that it complies with the terms of the US-backed peace process.157

152 “Can we prevent genocide by preventing incitement?“ Jerusalem Center for Genocide Prevention (JCGP), http://www.genocidewatch.org/images/Articles_Can_we_prevent_genocide_by_preventing_incit ement.pdf, accessed Nov 5, 2012. 153 Joshua Hamerman, "Israel absent or only negative presence in PA textbooks," The Jerusalem Post, Apr. 13, 2011, at http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?ID=216374&R=R1&utm_source=twitter feed&utm_medium=twitter, accessed Aug 13, 2012. 154 Id. 155 Id. 156 JCGP, supra note 152. 157 Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu, “Expose: USAID Funds PA Schools for Incitement,” Arutz 7, November 11, 2009 at http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/134354, accessed Aug 8, 2012.

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Potential Links between Funding and Terrorism

There is a strong need for assurance that foreign funds are not used to support terrorist activity. In 2007, USAID was audited following allegations that USAID funds were indirectly supporting terrorist activity. In the audit, USAID admitted that it could not "reasonably ensure" that its funding was not ending up in terrorist hands. USAID later implemented a specialized vetting process and audits to ensure that funds are not diverted to Hamas or other terrorist organizations.158

UNRWA operates in areas with high levels of terrorist activity. The US has demanded that UNRWA ensure no funds are used to support refugees involved in military training or involved in any acts of terrorism, and UNRWA has responded by citing its limited access to information as a prohibitive obstacle to its ability to providing such assurance. UNRWA employs thirty-one thousand Palestinians, yet the organization cannot determine how many of these employees are members of terrorist organizations. It has been observed that UNRWA makes no attempt to deny employment to supporters of radical movements.159

CONCLUSION

Establishing a political context where human rights are protected is a long-term process that governments must continuously envisage and move towards. Within such a context, human life—including life of people who differ in terms of religion, ethnicity, and politics—is celebrated, government officials are accountable to those they serve, and justice mechanisms are strong.

This report has highlighted several human rights violations regularly committed by the Palestinian government authorities: arbitrary detention, torture and cruel punishment, violation of freedom of expression and the freedoms of the press, violation of freedom of religion and minority rights, and the violation of the rights of women and children. Given the strong financial ties of the European Union and the US to the PA and their responsibilities to uphold and affirm the human rights of each individual regardless of where they reside, the European Union and the US should leverage their relationships to the PA to exhort it to demonstrate and strengthen its commitment to international human rights standards as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

While continued funding to the PA is vital to sustain its existence and maintain security in the West Bank, the European Union and the US should make the continued funding of the Palestinian government contingent upon the PA’s commitment to instituting the reforms that would create better human rights conditions. Considering the large sum of foreign aid to the Palestinian Authority and speculation of gross corruption within the PA’s finances due to lack of accountability, the European Union, the US, and other foreign aid providers should recognize the

158 Zanotti, supra note 136. 159 Nachmias, supra note 42.

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Hidden Injustices need for and take steps to encourage stronger transparency and a stronger system of controls within the PA. Continued funding of the Palestinian government should be contingent upon demonstrated commitment to human rights reforms and real reform.

Jerusalem Institute of Justice urges the international community and human rights organizations to work together to call for the following specific reforms:

 The PA’s adoption of the core value of life and respect for life as the most important human right: “live and let live.”  The PA’s prevention of hate language and incitement, especially when it is directed at vulnerable populations such as youth.  Disclosure by international human rights organizations working in the West Bank and Gaza of known violations by Palestinian government authorities.  Tighter mechanisms of public disclosure of money transfers among PA funds and stronger controls within the PA’s financial structure in order to promote an atmosphere of internal accountability and to discourage corruption.  Ensuring due process including swift, unbiased and fair investigations, indictments, and trials.  Strengthening of the independence of the judicial authority, especially from security agencies.  PA inspection into prisons and detention centers to ensure the holding of detainees is in compliance with the legal framework and that detainees receive due process of law.  Increased internal monitoring over detention centers and investigation of incidences of torture and inhumane treatment.  Accountability of the PA security agencies to cease the practice of torture and inhumane treatment in detention centers and prisons and follow through with accountability measures for violators of such orders.  Discontinuation of trying journalists before military courts.  Investigation and justice in cases of honor killings.  Cessation of the PA’s celebration and commemoration of terrorists and terrorism.  Removal of content within textbooks that hinders positive perceptions of the “other” based on core values of life and human dignity.  Greater disclosure of allocation and use of USAID and UNRWA program funding to reduce the chance that the funds will be used to support terrorist activities.

The PA is heavily reliant upon foreign aid from around the world and thus is in a position to listen to the international community, especially as it seeks to further

Jerusalem Institute of Justice 39 November 2012

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Hidden Injustices establish a presence in global venues such as the UN. The PA currently aspires to acquire a higher level of autonomy and governance over people living in geographic areas, which are currently stewarded by the government of Israel. Should the PA obtain an increased level of self-government before civil reforms are implemented and human rights abuses are reduced, JIJ believes the quality of life of the Palestinian people will be negatively affected and therefore views such reforms as an immediate concern for the international community. The international community should not endorse, much less actively advance, any solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict that does not place the human rights of all peoples in this region as a top priority and consideration.

Engaging the PA in dialogue on sustainable measures of human rights reform will also draw the facts into the public’s eye to deepen global understanding of issues inherent to the conflict. An awareness of this key dimension of the conflict in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza is needed in the public square, and all parties involved should follow up knowledge of the situation with firm action in order to encourage change in the West Bank and Gaza. This will serve to further the cause of universal human rights in our day.

Jerusalem Institute of Justice 40 November 2012

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: John Lamb Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 6:17 PM To: Council Cc: Subject: Boulder Sister Cities Initiative in Palestine AND Israel: Solidarity NOT Sides Attachments: Boulder's Sister Cities.doc

Dear Boulder City Council,

I have been a city and county resident of Boulder since 1977 and if one word can capture the ethos of Boulder for me it would be: solidarity. Boulder has a state and national reputation for being FOR rather than AGAINST people and opinions of all stripes. Let’s not start now in contributing to the rhetoric and lesser desired goals of promoting one idea, political ideology, or position at the expense of those who are suffering. Let’s continue to be FOR both Palestine AND Israel in the current Boulder Sister City initiative through aligning with a city in Palestine AND in Israel. It is beneath the City of Boulder to discriminate against anyone with a different political opinion, socio-economic, color, sexual orientation, or religious point of view. Everyone has their preferences but wisdom allows for diversity at the expense of one’s own personal bias. This is what it truly means to be Boulder. Boulder is one of the most deeply spiritual cities in the world. The statement below captures for me the essence of solidarity in describing a highway through Palestine and Israel uniting them rather than dividing them. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin in Boulder!

On that Day, there will be a highway all the way from Egypt to Assyria: Assyrians will have free range in Egypt and Egyptians in Assyria. No longer rivals, they’ll worship together, Egyptians and Assyrians!

On that Day, Israel will take its place alongside Egypt and Assyria, sharing the blessing from the center. GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, who blessed Israel, will generously bless them all: “Blessed be Egypt, my people! . . . Blessed be Assyria, work of my hands! . . . Blessed be Israel, my heritage!”

Isaiah 19:23-25 The Message

Sincerely yours,

John Lamb Louisville, CO

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 12:14 PM To: Subject: FW: Boulder Sister Cities Initiative in Palestine AND Israel: Solidarity NOT Sides

From: John Lamb Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 12:06 PM To: CouncilAdmin Subject: Re: Boulder Sister Cities Initiative in Palestine AND Israel: Solidarity NOT Sides

Dear Boulder City Council, I wrote a letter on May 7 regarding the Sister City Initiative expressing a view that I would NOT be for the initiative with Nablus at the expense of being AGAINST a city in Israel. I understand that my letter was interpreted by the City Council as being FOR the Neblus initiative. I

John Lamb City

On Wed, May 8, 2013 at 9:23 AM, wrote:

Thank you for contacting the City Council regarding the application submitted by a community-based group seeking establishment of a Sister City relationship between the City of Boulder and Nablus. Each member of the City Council receives all emails submitted through the Council correspondence system.

Through Resolution No. 631, a policy was established through which Sister City affiliations with the City of Boulder are processed and determined. The resolution can be accessed through the Sister City Program page on Boulder¿s website at the following link: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=440&Itemid=2584.

Highlights of the process outlined in the resolution include the following:

O While applications are reviewed through specific criteria outlined in the resolution, applications are not automatically approved. Sister city recognition must be approved by the City Council.

O Once the application has been reviewed by the Council¿s Sister City subcommittee, a hearing, which allows members of the public to speak to the application, will be scheduled.

The City Council Agenda Committee is in the process of determining dates when a hearing can be held and action taken. Once determined, information on the dates and process will be posted on the city¿s website and distributed to local news outlets. You are encouraged to monitor the city¿s website and local news outlets for 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public additional information.

Again, thank you for your comments to the City Council on this matter.

*Please be advised that all correspondence to City Council is considered public record.*

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Judith Lavinsky Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 6:36 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Initiative

We oppose the Nablus Sister City Initiative for many reasons, some of which have already been publicly expressed by others. Above all, we see this proposal as little more than an attempt, directly or indirectly, by one group (Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice) to manipulate the City into endorsing--and thereby in effect promoting--that group's well-known anti-Israel agenda.

The City must never allow itself to be used in such a cynical fashion.

Michael and Judith Lavinsky Boulder residents

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Richard Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 6:43 PM To: Council Cc: 'jowiedemann' Subject: Sister City

Dear Council People:

Of all the potential cities on Earth to declare sisterhood with, the proposed selection of Nablus is bizarre. You’re contemplating aligning with a town filled with hating, violent people, who have absolutely nothing in common with Boulder. I question the selection and the motivation of whoever is responsible for this reprehensible idea and urge you to reject it.

Richard A. Lefcourt Boulder Former Resident

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Gwindolyn Lehman Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 8:28 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus-Boulder Sister City

Hi Dear Ones, As we know sisters don't always agree on all things, but because of sisters we can grow and blossom into our full becoming. Let us join with our sister Nablus and grow together.

with light shining forth, gwindolyn from my iPhone

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Judith Lemberger Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 9:18 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city proposal

Dear Council Members, I am writing to urge you to vote "NO" on the proposal to add Nablus to our roster of sister cities. In my opinion, such an affiliation will reflect badly on our city and will foster an acrimonious climate here. Please focus your efforts on the local issues that concern fellow citizens every day. Thank you for all you are doing. Judith Lemberger, Ph.D

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Levin, Scott To: Council Subject: Boulder/Nablus Sister City Proposal Date: Monday, April 29, 2013 9:36:47 AM Attachments: image005.png image006.png image007.png image008.png image009.png image010.png image011.png ADL Position on Nablus Sister City Project 042413.docx

To Council Members: Suzy Ageton Matt Appelbaum KC Becker Macon Cowles Suzanne Jones George Karakehian Lisa Morzel Tim Plass Ken Wilson

Dear Council Members:

I write to express the Anti-Defamation League’s opposition to the Nablus Sister City proposal at this time, because the proposal is divisive and politically motivated. Please refer to the attached statement for more details.

As you may know, the Anti-Defamation League is a 100-year old civil rights and human relations agency, with a regional office in Colorado. ADL is a strong supporter of a two-state solution in the Middle East, where we fervently hope that we will soon see two peaceful nations, flourishing side by side. Once that occurs, Boulder should welcome a sister city relationship with cities like Nablus. Instead, the divisive proposal before you asks Boulder to take sides in a complex, ongoing international dispute. We urge you to reject it.

Scott L. Levin|Regional Director

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Find ADL National on:

This e-mail message may contain privileged, confidential and/or proprietary information intended only for the person(s) named. If you are not the intended recipient, please destroy this message, and any attachments, and notify the sender by return e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient(s), or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, disclosure or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact ADL immediately by telephone at 303-830-7177. Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:05 PM To: Council Subject: I oppose Boulder naming Nablus as its sister city

I oppose Boulder wanting to be a sister city with Nablus since they engage in and support terrorism. Please see the following points

1. Nablus has a history of being an organizational center for terrorist attacks. The terrorist leadership is well known to most all and continues to operate with the consent and approval of the Nablus governmental powers and the population.

2. There is a culture of Jewish hatred that is open, widespread and accepted. It is racism, pure and simple. For example: an exhibit was set up at the government controlled university in Nablus after the bombing in Israel of the Sbarro pizza restaurant during the second intifada. In one room there was a graphic diorama complete with blood splattered walls and various detached body parts of the Jewish victims. Another room showed a Palestinian behind a rock placed in front of a mannequin of an ultra-Orthodox Jew, with a taped recording broadcast on the loudspeakers saying "O believer, there is a Jewish man behind me. Come and kill him. "The exhibit was enormously popular, with Nablus residents and others waiting for hours in line to enter.

3. This culture of violence against Jews is as alive as ever and is symbolized by the numerous signs, memorials and posters around Nablus paying tribute to the perpetrators of various murders and bombings of Jews. The Boulder City Council could and should take constructive action by requiring the government of Nablus to remove these tributes - many of which have been set up or approved by the government - as a PRE-CONDITION to further consideration of the alliance of the two cities. Boulders’ ability to push for anti- racist change will never be greater than this moment. If Boulder gives its' approval to “sisterhood” now, it will have lost most of its' leverage. Thanks you Judith Levitsky

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sari Levy Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 10:48 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus/Opposition letter

Dear Members of the City Council,

I am in total agreement with the sentiments expressed in each of the two letters below. I strongly oppose the Nablus sister city proposal. I would add that I have lived in Israel, visited the Palestinian territories, support a peace process and a two state solution. I don't believe that the Nablus proposal is a constructive step toward peace -- and is more polarizing than it is constructive.

(Letter 1)

Dear Members of Boulder City Council,

I have been a rabbi in this community since 2004 and, in that time, have greatly valued the various dialogues I have had the opportunity to be part of with colleagues in different faith traditions, as well as with citizens of different cultural, religious and political perspectives from my own. I have also spent a great deal of time in Israel, including visits to the West Bank on a program called "Encounter," in which I engaged with Muslim and Christian Palestinians and listened to their narratives. In my years living in Israel, I was connected to many activists there working for peace and reconciliation and know that so many Israelis want to live peacefully side by side with their neighbors and believe in a two state solution, as I do.

I have read through much of the materials of the proposed Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project and met some of the organizers and, after much soul searching and consideration, I have really decided that I must express my opposition to the project, as I believe that it will create more polarization in our city than togetherness. It just does not seem like the project is about promoting peace, and all the materials I have read are only interested in an absolutely one- sided narrative of a deeply complex and painful situation between these two peoples. It also must be pointed out that while Nablus for sure has many peaceful citizens, it has also been a center of radical elements over the years that cannot be condoned by our beautiful city.

If there was ever the possibility of a tri-city project with an Israeli and a Palestinian city partnering with Boulder, I would be strongly in support of such a collaboration, but as a leader

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public of the Jewish community, I am writing to oppose the proposal and join the other voices in our community that have also expressed opposition.

Thank you very much.

Yours sincerely,

Rabbi Marc SolowayDear Members of Boulder City Council,

I have been a rabbi in this community since 2004 and, in that time, have greatly valued the various dialogues I have had the opportunity to be part of with colleagues in different faith traditions, as well as with citizens of different cultural, religious and political perspectives from my own. I have also spent a great deal of time in Israel, including visits to the West Bank on a program called "Encounter," in which I engaged with Muslim and Christian Palestinians and listened to their narratives. In my years living in Israel, I was connected to many activists there working for peace and reconciliation and know that so many Israelis want to live peacefully side by side with their neighbors and believe in a two state solution, as I do.

I have read through much of the materials of the proposed Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project and met some of the organizers and, after much soul searching and consideration, I have really decided that I must express my opposition to the project, as I believe that it will create more polarization in our city than togetherness. It just does not seem like the project is about promoting peace, and all the materials I have read are only interested in an absolutely one- sided narrative of a deeply complex and painful situation between these two peoples. It also must be pointed out that while Nablus for sure has many peaceful citizens, it has also been a center of radical elements over the years that cannot be condoned by our beautiful city.

If there was ever the possibility of a tri-city project with an Israeli and a Palestinian city partnering with Boulder, I would be strongly in support of such a collaboration, but as a leader of the Jewish community, I am writing to oppose the proposal and join the other voices in our community that have also expressed opposition.

Thank you very much.

Yours sincerely,

Rabbi Marc Soloway

(Letter 2)

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public We are writing this letter in opposition to the proposal for Boulder to adopt Nablus as a Sister City.

The undersigned residents have lived in Boulder for many, many years. Each of us has been involved in people-to-people projects that promote values that we are proud to share with so many Boulder residents. We have helped refugees resettle, collected food, blankets and clothing for the homeless, volunteered with Community Table and Meals on Wheels, been a companion to elderly residents, participated in projects and dialogues of Restoring the Soul, an interfaith social action group, and worked to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance. One of our synagogues provides shelter to the homeless as an overflow site.

Yes, we care about Israel, but we care about peace, too. One of us has relatives who live in Jerusalem in an integrated neighborhood and have sent their children to bilingual schools--the classrooms each have one Jewish and one Arab teacher. One cousin works for a foundation that builds community centers in Arab communities and health clinics in which Palestinian and Israeli doctors work side by side. These peace-promoting projects are on-going but do not get much publicity in our media.

We have been active in similar activities within the Jewish community in Boulder. We have participated in Israeli-Palestinian dialogues, attended local fundraisers for Rabbis for Human Rights which carries out projects such as helping Palestinians rebuild their homes, attended presentations regarding the Encounter program in which several Boulder travelers to Israel have spent the night with a family on the West Bank. Our rabbis are very open to dialogue with Palestinian activists.

There are other on-going efforts in Boulder that focus on bringing peace to Israel and the Palestinian territories. C.U. Hillel students hosted a dinner with Muslim students and we have hosted a dinner for Palestinian journalists visiting C.U., providing an opportunity for Palestinians and Jews to be involved in good, open dialogue.

Boulder bicyclists have participated for three years in fundraising rides for the benefit of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, which is an environmental education and research program in the Middle East whose student body is comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world.

3 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

These are all great programs designed to bring about peace. Many of them are on-going in nature. There has been no request or need for the City Council to endorse or sanction these programs.

We oppose the Nablus Sister City proposal because those who initiated this proposal are supportive of only one side’s narrative in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A report on the Nablus Sister City website stated that the group is apolitical but immediately follows that statement with the following very political phrase: “we also need to promote the understanding that the sister-ship is a powerful expression of solidarity with the people and city under occupation.”

The blogs of Guy Benintendi, the founder and coordinator of the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project, has equated Palestinian suicide bombers to Jewish fighters against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and has contended that Israel’s security tactics against Palestinian terrorists are no different than HAMAS’ agenda of violence against Israelis and Jews. This rhetoric that is behind the Sister City proposal is very much a political attack on Israel and demonizes the Israelis.

We also oppose this Sister City proposal because it would inappropriately link Boulder to human rights violations in Nablus and the West Bank. Boulder’s Sister City Resolution No. 631 states that any sister city agreement must contain a statement of a basic commitment of respect for human rights.

“Honor killings” of daughters and sisters for allegedly violating the Islamist norms on sexual behavior including premarital sex, continues to be a practice in and around Nablus. At least 12 women were reported to have been killed in 2012. An April 15, 2013, article posted on the website of Ma’an News Agency, a “main source of independent news in Palestine” states that President Mahmoud Abbas has no plans to amend laws that reduce sentences for suspects who claim an “honor” defense for murdering women.

Nablus has the reputation of being a hotbed of Palestinian militancy. As recently as April 17, 2013, the Jerusalem Post on-line edition reported that a senior Hamas terrorist was arrested in

4 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Nablus. Ziyad Marish was part of a cell involved in a shooting attack on a bus station near Ariel two months ago where an IDF soldier and an Israel civilian were wounded.

Boulder Resolution No. 631 emphasizes “exchanges of diverse cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs.” We do not believe that a Sister City relationship should be used as a platform or one-way street for political complaints. No Jewish person can speak for all, but for many the relationship to Israel runs deep. Adopting Nablus as a Sister City would be a very divisive move for Boulder.

At a time when President Obama and Secretary Kerry have recently been in the Middle East and are trying to initiate peace talks, it is inappropriate for the city of Boulder to be endorsing a group that is demonizing one party. It is our hope that the City Council agrees that the highly political Nablus Sister City proposal does not satisfy the goals of the Sister City Program.

We are working to gather information for a thoroughly documented submission to the City Council. If this application is submitted, we respectfully ask that this matter be heard by Council in late summer or early fall to give all interested parties an adequate opportunity to submit material and be heard at a public hearing before Council.

5 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Terrie Leysath Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:49 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear City Council,

As a constituent of Boulder for over 10 years now, I am a supporter of the idea of a sister city with Nablus, Palestine. I have both Jewish and Palestinian friends and believe having Nablus as a sister city would enrich Boulder from both an educational and cultural perspective. With the ongoing Middle East conflict perhaps a frienship with a Palestinian city will bring understanding from the Palestinain point of view. As Amercians we know much less about Palestine than we do Jewish culture and perspective. Thank you for support of this compassionate idea of a sister city with Nablus.sincerely, Terrie Leysath

Terrie Leysath

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Susan Littmann Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:26 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister city proposal

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council, I would urge you to table the consideration of the Palestinian city of Nablus as a sister city for Boulder. Although on the surface it would appear to be an effort to promote cultural understanding and 'sisterhood' between our two cities, I think you should be aware of the strong feelings of partisanship that this move would engender. The negative feelings generated would far outweigh the negligible benefits that you would hope to enhance. Sometimes, wishful thinking, regardless of how morally superior it would appear to be, can be much more damaging than facing hard realities. Susan Littmann Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: lkl44 Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 9:54 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Linda Loewenstein Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 9:29 AM To: Council Subject: NO to Sister City in Nablus

Dear Council Members: I urge you to vote "no" on the proposed Sister City in Nablus. Not only is this a divisive issue for our Boulder community, it is a travesty on its own merits. From a women's perspective, we need to encourage communities that support human and civil rights for women. That is not the case in Nablus. And that is only one of the troubling issues in that city. Please don't support this obviously politicized proposal.

Thank you.

Linda Loewenstein

-- Linda Loewenstein

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Leslie Singer Lomas Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 12:37 PM To: Council Subject: please support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Members of City Council, I am writing to urge your support for making Nablus an official Sister City of Boulder. As a Jewish American, I am constantly appalled at Americans' lack of knowledge about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I believe that this project would be a wonderful way to educate Boulderites about the history, culture, and current conditions of Palestine, and Nablus in particular. The local leaders of the effort have done an incredible job of making contacts in Nablus, organizing visits, starting up various projects with groups there, setting up an official organization, and initiating various events in Boulder. The purpose of person-to-person diplomacy as exemplified in sister-city relationships is to increase knowledge and understanding of cultures about which we do not have much knowledge. I think the Nablus project is an excellent fit for this mission. Therefore, please move ahead and make Nablus an official sister-city of Boulder. Thanks very much.

Leslie Lomas

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Suzanne Lowder Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 7:31 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City. I think that accepting that city would be like accepting terrorist. We've done enough of that. Suzanne Lowder

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mark Loewenstein Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 1:24 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City

Dear Council Members,

Please add my voice to those who think that adding Nablus to our roster of sister cities is an awful idea. Of course, the sole motivation for this petition is to make a political statement of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Those so motivated have many avenues to express their solidarity. To enlist the City of Boulder in their cause is entirely inappropriate.

Aside from the political aspects of this proposal, Nablus, with its terrible record on human rights, makes it a particularly poor choice of sister cities. Why would we want to be sister cities with a city that celebrated the slaughter of Americans on 9/11? It is not just 9/11 that causes the good citizens of Nablus to celebrate. Whenever Americans or Israelis or, indeed, Jews are killed in terrorist attacks, Nablus celebrates.

Believe in gay rights? Well, Nablus is not where you want to be. Equal rights for women? Not in Nablus.

The cynicism of the proposal is breathtaking. Please do not go down this perilous path.

Sincerely, Mark Loewenstein Boulder, CO. 80303

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Judy Lubow Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 4:10 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Please support making Nablus a sister city with Boulder. The folks in Palestine need our help and support, plus there is such a fine culturual history there to share with Boulder. Thank you.

Judy Lubow

Longmont, CO 80504

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Pamela M Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 4:49 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City

Dear Council Members,

I am writing to express my opposition to adding Nablus to our roster of sister cities. It is upsetting that the motivation behind this petition is political and divisive while the aim of the Boulder’s sister cities program is mutual respect, peace and cooperation.

I am a firm believer in human rights for all, in forging collaborations even in areas where there may be opposition. However, in this circumstance, forging ahead despite the political, divisive and anti-Semitic nature of this proposal feels unjust and dismissive of the values of those in our community.

Sincerely,

Pamela Maass

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Scott Macinnis Sent: Sunday, June 02, 2013 3:33 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

The people arguing against Nablus as a sister city cite the acts of terror an oppression coming out of Nablus. I t seems to me that the terror and oppression directed at Nablus far outweighs what is coming from Nablus. When you do ethnic cleansing and the victims of ethnic cleansing object, are the victims being rude? Look at a map of Palestine over the past four decades, you can see the ethnic cleansing in action. The act of sistering with Nanlus is an act of resistance to the dehumanization and anihilation of the Palestinian people. Can Jews and Palestinians live together as equals, or does one group have to crush the other? Sistering with Nablus pushes the needle towards cooperation..

Scott Macinnis

Longmont, CO 80503

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: MAJERFELD ARNOLDO Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 2:19 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Proposal

6/4/2013 [email protected] To: Mayor Matt Appelbaum and Members of the Boulder City Council, City of Boulder, Colorado From: Arnoldo Majerfeld

Re: Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Proposal

Dear Mayor Appelbaum and Members of the Boulder City Council:

I am writing this letter in OPPOSITION to the proposal for Boulder to adopt Nablus as a Sister City because that proposal has a politically motivated agenda that will be very divisive for the Boulder community. Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical.

The Human Rights situation, the violence against women, the terrorist activities and the repression of freedom of press and speech in the West Bank and in Nablus should be unacceptable for a Boulder Sister City.

For the reasons given, I oppose the Boulder Nablus Sister City proposal and request that Boulder Council does not approve the BNSCP application.

Arnoldo Majerfeld (Boulder City resident since 1978) Boulder, CO 80305

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Irene Majerfeld Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 2:35 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Proposal

6/4/2013 To: Mayor Matt Appelbaum and Members of the Boulder City Council, City of Boulder, Colorado From: Irene Majerfeld

Re: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Proposal I am writing to express my opposition to designate the Palestinian city of Nablus in the West Bank as a Boulder Sister City.

This is a proposal with a strong political impact since it is not possible at the present time to ignore the "political" in the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Private citizens can channel their political and social support for Israelis or Palestinians through private organizations. The city of Boulder should not invest itself in a program that undoubtedly would be divisive in the community.

I request that Boulder Council does not approve the BNSCP application.

Irene Majerfeld (Boulder City resident since 1978)

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Kimberly Mander Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 7:52 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am a resident of Boulder and had travelled to the middle east in 2008. I visited Nablus and met with the students at the university. Nablus is a vibrant city and the people were warm and welcoming. It was important to hear them talk of their life under the military occupation. The news and media only tell one side of the situation there. I feel having a sister city with Nablus will put a human face to a very large problem and will be a small step towards peace in the region. These grassroot organizations are crucial in bringing the gobal community together. I do not view this as a political organziation and they receive no city funds. I strongly urge you to support and approve Nablus as a sister city of Boulder.

Kimberly Mander boulder, CO 80301

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Lawrence Marsh Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 2:27 PM To: Council Subject: Sister city

I agree with the sentiments expressed in Rabbi Rose's letter to the council. Thanks, Larry Marsh

Sent from my iPhone

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Natalie Portman-Marsh Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 3:58 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus

Partners, I am writing to express my concern with the proposed sister city partnership with Nablus.

My understanding is that a sister city partnership begins with two cities that have similarities to build from. There's such a stark contrast in how Boulder operates, treats its citizens and encourages individuality. It is hotly political, with Hamas ruling the area calling for the total destruction of Israel - why would Boulder Colorado want to choose sides? Why would we want to put ourselves in the middle of this conflict?

I strongly discourage this effort from moving forward. I urge counsel to stand up to this pressure and step back. Private individuals can support Nablus all they want. I do not feel our city should look to build family ties there. Thank you for the consideration, Natalie

NASW Colorado Board Member Find tips to ignite change here: http://sparkpolicy.com/blog/newsletter-archives/

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: David Marshall Sent: Monday, May 13, 2013 4:03 PM To: Council Cc: Subject: Nablus Sister City Project Attachments: Boulder Letter.pdf

Dear councilmembers,

Please find my attached letter regarding the subject of the prosed Nablus Sister City Project. I have been researching and travelling to Israel and Palestine for the last 10 years, and have made Nablus my home for much of my time. I am also a firm believer in the power of citizen diplomacy to effect positive change. For these reasons I have felt compelled to contact you about this issue in the hopes of counter‐acting some of the misinformation I have been hearing about the wonderful city of Nablus and the generous and welcoming people who live there.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can offer any further insight or advice. Thanks very much for your time and your thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely, David Marshall

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ David Jones Marshall, PhD Post‐Doctoral Research Associate Department of Geography Durham University

1 Dr. David Jones Marshall Attachment D - Correspondence, EmailsPost and-Doctoral Letters from Research the Public Associate Department of Geography, Durham University, UK. [email protected]

13 May 2013

Dear Councilmembers,

It was with great delight that I learned that the Boulder City Council was considering a proposal to establish a sister city program with the West Bank city of Nablus. I have visited Boulder, and have many colleagues at the University of Colorado, so I am well aware of Boulder’s reputation for being a forward-thinking city that respects and celebrates diversity, human rights, and equality. Nablus too is a city that values diversity, is welcoming to visitors, and is striving for a better, more peaceful future in which the rights of all are protected. Given these shared values, and given that Palestine is preparing to join the international community as a fully recognized state, a twinning arrangement between Boulder and the city of Nablus is something to celebrate.

Nestled between two mountains, the valley of Nablus was once the economic capital of the West Bank. Sadly, due to closures and curfews, the city became isolated and has declined economically. Nevertheless, the city has managed to retain many of its cherished cultural treasures – a few family owned soap factories continue to make that olive oil soap so famous in the region, and of course you cannot go to Nablus without tasting kunafeh, the sugary sweet that is synonymous with this historic city. Also, a vibrant volunteer and civil society sector has kept the society functioning and moving forward. There are hundreds of women’s organizations, professional societies, neighbourhood community centres, cultural organizations, students groups, unions, business associations, ecumenical religious organizations, and other civil society organizations that sustain public life in Nablus and which are eager for international engagement.

When I first visited Nablus in 2005, the city was still badly damaged from recent invasions, and the people were only just beginning to rebuild – physically and psychologically. The checkpoints surrounding the besieged city were opened up in 2009, and since then Nablus has been undergoing a renaissance and citizens are optimistic about their role in creating a peaceful, prosperous, and stable society. Young people in particular (over 50% of the

Science Laboratories South Road Durham DH1 3LE, UK Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1800 Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1801 www.durham.a.uk/geography

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Palestinian population are under age 25) are creative, eager to learn, and ready to rebuild their country. Twinning projects such as the one under consideration by the Boulder City Council, and numerous other forms of citizen-led cooperation and public diplomacy initiatives are an important part of helping to build the peaceful future that young people throughout the region long to see.

I first travelled to the Middle East as a student in 2003 and 2004, I went seeking to better understand a region in which America is so heavily involved, and yet about which Americans are so often severely misinformed. I returned to the Middle East in 2005, this time travelling to Palestine, where I volunteered as a drama therapy instructor working alongside Palestinian counsellors treating children and youth in refugee camps and villages that had recently been targeted by military incursions (this experience formed the basis for my doctoral research in human geography and environmental psychology). What impressed me was how resilient these children were, and how warm and welcoming their families were to me. No one resented the fact I was American, despite my government’s direct political, economic and military support for the army that is occupying their homeland (and sometimes even individual homes). We connected on a human level. In fact, I learned that many Palestinians greatly admire America. Many refer to it as “paradise on earth.” I even heard Palestinian Muslims refer to the American system of equality, fairness, and social care as being closer to the Islamic ideal than any Muslim majority country has achieved. Many are eager to visit the US and learn more about our country; I just wish more Americans showed equal regard for the people who are often on the receiving end of our policies.

Another thing surprised me during my visits to Palestine. I heard time and again how Palestinians would gladly live side by side with their Jewish cousins, from America or anywhere else, so long as everyone was treated fairly and equally, able to live and work in peace, and to build a home and raise a family in dignity. Indeed, in Nablus, a city that prides itself on its religious diversity (you will hear church bells and the Islamic call to prayer echoing in Nablus’s hills, and see churches and mosques sharing the same piece of land) Muslim and Christian Palestinians already live side-by-side with their Jewish neighbours - the Samaritans - who trace their ancestry back to the ancient Israelites, and yet who also consider themselves Palestinian, and are fully immersed in the cultural and economic life of Nablus.

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That there are Jewish Palestinians, not to mention Arab Israelis, shatters this two-dimensional thinking that dominates our understanding of Israel/Palestine. Likewise, as I learned when visiting friends of family in Tel Aviv and speaking to Israeli residents of Jerusalem, there is a much broader spectrum of political opinion regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine than there is in the US – you will find many Israelis openly critical of the settlements and the occupation, as well as many more who, like Palestinians, just want to live their lives in peace. Unfortunately, we do not often hear this diversity of opinion in the US. Sadly, there are some who think that merely recognizing the physical, human existence of the Palestinians is somehow in itself political, or, worse still, anti-Israel. Unfortunately, such reductionist views are not helpful to the cause of peace and understanding. Rather than thinking in terms of pro- Israel or pro-Palestinian, we should consider whether our actions are pro-peace, pro-justice, and pro-understanding. As a human being I am completely capable of having Palestinian friends and family, as well as close, personal Jewish and Israeli friends and colleagues – it is just plain silly to think one should have to choose between respecting and understanding one side or the other, and sillier still to think there are but two sides in this culturally rich land. The entire world accepts the legitimacy of a Jewish and Arab state in Palestine co-existing in peace, and has affirmed this in countless UN resolutions. Twinning projects with Palestinian cities, universities and the like, merely help us to deepen our understanding of the situation in Palestine, and help us to realize that there is much more to life in Palestine than just conflict and suffering. There are normal people there, friends, families, students, workers, who we have yet to meet, or even learn about. Reaching out to ordinary Palestinians is an important step in normalizing relations between our countries and establishing the US as a more equitable actor in the region. If America is to be a light of freedom, equality, and tolerance, than we cannot remain ignorant about the desires of people who live in the parts of the world who also strive for such values.

I urge you to support the sister city project with Nablus. I go back to Nablus regularly with my wife who is from there, to see friends and family and to continue my research and work with children and young people in the region. I would love to be there when the first delegation of Boulder comes to Nablus, to watch as Palestinians welcome you into their homes and hearts and introduce you to all the rich history and wonderful treasures that Nablus has in store – from the bustling souqs, to the historic architecture and archaeological sites, and of course, the delicious sweets. I hope to see you there.

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Sincerely,

Dr. David Jones Marshall, PhD

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From: Liz Martinez Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 6:23 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus

I submit that you stop considering a proposal from a group of anti-Israel haters to make Nablus in the Palestinian territories, a center of terrorism, a sister city to Boulder. This move is, not only anti-Semitic, but affront to the peace loving nature that represents Boulder. Bad move folks!

Sharon E Martinez Highlands Ranch CO 80126

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From: Jerry Mastriano Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 7:44 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

The people in Palestine live under a military occupation. Life there is difficult, and they can use all the friends they can get.

The Sister‐City project is about friendship and people‐to‐people diplomacy. It is not political or controversial, unless you feel that Nablus citizens don't deserve friendship and good will from the international community.

Jerry Mastriano

Forest Hills, NY 11375

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From: Thomas F Mayer Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 5:55 PM To: Council Subject: In support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

April 30, 2013

Dear Boulder City Council:

I am writing in support of the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. This project can make a significant contribution towards achieving a just and peaceful settlement for the long standing Palestinian‐Israeli conflict.

Most people in the United States know very little about the history or current situation of the Palestinian people. This lack of knowledge has fostered pernicious stereotypes about Arabs in general and Palestinians in particular. These stereotypes often prevent the United States from taking constructive actions that would help to resolve the Palestinian‐Israeli conflict. The Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project will generate more accurate knowledge about the Palestinian people, and also more sympathy for the extremely difficult conditions under which they live. This knowledge and this sympathy will surely enhance the possibility of achieving an enduring peace in this troubled region.

Some people seem to think that the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project is harmful to the interests of Jews in the United States and/or Israel. Nothing could be further from the truth. The long term presence of Jews in the Middle East depends upon achieving a mutually satisfactory resolution to the Palestinian‐Israel conflict. If this does not happen, the consequences will be deadly for everyone in the region. By improving the chance of peace, the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project will be beneficial for Jews in both the United States and Israel.

You may be interested to know that I am Jewish by origin, and that my family suffered terribly in the Nazi Holocaust. I myself narrowly escaped from Germany as an infant. Thus it is certainly not insensitivity to Jewish suffering of Jews that makes me to support enthusiastically the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. On the contrary, my support for derives from a keen desire to prevent future genocides regardless of whom they may victimize.

Sincerely, Tom Mayer

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From: Ray McCarus [ Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 7:51 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Council Members,

As one who has been to several places in the West Bank, including Nablus, I would like to say that I feel making Nablus one of our sister cities will go a long way to improving the morale of the people of Palestine.

I remember vividly asking the Greek Orthodox priest in Nablus, about his congregation, most of whom had emigrated to the US.

He said "they have forgotten us". And most of the world has forgotten or has chosen to ignore the plight of the people of Palestine who have been under Israeli occupation since 1967. Let's show them that the people of Boulder care.

Sincerely,

Ray McCarus Boulder 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Judy Megibow Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 4:49 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Project - opposed

Dear council member,

I'm a member of the Boulder Jewish community, and strongly favor a search for peace in the Middle East. Peace is only possible if both sides are equally represented, and if both sides are treated with respect. Neither side can be over‐promoted if peace is to be obtained.

While the concept of a Sister City in a foreign country is laudable, we must be sure that Boulder, in choosing cities with which to bond, stays out of the political arena, and also bonds only with cities which uphold the values we hold so dear. They include:

promoting democracy a commitment to elections a commitment to gender equality human rights, including freedom of expression protection of minority rights

The historical records of Nablus demonstrate that these values are not valued or upheld. To become a sister city with Nablus gives validity to this poor human‐rights record. Is that what Boulder wants to do?

In addition, the connections and organizations behind the people promoting the creation of a sister city project in Nablus make it quite clear that their objective is NOT the sweet, simple pairing of two communities, but the promotion of Nablus as a city representing the poor, downtrodden, peace‐loving Palestinian people, oppressed by Israel. They are rewriting history and distorting complex reality in this simple picture of oppression.

Judy Megibow

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From: Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 2:37 PM To: Council Cc: [email protected] Subject: Nablus sister city project

Dear City Council Members, I was recently informed by my brother, who is a distinguished and well respected member of your beautiful community, that you are considering supporting a Sister City in Nablus.

It is with great concern that I appeal to your sense of reason and humanity with respect to this issue and ask to NOT to support this selection.

Your city is a beautiful one and I have family that has lived there and raised their children for 30 years(Greenspun /Bremers) 20 years (Bernstein)and less than a decade (Taub) They were all drawn to Boulder because it is a place of peace, beauty , open minded population and very safe. In sum, it represents the finest attributes of a US city.

Nablus is known to harbor and train terrorists. It is a bastion of Anti‐Semitism. Clearly UNAMERICAN in every way. In a day when we still see genocide and daily acts of terror I cannot imagine how Boulder could align itself with such a terrible population.

There are so many worthy places around this extraordinary planet that are home to towns who would mutually benefit from being your Sister city. They would be honored and in turn, bring you honor.

Please, please reconsider and avoid sending the wrong message to not only your town but to the world. People are sensitive to these issues and are watching more closely than ever who supports terrorists and anti‐semites and who does not .

I thank you kindly for your time and attention in this matter.

Respectfully, Linda Bernstein Mendelsohn

Sent from my iPhone

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From: Jeff Messerschmidt Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:13 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

This may help promote communication and discussion, not creating a ghetto of Palestine.

Jeff Messerschmidt

Littleton, CO 80123

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From: Leah M Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 10:15 AM To: Council Subject: Opposition to Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

To all members of the Boulder City Council,

I urge you all to reconsider the proposed initiative to make Nablus a sister city of Boulder. I'm absolutely shocked that it's even being considered for as inclusive of others as Boulder is, Nablus is not. It is not a point of debate either ‐ Nablus is known for the persecution of women, gays, and non‐Muslims.

Don't let this pass. Keep Boulder's integrity.

Sincerely, Leah Miller Concerned Boulder resident

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: mark miller Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:39 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

Dear Honorable Councilmen, I strongly oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City. I am surprised that it would even be considered to have a city that is so well known for it's terrorism and anti-semitism become a sister city to Boulder. Why not choose a city that is progressive and does not oppose American values such as free speech, the Bill of Rights, and our American constitution? At least choose a place which has culture and diversity and is not known for it's hatred of others. Boulder should take this opportunity to make a statement about the American values that gave it the opportunity to be the great American city it is!

Sincerely,

Mark Miller Denver CO

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Richard Miller Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 5:50 AM To: Council Subject: No to Nablus!

City Council Members: As a Jew and as an American I unequivocally reject naming Nablus as a sister city to Boulder. The people of Nablus rejoiced after 3,000 Americans were killed on 9/11. Nablus is a hotbed of anti‐ Israel and anti‐semitic activities. Terrorists and those seeking to destroy the State of Israel feel at home in Nablus. Therefore, Nablus should not become a sister city to Boulder. Richard Miller Federal Heights, Colorado 80260.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jane Milliff Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 7:53 AM To: Council Subject: Sister City Project Nablus

To: Boulder City Council:

From: Jane Milliff

I would like to voice my support for establishing a Sister City Project with Nablus. Increasing understanding of different perspectives, including those of the Palestinians in Nablus, would be valuable to the citizens of each city.

Thank you for your consideration,

Jane Jane Milliff, MMSc PT, CBP Alta Physical Therapy & Pilates Boulder, CO 80303

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rebekah Million-Steele Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 2:03 PM To: Council Subject: A plea for the opposition of Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities Decision

Dear Council,

I am writing you today to please consider opposing the proposition to establish Nablus as a sister‐city to Boulder. Growing up in Boulder since the early ‘70s, I have always admired the city’s outreach to foreign students, sister‐cities and open‐minded policies. My family have shared many memories here, including being the proprietors of Penny Lane Coffee Shop.

However, please consider that becoming a sister‐city with Nablus would be being in partnership with a city and area that produces and encourages terrorism. I have been to Nablus (well, on the outskirts of the town since it is too dangerous to enter simply because I am a Jew) and know this area very well. I personally know families who have been slaughtered, including children and babies, by residents of this town who lived a few kilometers in an agricultural village.

The road to Nablus is quite scenic, with low hills and lush pastures between shallow valleys. On this road as well, my husband’s close friend was shot by a sniper returning from the wonderful experience of seeing his daughter married and dancing at her wedding.

I could go on and on about other incidences, but I don’t think it is necessary. I just please ask you to reconsider the decision to make Nablus a sister‐city to Boulder.

Thank you,

Rebekah Million‐Steele

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From: Barbara Millman Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:12 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Council Folks, I was privileged to grow up at the time that the People‐to‐People organization was founded by President Eisenhower; my father became the first president of the first chapter ‐ in Kansas City. He was very involved in the organization for over 40 years, eventually becoming chair of People‐to‐People International, and traveling around the world to engage with other chapters and members. I am very familiar with the non‐political principles of both P‐T‐P and its sister cities project, which eventually broke off from People‐to‐People to become its own entity and grow exponentially.

Foreigners streamed through our house while I was growing up and I learned so much from meeting them. What a gift it is for any U.S. city to extend friendship to another across the globe. This can only lead to increased communication and more hope for peace. There is absolutely nothing threatening or political about Sister Cities.

As a Denverite for 40+ years, I know and appreciate Boulder and am proud of the leadership your city has taken in so many human and civil rights and environmental issues. To oppose this Sister City connection implies that you are taking a political stand ‐ and, again, Sister Cities has nothing to do with politics!!

Your vote for the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project is merely a vote for friendship.

Barbara Millman

Lakewood, CO 80215

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From: Sue Mitrovic Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 5:35 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

When I first read about proposed Boulder‐Nablus Sister Cities Project I was encouraged that many people in Boulder would have the opportunity to visit the Palestinian city and develop relationships with its residents. I even wondered if I would be able to take advantage, though I'm a Broomfield resident. Having several friends who have visited and having had conversations with Palestinian Americans living in Boulder, I hope I'll have that opportunity.

From my other travels abroad I've experienced that it is impossible to understand the living conditions of others until you spend time interacting with them. Any grassroots group of citizens which wants to connect with friends in another culture should be empowered to do so. Opposing this project means one is taking a political stance, contrary to what sister cities tries to accomplish.

Observing situations first hand, comparing them to one's own experience and offering solutions may help to bring peace to the Middle East.

Sincerely, Sue Mitrovic Broomfield, CO 80020

Sue Mitrovic

Broomfield, CO 80020

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From: Ellen V. Moore Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 11:06 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Please support the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project which is so crucial in peace‐building at this time. For so many the Occupied Territories are as foreign as Mars and as unreachable. Yet these are lands alive with possibilities. Sister‐City exchanges could be a very real opportunity for sharing our cultures, our best, our aspirations.

Ellen V. Moore

Nederland, CO 80466

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From: David R Morton Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 11:27 AM To: Council Cc: [email protected] Subject: Nablus

5/6/2013

Council Members,

Although I currently reside outside the city's boundaries (a Longmont zip code), I spent about 35 years of my life living and working within the City of Boulder.

I find absolutely no reason(s) whatsoever to refuse to recognize the City of Nablus as a Boulder Sister City.

As for the ADL's assertion that Nablus is located in a "disputed" region, the United Nations, international law, and American law (our Constitution's supremacy clause) indicate quite the opposite. Israel has imposed colonial control over the West Bank through outright aggression, "settler" violence, terrorism, and deceit.

The entire sister city controversy is a tempest in a teapot.

Be honest. What possible harm can this simple act of recognition do? It isn't as though the City will be pledged to supply arms and ammunition to Nablus citizens who are resisting the Israeli Occupation.

On the other hand, it is an unchallenged fact that American federal taxpayer monies have helped arm Israel to the proverbial teeth.

Do the right thing: make Nablus a Boulder Sister City.

Cheers,

Dave Morton Longmont

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From: Sent: Monday, April 15, 2013 4:47 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus sister city project Attachments: Letter of support for Boulder Nablus sister city project.docx

Boulder, CO April 15, 2013

Dear Boulder City Council Members

I am writing you today in regard to the Boulder‐Nablus sister city project. I moved to Boulder in 1983 where I have raised my family and have enjoyed this beautiful, mountainous Coloradan city for 30 years. I have worked here as a communication facilitator for many years (Dialogues for Immigrant Integration project, BVSD), teach compassionate communication classes in cities along the Front Range and volunteer my skills and time at the Boulder county jail through the sheriff’s department’s Restorative Justice program where I facilitate Victim Impact classes.

In 2007 I was invited by a Swiss friend to join a delegation of European women travelling to Israel/Palestine to meet with different women’s organization promoting peace. I was soon to learn from the Israeli and Palestinian women how much they all longed for the occupation to end, for life to flow with ease and justice for all, and how important it was for women to express their voice of concern in both countries. I was very impressed by their courage, persistence, joy and clarity.

One of the many cities where we visited women’s projects was Nablus. Nablus is the first city in the Middle East (not including Israel) to have opened a shelter for women victims of domestic violence by women professionals (I did a presentation on this topic in 2009 at our local shelter). This was a courageous and determined action of the progressive women of Nablus who have created many projects to support women, children and underserved families (educational, psychological support systems, health, job training). We were also very impressed by the Al Najah University (60 % of the students are women) where we learned that in Palestine an inordinate number of young people receive college education. As people told us everywhere “We have very few land resources, our resources are our young people and their minds”. When asked what her plans were for the future, a young student told me: “I will become a secondary school French teacher, marry my fiancé and have 2 children at the most. I want to support the children of my country to widen their educational possibilities”. This is the spirit of the educated Palestinian youth.

When I learned of the Boulder‐Nablus sister city project I felt great enthusiasm. I was one of the organizers of their four part educational series organized with the Asian Studies department at CU in 2012. It was a rich opportunity to bring in professors, educators and speakers from our area and beyond to present to our Boulder residents the complex history, culture and contributions of the Middle East throughout the ages. These speakers also offered a workshop for middle school and high school educators on how to teach the Middle East to their students.

Boulder has been in the forefront with its progressive vision of peace and wellbeing for all. Throughout the 30 years I have been here I have followed City Council’s commitment and attempt, through numerous projects and proposals, to put into form this vision of openness. The wonderful sister city projects is one of them. 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Some of these foreign cities may have seemed controversial to some people (Tibet, Cuba) yet City Council understood the vision of people reaching out to people. As my own mother used to say “Governments come and go, people stay.” The people of Nablus are engaged, vibrant and eager to share with us their talents, art, culture and enthusiasm, and so many of us here in Boulder look forward to learning about their ancient culture and to share with them our outlook on the world through our many talented and engaged residents. I support this project and deeply hope you will as well.

In appreciation of your dedication and work,

Jacqueline Muller

Boulder, CO 80304

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From: Claudia Naeseth Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 2:51 PM To: Council Subject: The Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council Members, I am writing to let you know of my strong support for the creation of a Sister City relationship between Nablus and Boulder. To promote a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East we must promote communication between all parties. The sister city relationship seems an ideal place to open up the conversation.

Thanks,

Claudia Naeseth

Boulder, Colorado

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Dear Members of the City Council,

We are writing this letter in opposition to the proposal for Boulder to adopt Nablus as a Sister City.

The undersigned residents have lived in Boulder for many, many years. Each of us has been involved in people-to-people projects that promote values that we are proud to share with so many Boulder residents. We have helped refugees resettle, collected food, blankets and clothing for the homeless, volunteered with Community Table and Meals on Wheels, been a companion to elderly residents, participated in projects and dialogues of Restoring the Soul, an interfaith social action group, and worked to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance. One of our synagogues provides shelter to the homeless as an overflow site.

Yes, we care about Israel, but we care about peace, too. One of us has relatives who live in Jerusalem in an integrated neighborhood and have sent their children to bilingual schools--the classrooms each have one Jewish and one Arab teacher. One cousin works for a foundation that builds community centers in Arab communities and health clinics in which Palestinian and Israeli doctors work side by side. These peace-promoting projects are on- going but do not get much publicity in our media.

We have been active in similar activities within the Jewish community in Boulder. We have participated in Israeli-Palestinian dialogues, attended local fundraisers for Rabbis for Human Rights which carries out projects such as helping Palestinians rebuild their homes, attended presentations regarding the Encounter program in which several Boulder travelers to Israel have spent the night with a family on the West Bank. Our rabbis are very open to dialogue with Palestinian activists.

There are other on-going efforts in Boulder that focus on bringing peace to Israel and the Palestinian territories. C.U. Hillel students hosted a dinner with Muslim students and we have hosted a dinner for Palestinian journalists visiting C.U., providing an opportunity for Palestinians and Jews to be involved in good, open dialogue.

Boulder bicyclists have participated for three years in fundraising rides for the benefit of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, which is an environmental education and research program in the Middle East whose

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public student body is comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world.

These are all great programs designed to bring about peace. Many of them are on-going in nature. There has been no request or need for the City Council to endorse or sanction these programs.

We oppose the Nablus Sister City proposal because those who initiated this proposal are supportive of only one side’s narrative in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A report on the Nablus Sister City website stated that the group is apolitical but immediately follows that statement with the following very political phrase: “we also need to promote the understanding that the sister- ship is a powerful expression of solidarity with the people and city under occupation.”

The blogs of Guy Benintendi, the founder and coordinator of the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project, has equated Palestinian suicide bombers to Jewish fighters against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and has contended that Israel’s security tactics against Palestinian terrorists are no different than HAMAS’ agenda of violence against Israelis and Jews. This rhetoric that is behind the Sister City proposal is very much a political attack on Israel and demonizes the Israelis.

We also oppose this Sister City proposal because it would inappropriately link Boulder to human rights violations in Nablus and the West Bank. Boulder’s Sister City Resolution No. 631 states that any sister city agreement must contain a statement of a basic commitment of respect for human rights.

“Honor killings” of daughters and sisters for allegedly violating the Islamist norms on sexual behavior including premarital sex, continues to be a practice in and around Nablus. At least 12 women were reported to have been killed in 2012. An April 15, 2013, article posted on the website of Ma’an News Agency, a “main source of independent news in Palestine” states that President Mahmoud Abbas has no plans to amend laws that reduce sentences for suspects who claim an “honor” defense for murdering women.

Nablus has the reputation of being a hotbed of Palestinian militancy. As recently as April 17, 2013, the Jerusalem Post on-line edition reported that a

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public senior Hamas terrorist was arrested in Nablus. Ziyad Marish was part of a cell involved in a shooting attack on a bus station near Ariel two months ago where an IDF soldier and an Israel civilian were wounded.

Boulder Resolution No. 631 emphasizes “exchanges of diverse cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs.” We do not believe that a Sister City relationship should be used as a platform or one-way street for political complaints. No Jewish person can speak for all, but for many the relationship to Israel runs deep. Adopting Nablus as a Sister City would be a very divisive move for Boulder.

At a time when President Obama and Secretary Kerry have recently been in the Middle East and are trying to initiate peace talks, it is inappropriate for the city of Boulder to be endorsing a group that is demonizing one party. It is our hope that the City Council agrees that the highly political Nablus Sister City proposal does not satisfy the goals of the Sister City Program.

We are working to gather information for a thoroughly documented submission to the City Council. If this application is submitted, we respectfully ask that this matter be heard by Council in late summer or early fall to give all interested parties an adequate opportunity to submit material and be heard at a public hearing before Council.

Sincerely,

Joan Nagel Jim Brantz Bill Cohen Liz Fox Sara-Jane Cohen Sid Fox Jerry Pinsker Ken Stickney Sandy Friedman Jane Rubinstein Steve Friedman Talor HaLevi Rabbi Josh Rose Audrey Fishman Franklin Paula Erez Karen Diamond Tom Trager Lou Diamond Barbara Trager

3 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Michael Neil

May 16, 2013

Mayor Applebaum and Boulder City Council: City of Boulder Boulder, CO

My name is Michael Neil. I am a graduate student in International Studies at the University of Denver's Korbel School of International Studies. A native Denverite and frequent visitor to Boulder, I appreciate the openness of the city and its traditional focus on social justice. I am an avid activist for women's rights, LGBT issues, the environment, labor, and, yes, Palestinian issues.

I come to my pro-Palestinian activist from an inter-faith household and I hold myself out as a Reform/Humanist Jew as one of my identities. My understanding of Judaism, especially through its holiday traditions such as Passover make me question why many mainstream Jews are so angry at pro-Palestinian activists. If "we were once slaves in the land of Egypt", should we not attempt to avert that experience and share in the cultural glories of Israel and the wider Middle East? It is with this in mind that I write to you so concerned with the fervor over Palestine and the prospect of Boulder and Nablus becoming sister cities.

As I have said, my heritage as a Jew, and my attachment to the region (my father was born in Haifa) leads me to realize the kind of benefits that a relationship between Boulder and Nablus could confer. The indigenous people of all faiths in Palestine are living under an occupation that disrupts everyday life, and the prospect of coping with these realities is multi-tiered. The Boulder Nablus Sister City Project is about interpersonal relationships between people across cultures and showing those who are not directly involved in the work of creating peace and solidarity that they too can be actors in this work of change while learning about a world beyond themselves. These ties are the nuts and bolts of building community infrastructure to carry on in tough times, and foster peace where there are tensions.

The contingent of constituents in Boulder and Colorado as a whole who are concerned about Palestine is substantial, and I give my full support to them in appealing to you all to increase positive relations between the two communities Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Robert Nesbit Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 5:11 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My name is Bob Nesbit and I am a Boulder resident who strongly supports the Boulder‐Nablus sister city program and I sincerely hope that Boulder City Council also chooses to do so. I understand that there are angry Zionists who oppose this measure, as they have in other American cities that have taken up the cause of a sister city relationship with Palestinian cities the the West Bank. Among them is Mr. Scott Levin, Regional Director of the Anti Defimation League. In late April the Daily Camera reported that Mr. Levin opposed the measure because he said 'the group promoting the sister‐city relationship has political motivations, and the city should not take sides in a "complex, ongoing international dispute."' When he says that those of us who support the measure have "political motivations" I understand him to mean that we are anti‐Semites. This is a slanderous accusation and utter rubbish. I do, however, agree with him that we should not be taking sides in the I/P conflict. Rather, we should all be on the side of justice for which both Palestinians and Israelis, Jews and Arabs, would be the beneficiaries.

Robert Nesbit

Boulder, CO 80305

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Janice Niblack Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 9:16 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I believe this Project will build a valuable bridge between this country and the Middle East.

It will be even more important for Boulder residents to help the people of Nablus, since the Palestinians have such a hard time because of Isreali apartheid. What the citizens of Boulder will learn about this will be invaluable, and for some, very surprising.

I don't see any reason for Boulder not to have a Sister City in Palestine.

Janice Niblack

Monument, CO 80132

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Matt Nicodemus Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 2:11 AM To: Council Subject: I support the establishment of a Boulder-Nablus sister city relationship

I am writing in full support of the official establishment of a sister city relationship between Boulder, Colorado, USA and Nablus, Palestine.

Given the general lack of knowledge about Palestine and Palestinians that most Americans, including Boulder citizens, have, given the similar lack of knowledge that most Palestinians have about Americans and their daily lives, and given the many and strong benefits of both groups of people knowing more about the other, a sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus will be a wonderful way to help remedy these gaps in knowledge and personal experience. I'm excited by what I've learned has already transpired in the development of a relationship between citizens of Boulder and Nablus, and even more enthusiastic to imagine all of the great things that could happen if an official sister city relationship is declared.

Additionally, establishing the sister city relationship with Nablus will give Boulderites wider and deeper exposure to a whole new part of the globe that isn't represented in its existing sister city relationships.

The fact that Nablus lies in a zone of heavy conflict is all the more reason to establish a sister city relationship with its people, with the clear understanding that such a relationship implies no support for or opposition to the political views and/or activities of any individuals or organizations living in either Boulder or Nablus. Greater mutual understanding and involvement with each other helps to humanize the people involved in the conflict, and given the heavy involvement of the U.S. in the Palestine-Israel conflict, Boulderites are at least indirectly involved in the conflict. Of course, this reasoning points toward one of the benefits of another sister city project being initiated -- to create a sister city relationship with a city in Israel. I would certainly support such a project if and when it was created. Also, I will note that, during the Cold War, many sister city relationships were established between cities in the U.S. and the former Soviet Union, often explicitly because citizens of those cities wanted to practice, through the sister city relationships, the sort of direct, people-to-people diplomacy that can help populations to get around the negativity and blocks created by their national governments and build cooperative endeavors toward peace.

As to the criticism of the Boulder-Nablus sister city proposal because Nablus is part of a nation which has carried out and/or been accused of carrying out terroristic aggression against its perceived enemies, such a criticism would also apply to the United Stated and Israel, which would make any city in either of those countries as unattractive as potential sister cities as any city in Palestine. Given that Americans and Israelis do indeed want to establish sister city relationships with cities around the world, let us all be consistent and not deny Palestinian cities the same opportunity to join in such relationships.

I urge each of you on the Council to vote for the Boulder-Nablus sister city relationship!

Matt Nicodemus Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Eliza Norris Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 7:28 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Eliza Norris and I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado where my family lives. I am currently in college studying international relations and Arabic. Presently I am living in Cairo where I have studied MENA politics and Arabic for the past four months. My time in Cairo has impacted me largely and the way I see and understand relations between the U.S. and the MENA region. My interest in the Middle East arose after my freshman year of high school when I had the privilege to join my father on the first walk of the Abraham Path in the West Bank that brings together people of all faiths and backgrounds to walk through the historic and beautiful land of Palestine. This inspired me to go back to the West Bank after my junior year of high school in 2010 where I spent a month working at the Tomorrow’s Youth Organization in Nablus.

Over the course of the month I was deeply moved by the people of Nablus and the story of their city. Working with Nabulsi people I gained an understanding of their struggle since the 1948 war that has profoundly impacted the city and the people. That I was a young American high school student with very limited Arabic was not a factor for the Nabulsi people who kindly worked with me on my Arabic and invited me in to their homes, taking care to make me feel at home and connected to the community in Nablus. No time in my life has impacted me more.

I am writing to ask to you to consider making Nablus a sister city with Boulder. Living under military occupation is very difficult for Palestinians not only for political, military, and economic reasons, but because it prevents Palestinians from interacting with the rest of the world in the way that they would be able to otherwise through travel, education, trade, tourism, etc. The second intifada from 2000-2005 deeply shook the city and it is still recovering today; creating this relationship with Nablus would be very useful and impactful for Nablus as it rebuilds its city in this time and moves forward. I think that Boulder would also benefit from this relationship to increase cross-cultural communal understanding and allow Boulder citizens to experience the beauty not only of the holy land and historical sites but of the vibrant and welcoming culture of Nablus. Nablus is home to thousands of refugees from around Israel and Palestine and is home to Muslims, Jews, Christians, and Samaritans. They have a long history of inter-cultural communication that is imbedded in the culture. This acceptance of different backgrounds I think mirrors Boulder’s dedication to acceptance of different backgrounds within our own community.

I hope you will consider this project that I deeply believe in and that I think would be mutually beneficial.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Thank you,

Eliza Norris

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Tyler Norris Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 7:59 AM To: Council Subject: Supporting Nablus as a Sister City for Boulder

Dear Boulder City Council,

I am writing in full support of an official Boulder‐Nablus Sister City relationship.

I first visited Boulder in 1977 and moved here full time in 1989. Our children Eliza and Emmet were born and raised in the community. We started and built a couple businesses and a couple non‐profit organizations here. I attended graduate school here, and am now serving as an executive for an integrated health care system in CA. Boulder is our family home for a quarter century.

Having been an early leader in our Sister City relationship with Dushanbe, Tajikistan (via an NGO I started, we ran scientific missions starting in 1989 that led to the founding of the Tajik national park system, and the first international NGO there after the Soviet Union fell) …I am well familiar with the character of our community as relates to Sister Cities. This includes where we find common ground, and where we get divided, and where we thrive. Fear divides us. Hyperbole divides us. Stridency divides us. I have noted some of this rise with political overtones around the opportunity to have Nablus be a new Sister City. Honoring different views, finding common ground via inclusion, and building relationship is central among the reasons why Sister Cities are so important. It is also why Nablus is a terrific choice, at this historic time in the region, for our next Sister City.

Over the past 7‐8 years, as a private citizen, and for a couple years representing an NGO – Abraham’s Path – I visited Nablus more than a half a dozen times. I once stayed for 10 days. I have been a guest for countless meals and meetings, spent many nights in the homes of local residents, and have been the beneficiary of some of the most gracious hospitality I have ever experienced. In these visits, we walked the land with the people, we assessed health needs, surfaced tourism and business opportunities, and learned about challenges faced and future potentials. The city and landscape is lovely, the people are warm and friendly, the spirit of the place is vibrant.

As a Christian, I have found myself and my faith tradition fully respected (indeed celebrated!) in Nablus ‐‐ and one of my favorite churches anywhere in earth is there – sitting atop Jacob’s Well.

Indeed, we trusted the people of Nablus so much ‐ that we supported our then‐16 year old daughter doing a summer internship there (with us far away back in Boulder) at a Nablus‐based NGO working with refugee children. This experience has shaped her college studies and career choices.

After each visit, I have come away with a deepened appreciation for the Palestinian people, the lovely nature of the city and surrounding communities, and the value that a Sister City relationship could bring both Nablus, and our fair city of Boulder. We all know it’s not an easy time for the people there, and our friendship matters, now.

As you conduct your discernment and deliberations ‐‐ please refer to this message, and count me among the strong supporters of Nablus as a Sister City of Boulder.

Sincerely,

Tyler Norris

Tyler Norris, MDiv Vice President, Total Health Partnerships, Kaiser Permanente 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Anna Northrop Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 3:13 PM To: Council Subject: Strong Support for Nablus Sister City Proposal

I am a longtime resident of Boulder and I am totally in favor of our establishing a bond of friendship with Nalbus through a Sister City commitment.

I have visited Nablus and many other towns and cities in the occupied West Bank and had nothing but positive experiences in my personal interactions with Palestinians, as well as with Israeli peace activists. The extreme hardships imposed on the Palestinians by the occupation are totally real but their hope and resilience and desire for peace is also very real. It is not a 'political' statement to reach out in friendship to people living in difficult circumstances anywhere in the world.

Thank you for considering my perspective.

Anna Northrop Boulder, 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Robert Noun Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 1:41 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am writing about the proposed Boulder‐Nablus Sister City project. Boulder's Sister City relationships should be free from politics. The Boulder‐Nablus proposal is not. It is based on a one‐sided perspective of the Israel‐Palestine conflict which demonizes the Israelis and absolves the Palestinians of responsibility for their role in the conflict. I have seen the sentiments on this issue expressed in Rabbi Joshua Rose's letter to Mayor Applebaum and Council and I fully agree with his views.

Thank you for your consideration.

Bob Noun

Boulder, CO 80304

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Paul Noursi Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 7:28 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Please support the Boulder‐Nablus sister city project. This project is about friendship and people‐to‐people diplomacy; and it is expressly non‐political. The people in Palestine live under a brutal military occupation, and life there is difficult, and they can use all the friends they can get. The people of Boulder will benefit from this relationship by expanding peace and justice; and no city funds will be required for this project. Any grassroots group of citizens which wants to connect with friends in another culture should be empowered to do so.

Paul Noursi

Vienna, VA 22182

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: David Oettinger Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 11:35 AM To: Council Subject: Oppose Nablus As Sister City

Dear Council Members,

It is with respect that I submit this letter to you to oppose making Nablus a sister city to Boulder. I greatly oppose this measure for the following reasons.

1. At this point in time, I do not believe Nablus shares the same cherished values of pluralism, freedom of expression and respect for minorities that we do in Boulder.

2. In 2005, Hamas won 74% of the municipal election in Nablus, gaining the majority of the municipal seats. Canada, Japan, the United States and the European Union all classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.

3. Hamas opposes any negotiation with Israel. In fact their charter still to this day calls for the destruction of the State of Israel as well as contains anti-Jewish language taken directly from the infamous anti-Semitic “Protocols of the Elders of Zion.”

4. Sister city agreement must contain a statement of commitment of respect for human rights according to the provisions of the 1989 Vienna Concluding Document of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. This document sets forth many goals, including:

* Promoting democracy; * A commitment to elections; * A commitment to gender equality; * Human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion; * Protection of minority rights.

Given the Hamas control of the Nablus government, there is no way this burden can be met by Nablus.

5. Of the approximate 10,000 Jewish residents of Boulder, few would be able to safely travel to Nablus in order to promote “technical, educational or cultural exchanges” as set forth in Resolution 631. The lack of exchange potential violates the spirit of the sister city program.

6. The individual promoting this sister city project has made statements regarding the state of Israel and the current conflict that are not in keeping with the notion of two people, two states. Instead, this person’s agenda appears to be the removal of Israel from the Middle East.

I thank you all for your time and your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

David Oettinger

--

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Pamela Olson Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 9:18 PM To: Council Subject: Expressing support for the Boulder-Nablus sister city program Attachments: FastTimesinPalestine.pdf

Dear Boulder City Council,

My name is Pamela Olson, and I was recently in Boulder as part of a nationwide tour for my new book Fast Times in Palestine. I wandered into Palestine ten years ago as a backpacker fresh out of college. I was there as a tourist, with no clue about what I would find -- nothing was in my mind other than the default American narrative of Israelis facing Palestinian terror.

I couldn't possibly have been more shocked by what I found when I got there. I've traveled in nearly 30 countries, and the Palestinians were by far the most welcoming hosts I had ever encountered. And at the same time, what they endure under occupation is almost beyond imagination. The combination of suffering and kindness has the same galvanizing effect on nearly everyone who visits. People routinely come for a few days and stay for a month, or for a month and stay for a year. I came for five days and ended up living there for more than two wonderful, terrible, exciting, incredible years.

I wrote the book, a coming-of-age travel memoir, to try to capture some of the realities I encountered. It includes a section in Chapter 10 in which my parents -- who are from small town Oklahoma -- visited me, and I guided them through both the West Bank and Israel. They were as charmed and horrified as I was when they saw the realities in the West Bank, and also the incredibly warm welcome there (including being stuffed with sweets, coffee, and food everywhere we went!).

Nablus is a particularly gorgeous city, steeped in history and full of charm and unexpected treasures. You will not be disappointed if you are lucky enough to partner with this fascinating city. What I've learned from the Palestinian people has changed my life in profound ways. I can never give back enough to make up for what they have given me.

I wrote the book also to try to explain what I mean by that. I've attached an electronic copy of my book to this email in case you'd like to take a look and learn more about this region in an engaging and entertaining way. There are lots of footnotes pointing to Israeli sources where you can learn more. I'll be happy to send a paperback as well if that's your preferred method of reading.

Thanks so much for considering this exciting proposal. I hope Boulder and Nablus will soon be learning from and sharing with each other!

Very best wishes, Pamela

Author of Fast Times in Palestine Website pamolson.org Book amazon.com/dp/158005482X Blog fasttimesinpalestine.wordpress.com

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Elizabeth Ordonez To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city Date: Tuesday, April 09, 2013 2:43:02 PM

Dear Council Members:

I am a retired professor of Spanish who has, through the years, watched several South American countries (such as Chile and Argentina) transition from military dictatorships to democracies. For people like me who have been involved in their liberation struggles, these political changes are gratifying indeed.

A couple of years ago, my travels took me to Palestine and allowed me to become a witness of another, much longer, struggle against occupation. Palestine (commonly known as the West Bank) has been occupied territory for almost half a century, and during that time has been subject to many forms of harsh controls. Nablus, in particular, has been the site of repeated attacks by Israeli defense forces. The objective of these IDF attacks against Nablus was to kill as many Palestinians as possible. (See Eyal Weizman's penetrating study, Hollow Land: Israel's Architecture of Occupation).

I cite these past horrors as background to my strong support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City project. Enough is enough. It is the right time for us to step up and extend a hand of friendship and cultural understanding to this beleaguered city. And it would be particularly fitting if the city of Boulder- -known throughout this country as forward looking and progressive--were to extend an official hand of peace and friendship. It would be a modest yet potent gesture toward peace in this too long troubled area of the world.

Thank you for your serious consideration and support of this project.

Sincerely,

Dr. Elizabeth Ordonez Professor emeritus of Spanish, University of Texas Golden, Colorado 80401 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Beth Ornstein Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 4:52 PM To: Council Subject: Submission for Packet for June 10 City Council Meeting Re proposed Nablus Sister City Attachments: CityCouncilSubmissionResourcesForPeacefulWork-Palestinians&Israelis.docx

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council,

As an advocate for peace between Israelis and Palestinians and for a two-state solution (as supported by the United States government), I wish to promote understanding of the narratives of both cultures. However, because I do not think the sister city proposal is the right or best way to accomplish this understanding, I am opposed to the establishment of a sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus.

There are many opportunities for the citizens of Boulder to learn about both the Israeli and Palestinian cultures narratives without establishing a sister city with only one side in the conflict. Exciting non-political projects can be accomplished through other means. Attached is a partial list of available programs that offer such opportunities. Some of them may have a political bent. There are of course many additional programs relating to peace work, with and without a political agenda.

Thanks for the opportunity to present this information to you.

Sincerely,

Beth Ornstein *************** Beth Ornstein

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Existing Opportunities for Working Peacefully with Palestinians and Israelis

There are many opportunities for the citizens of Boulder to learn about both the Israeli and Palestinian cultures narratives without establishing a sister city with only one side in the conflict. Exciting non-political projects can be accomplished through other means. Below is a partial list of available programs that offer such opportunities. Some of them may have a political bent. There are of course many additional programs relating to peace work, with and without a political agenda.

1. Abraham Path http://www.abrahampath.org/about.php The Abraham Path is a long-distance walking trail across the Middle East. The path retraces the cultural memory of the journey of Abraham and his family and celebrates its story of hospitality and kindness to strangers.

2. Arava Institute http://www.arava.org/ The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) is the premier environmental education and research program in the Middle East, preparing future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the region's environmental challenges. Affiliated with Ben-Gurion University, AIES houses academic programs, research, and international cooperation initiatives on a range of environmental concerns and challenges.

Students at AIES study a range of environmental issues from a trans-boundary and interdisciplinary perspective while learning peace-building and leadership skills.

With a student body comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies offers students a unique opportunity to study and live together for an extended period of time; building networks and developing understanding that will enable future cooperative work and activism in the Middle East and beyond.

3. Ein Bustan http://www.ein-bustan.org/11308/Volunteering-in-Ein-Bustan Maayan Babustan, or Ein Bustan established the first Jewish/Arab Waldof kindergarten in Israel and is situated in the small Arab village of Hilf, near Kiryat Tivon, in the lower Galilee. The educational framework, which is based on Waldorf Education, accepts both Arab andJewish cultures equally.

4. Encounter http://www.encounterprograms.org/ Encounter is a conflict transformation organization, equipping influential Jewish leaders from across the political and ideological spectra with access to Palestinian perspectives and claims on the ground. Encounter’s flagship two-day trips and our newly launched leadership seminar bring Jewish participants to the West Bank on tours to meet with Palestinian leaders in busi- ness, media, non-violence activism, education, and politics. Encounter also works with leading educators and alumni . . . .

Underlying all of Encounter’s work is the core belief that innovative strategies for peace will be created only when influential stakeholders in a conflict have opportunities to meet one another, Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

to open themselves to previously disregarded points-of-view, and to develop relationships across political and ideological divides

5. Friends of Open House http://www.friendsofopenhouse.org/home/ Friends of OPEN HOUSE (FOH), established in 2001, supports the work of OPEN HOUSE, which was founded in 1991 to foster better relations among Israeli Arabs and Jews, starting with the residents of Ramle, Israel. OPEN HOUSE has remained active and flourishing despite periodic outbursts of violence and the resultant climate of fear, which can sap hope and the motivation to work for peace. OPEN HOUSE is situated in what was originally a Palestinian Arab family’s home, later inhabited and owned by an Israeli Jewish family. The house and garden, where a thriving lemon tree once grew, symbolize the homeland of two peoples that are still trying to create the conditions for a just and lasting peace between them. There are two programmatic centers at OPEN HOUSE, the Center for the Development of the Arab Child, which sponsors an affirmative action “head start” nursery school for Arab toddlers from Christian and Muslim families; and the Center for Jewish-Arab Coexistence and Reconciliation, which sponsors a range of joint activities, including summer Peace Camps, youth leadership training, and Jewish-Arab delegations to Europe and the United States.

6. Holy Land Trust http://www.holylandtrust.org/ Through a commitment to the principles of nonviolence, Holy Land Trust aspires to strengthen and empower the peoples of the Holy Land to engage in spiritual, pragmatic and strategic paths that will end all forms of oppression. We create the space for the healing of the historic wounds in order to transform communities and build a future that makes the Holy Land a global model for understanding, respect, justice, equality and peace.

7. Jerusalem Fund http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/sp/i/1450/pid/1450 The Jerusalem Fund maintains a list of volunteer groups for those who would like to work in development, human rights, and educational programs may wish to volunteer with one of the following organizations. This list is provided by The Jerusalem Fund as a public service. The Jerusalem Fund does not endorse the programs included on the list nor is it responsible for any errors noted below.

8. Music in the Key of Peace http://musicinthekeyofpeace.com/ We are artists, activists, advocates, and believers in a culture of peace. We see the potential for real dialogue and reconciliation between Arabs and Jews built through grassroots, creative, musical efforts. We help to further these efforts by documenting musical dialogue efforts; promoting organizations who share this philosophy; creating collaborative efforts between peacemakers around the world; and building a network of supporters, believers, and ambassadors of change.

9. My Yoga http://my-yogasite.com/english/social.html The Yogabeats Conflict Project in Palestine is part of the larger Yogabeats Conflict Project and aims at bringing yoga to Palestine as a mean for social reconciliation and peace.

10. Olive Tree Yoga Foundation Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

http://www.olivetreeyogafoundation.org/ OTYF, base in Bethlehem and Beti Jala, creates yoga teacher training programs for people in communities affected by conflict, which creates long-term yoga teaching jobs to support healing and transformation. We support local yoga leaders as they create change in their own communities.

OTYF works throughout the area, focusing in refugee camps and areas which are exposed to persistent conflict. OTYF has created a teacher-training program with an extensive scholarship availability for Summer 2013.

11. Palestine Summer Encounter http://www.palestinesummer.org/ Palestine Summer Encounter is a program coordinated by Middle East Fellowship, a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and Holy Land Trust.

12. Peace Now http://peacenow.org.il/eng/ Peace Now’s mission is to promote peace and democracy through education of the Israeli public and concerned citizens worldwide. We further hope to inspire the public to take part in developing initiatives that will both support long-term peace promotion and remove existing obstacles to a politically negotiated two-state solution.

13. Progressive Activism and Volunteering in Israel http://www.israelvolunteering.org/#!__peace-and-coexistence PAVI aims to connect English-speaking students and young professionals with activist and advocacy opportunities in Israel and to globally promote civil society organizations working for a more just, democratic, and peaceful Israel.

14. Project Hope http://projecthope.ps/our-work-abroad/ Project Hope runs an exciting program of exhibitions, cultural events and internship opportunities around the world. Our arts events outside of the West Bank aim to raise awareness of Project Hope and Palestine, as well as give our advanced students a platform to showcase their work. Project Hope internships offer the youth of the West Bank life-changing opportunities to experience the rest of the world and build their CV. Our work abroad aims to continue and strengthen an important cultural exchange that we start on the ground in Palestine

15. Rabbis for Human Rights http://rhr.org.il/eng/visiting-israelpalestine-soon/ Rabbis for Human Rights offers opportunities for groups and individuals to volunteer during your visit, especially during the olive harvest and planting seasons, when we accompany and assist Palestinian farmers who face harassment and violence by Israeli settlers and security forces.

16. Tomorrow’s Youth Organization (Nablus) http://www.tomorrowsyouth.org/ TYO Vision Statement: TYO is a point of light for under-privileged children and communities in the Middle East. It represents the best aspects of the American people and international goodwill, contributing, managing, and operating essential services and activities for all members of communities afflicted by conflict, isolation, and poverty.

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

17. United Nations Volunteers http://www.unv.org/what-we-do/countries/occupied-palestinian-territory.html The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.

18. United States Consulate – Jerusalem/ US Department of State: http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/cultural_programs.html In addition to the programs below, the Consulate offers cultural programming.

a. Exchange Opportunities: http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/educational_exchange.html

b. The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), located within the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, supports efforts to expand political participation, strengthen civil society and the rule of law, empower women and youth, create educational opportunities, and foster economic reform throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/mepi_exchange_programs.html

19. The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program http://yesprograms.org/participate The YES Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides scholarships for secondary school students (age 15-17) from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the United States. Scholarships for the YES Abroad Program are also available to U.S. citizens attending high school (age 15-18) to spend one academic year or a semester in select countries.

For an example of the number of peace projects, here is a list from a Wikipedia search about Arab-Israeli peace projects:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab-Israeli_peace_projects • 1 Policy groups o 1.1 Valley of Peace initiative o 1.2 Israeli-Palestinian Chamber of Commerce o 1.3 Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) o 1.4 Friends of the Earth Middle East o 1.5 Mejdi o 1.6 Peres Center for Peace o 1.7 Aix Group • 2 Foundations and projects o 2.1 Ta'ayush Arab-Jewish Partnership o 2.2 Givat Haviva's Jewish-Arab Center for Peace o 2.3 The Parents Circle-Families Forum o 2.4 Green Action o 2.5 Olives of Peace o 2.6 Neve Shalom-Wahat Al-Salam (Oasis of Peace) o 2.7 Hamidrasha Jewish-Arab Beit Midrash o 2.8 Ir Shalem co-existence program o 2.9 Seeds of Peace • 3 Cultural and scientific works and groups o 3.1 Arab Israeli Dialogue Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

o 3.2 Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization o 3.3 The West-Eastern Divan o 3.4 Comedy For Peace o 3.5 Tolerance Monument • 4 Educational efforts o 4.1 MEET - Middle East Education through Technology o 4.2 Hand in Hand Bilingual Arab-Jewish Schools o 4.3 The Institute for Circlework o 4.4 TEC-the Center for Technology, Education and Cultural diversity • 5 Political activists and community groups o 5.1 OneVoice, a project of the Peaceworks Foundation o 5.2 "Seeking Peace, Pursuing Justice" o 5.3 The Abraham Fund o 5.4 Brit Tzedek v'Shalom o 5.5 Brit Shalom/Tahalof Essalam o 5.6 Combatants for Peace o 5.7 Jews for Israeli-Palestinian Peace • 6 Arab-Israeli peace diplomacy and treaties • 7 Jewish-Muslim dialogue o 7.1 The American Jewish Committee o 7.2 Children of Abraham o 7.3 Centre for the Study of Muslim-Jewish Relations • 8 Nonviolent struggle o 8.1 Albert Einstein Institution • 9 The Unification Movement • 10 American Muslim leaders • 11 See also • 12 References • 13 External links o 13.1 Group websites o 13.2 Articles and coverage of various specific efforts o 13.3 Articles on societal issues

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Peter Ornstein Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 6:42 PM To: Council Subject: Regarding Nablus Sister City Proposal

Boulder City Council:

I am writing to let you know that I oppose the City bestowing recognition of Nablus as a "sister city." I oppose this action for a variety of reasons and do not think it is wise for the City of Boulder to interject itself into the Israeli-Palestinian/Arab conflict. I believe the effort to create the sister city relationship is, at its core, a political act to promote the Palestinian side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I also wonder how much Nablus has in common with Boulder to deserve such official recognition. Whereas Boulder promotes ethnic diversity and equality among all of its citizens, I do not have any reason to believe that Nablus shares such values. Nablus' support for Hamas, which I believe is a racist and violent organization, is just one example. What is Nablus' interest or record in protecting its environment? How multi-cultural is Nablus? And so on.

If the City of Boulder is truly interested in recognizing a Sister City in this region, and recognizing that any such recognition is itself a political act, there are several other potential cities in the region which are more closely aligned with Boulder's environmental and multicultural values.

Better yet, it would be much wiser for the City of Boulder to not get embroiled in this political hotbed. Bestowing sister city status on Nablus will be tantamount to Boulder taking sides in this highly emotional conflict. I wonder when the inevitable Palestinian violence to Israelis, or settler violence on Palestinians, or reports of honor killings to women, or reports of political oppression (such as the year long jail sentence that was recently handed out by a Nablus court to a Nablus citizen for making a Photoshop image of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas playing soccer - Fn1), or Israeli army incursions, etc., how the City will react to a petition to take an official stand with respect to our sister city. Is this where the Council wants to focus its energy and time?

Constructive dialog between Palestinians and Israeli's is important. If I thought that the City's action would promote such a dialog and move the parties closer to peace, I would support this in a heartbeat (notwithstanding my above concerns). I would also support this action if I thought it would move residents of Boulder already polarized on the Palestinian and Israeli conflict into a more respectful dialog with each other. However, I fear that the consequences that would flow from City's recognition of a sister city relationship with Nablus will be further polarization in our local community.

For all of these reasons I urge you to not to take sides in this issue and reject the request to recognize Nablus as a sister city.

Thank you for the opportunity to voice my concern on this issue.

Sincerely, Peter Ornstein

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mohammad Ozlat Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:31 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My name is Mohahammad Ozlat and am writing to you to support the Boulder‐Nablus sister city project. As a resident of Boulder I wholeheartedly support the effort that has gone into organizing such relation and look forward to visiting Nablus soon. I believe that such a close relation between the two cities would help better understanding of the ongoing situation in Nablus and for the people of Nablus to visit Boulder. As There are only four Palestinian cities that are connected to US cities, it is about time these numbers to increase. As a member of Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice, I consider this project to be the first step in building people‐to‐people diplomacy which is a small step towards conflict resolution in the region. I strongly encourage you to agree and pass this project

Mohammad Ozlat

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Miriam Paisner Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 11:02 AM To: Council Subject: nablus

DEAR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS I SUGGEST THAT WE NOT TAKE ON NABLUS AS A SISTER CITY; PALESTINIAN TERRORISTS HAVE A STRONG SEAT THERE AND I WANT NO PART OF THAT.

TODAY'S PAPER HAD A GOOD IDEA AND THAT LETTER SAID TO MAKE HAIFA/NABLUS AND US TALK TO EACH OTHER. THAT IS A MUCH BETTER IDEA.

SINCERELY miriam paisner

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Chun Pan Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 5:43 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

We should support the Palestinian people!

Chun Pan

Lakewood, CO 80215

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mindy Pantiel Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 2:35 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council:

I am writing to voice my opposition to the Nablus Sister City Project for the following reasons:

 The human rights situation in Nablus is terrible. Honor killings and violence against women are prevalent and Palestinian women who have appealed to the authorities to combat these horrific realities have consistently been met with strong resistance from the government and other authorities.  Gays are persecuted in Nablus and often flee to Israel to seek asylum there. Certainly not in keeping with our own city's policy's regarding such issues as same sex marriage.  The Palestinian Authority represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.  It's clear from the out pouring of sentiments both for and against this project that approving such a measure would be extremely divisive and counter productive.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Mindy Pantiel Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:18 AM To: Council Subject: OPPOSE RACISM AND HATRED!!!

OPPOSE THE NABLUS SISTER CITY PROPOSAL!

Regards, Bobby Patrick

Sent from Bobby's iPhone

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: beatriz pestana Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 3:10 PM To: Council Cc: bea Subject: Boulder Nablus sister city relationship

Dear Council members, I am writing in support of the letter written by Rabbi Rose from Har Hashem. I am against having a sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus. Beatriz Pestana‐Osuna, Boulder County Resident

Sent from my iPhone

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Caren Philips Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:31 PM To: Council Subject: Against Nablus sister city proposal

Dear City Council members:

I am writing against approval for Nablus as a sister city, for all the reasons cited in the letters written by Joan Nagel and Rabbi Marc Solway. It would be a violation of the spirit and purpose of the sister city project to do so.

I have been a Boulder resident for over 40 years. I oppose the politicization of the sister city project.

Sincerely,

Caren Brandt Philips Boulder, CO 80304

Caren

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Tuesday, June 04 2013 8:27 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Anne Marie Pois Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:21 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am writing as a concerned voter and resident of the city of Boulder for forty‐three years. I was and am thrilled about the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. It gives the citizens of Boulder an opportunity to learn about the Palestinians as real, multi‐dimensional people with a rich culture. They are rarely portrayed this way in the media. We can reach out and experience the interconnectedness among Americans and Middle Easterners and build peaceful bonds through sharing our cultures. Historically the people of Boulder have connected with folks of countries with which the US government had difficulties: Cuba, USSR, Nicaragua. The sister city relationship is non‐political‐‐mostly people‐to‐people and we could enjoy this friendship even as we lay the foundations for peace. Please vote yes on this project and reveal your commitment to friendship with the ordinary citizens of Nablus. Do the right thing!

Anne Marie Pois

Boulder, CO 80302

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From: Schultheiss, Andy Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 2:42 PM To: Council Subject: Important Note Regarding Previous Communication

Councillors: Congressman Polis sent a letter to you, dated 2/27, in which he supports the concept of a new Sister City project between Boulder and Nablus. This was sent due to staff error, and should be considered withdrawn. The Congressman is and has always been a strong supporter of the Sister City program, and looks forward to doing what he can to help all Sister City projects that are approved by Council. He, however, takes no position on proposed projects that are still before Council.

We apologize for the confusion.

Andy Schultheiss District Director/Colorado Spokesperson Congressman Jared Polis

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Miriam Pollack Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 11:48 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus!

Dear Mayor Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council,

As a homeowner and long time resident of Boulder, I find It puzzling, at the very least, to learn that you, the mayor and council members are considering an alliance with Nablus as the sister city to Boulder. As educated and informed Americans, I trust that you are aware of the following salient facts:

1) the Human Rights record in the West Bank, and, particularly, Nablus, is egregious by any standard: honor killings against women and homosexuals, repression of freedom of speech and press;

2) the active and institutionalize promulgation of anti-Semitic and genocidal propaganda, not only against all Israelis, but against Jews worldwide (www.palwatch.org).

This is not a political issue; it is, fundamentally, a moral issue. If, indeed, you choose to vote for aligning Boulder with this hotbed of terrorism and anti-Semitism, you will be betraying your offices as elected representatives of Boulder, as well as the foundational principles of the U.S.

I would hope that you do your research and consider this decision very carefully.

Sincerely,

Miriam Pollack

Boulder, CO 80304 Literacy and Language Center

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Aida Porteneuve Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 4:20 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content

Aida Porteneuve

Long Beach, CA 90803

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: cameron powers Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 10:55 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Project

Boulder City Council,

I would like to express my strong support for the potential approval of the Nablus‐Boulder sister city relationship. It is by sharing our personal lives, our music and arts and our cultural traditions that a healthy global community is being formed. I really want Boulder to be a strong participant in this trend toward become one global family. I have devoted much of the last 20 years to building bridges between the citizens of the Arab world and the citizens of the USA. Here is a link to a Daily Camera article which covered some aspects of my work: http://www.musicalmissionsofpeace.org/mm/dcarticle.html And here is a link to a Boulder Weekly article: http://www.musicalmissionsofpeace.org/mm/article.html I have traveled into the West Bank and performed Arab love songs in Ramallah. I have seen the difficulties of the situation over there from up close. I have performed favorite Palestinian music in refugee camps in Syria. I can personally attest to the depth and beauty of the ancient wisdom which these people carry. Here is a link to a video about my and Kristina Sophia's work in the Arab world. The video includes footage of me in a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus and it gives a very clear picture of the welcome available to any US citizens who travel there with friendship in their hearts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWWRJJYx14U I was gifted the non‐profit organization, Musical Missions of Peace, in 2004 and it now has a history of working toward cross‐cultural understandings and mutual appreciation: http://www.musicalmissionsofpeace.org/ I have worked closely in the past to provide musical fundraising events for the Boulder‐ Dushanbe Sister City project ‐ all the way back to providing the music to which the visiting mayor of Dushanbe danced. I made it easy for him to do so by learning to perform Tadjik music. It was at that event that the gift of the Teahouse was announced. So I have seen the fruition of value in Boulder's sister city relations. Palestinian culture has been under‐ represented in the US and I hope that we all agree that we should jump at this chance to build some strong cultural bridges. I heartily urge Boulder City Council, in the spirit which comes from being part of a well‐ educated University community, to open our hearts and minds to this project. Many Thanks, Cameron Powers

Musical Missions of Peace 501c3: http://www.musicalmissionsofpeace.org

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Pamela Prichard Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 5:59 AM To: Council Subject: Why consider a terrorist center?

Why consider a terrorist organization center and Israel-hating city as Boulder's sister city? I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City! Pam Prichard

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: dalal qamheiah Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 3:46 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content dalal qamheiah mississauga, ON l5m 3j9

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 2:54 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus as a sister city

Dear City Council Members,

With respect to making Nablus a sister city to Boulder, I would like to respectfully recommend you deny this proposal based on the letter sent by Rabbi Rose from Congregation Har Hashem.

If it is not an issue that can be denied immediately, I strongly recommend that you shelve your decision until further research has been completed.

Sincerely,

Daniel Quiat, a concerned Boulder resident.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 3:26 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Boulder connection

I am writing to support the Nablus Boulder connection. The conflict in Israel-Palestine requires careful study to understand, study that most of us are reluctant to take the time to do. If there is to be peace, wherever possible we need to support these kinds of connections and to encourage our Jewish friends especially to learn the facts. The Palestinians have borne a great deal of pain in the past 100 years as Jews did what they felt they needed to do to create a Jewish state. Unfortunately their plans did not include a viable plan for the people who lived in Palestine and so largely they have been displaced. Most of the world now stands on the side of the Palestinians in their effort to gain status and a right to self determination in the land that historically has been their home for thousands of years. Only the United States and a very few small islands and countries persist in denying them a fair deal. Standing up and being counted can make a significant impact on the outcome of this story.

Thank you.

Carol Quinn Denver 80224

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Dr Marsha Rano Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 10:50 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

Importance: High

Dear members of Boulder’s City Council~

I have been to Israel several times and was in Nablus, Samaria in the West Bank two years ago. So long as the people of Nablus and its government officials support, endorse, promote and take part in acts of terrorism against their neighbors, the Israeli people—or any other group of people—I stand against and vehemently oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City. (Read the article below concerning the butchering of Fogel family members in Itamar, just outside Nablus, Samaria.)

For an American city to partner with a known terrorist city such as Nablus would be an overt act in support of hate crimes, racism, bigotry, discrimination, genocide, and terrorism per se—acts America vehemently opposes and has laws to protects its citizens against.

Ergo, for Boulder to become a Sister City to Nablus, a city known for such dangerous ideologies as those mentioned in the previous paragraph, would be considered nothing less than an act of terror per se on Boulder’s part.

Respectfully~

Dr. Marsha Rano

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

FREEDOM EDEN

"Stand with anybody that stands RIGHT. Stand with him while he is right and PART with him when he goes wrong." --Abraham Lincoln

Monday, March 14, 2011

Fogel Family Murders

This story is unbearably sad.

Aaron Klein reports on the brutal murders of five members of the Fogel family in the Jewish village of Itamar.

He writes that terror cells from the Palestinian Authority's military wing were involved.

The Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the "military wing" of PA President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party, at first released a pamphlet taking responsibility for the attack and then quickly retracted the statement.

Top sources in the Brigades leadership in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, however, confirmed to WND that members of the Fatah group planned and helped to carry out the attack.

The sources claimed the attack was not sanctioned by the Fatah leadership but was planned by Brigades members who were acting as individuals.

Also, the sources said the actual perpetrators of the attack were sleeper cells from Hamas, while the Brigades leaders planned the attack, provided logistical support and aided in the Hamas agents' escape.

If accurate, this would evidence unusual cooperation between Hamas and Fatah rivals.

The details of the slaughter are very difficult to read.

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented auto matic downlo ad o f this picture from the Internet.

Yesterday's massacre, in the northern West Bank village of Itamer, saw Palestinian assailants stab to death the Fogel family – father Udi, 37, mother Ruth, 36, 10-year-old Yoav, 4-year-old Elad, and 3-month-old Hadas – inside their home. Two other children in the house at the time were not hurt in the attack, apparently because the terrorists did not notice them.

Israel National News reported the initial findings of the investigation show the terrorists stabbed the Fogel family's sleeping 3-year-old in the heart and slashed the throat of his 3-month-old sister.

The assailants apparently entered the Fogel's home through a living room window. They did not notice a 6-year- old boy sleeping on the couch and continued on to the bedroom, where they slashed the throats of the father and 2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public newborn baby sleeping there.

The mother, Ruth, came out of the bathroom and was stabbed in the doorway. The evidence shows she tried to fight the terrorists.

The Palestinians found 10-year old Yoav reading in bed when they stabbed him to death.

They apparently also did not notice a 2-year old asleep in his bed, but murdered the 3-year old with two stabs to his heart.

After that, the terrorists reportedly locked the door of the house and exited through the window.

The Fogel's 12-year-old daughter returned home only to find the horrific scene. She reportedly ran out of the house screaming.

According to reports, she was not able to initially enter the locked house so she woke up a neighbor, who assisted her in waking up one of the sleeping children inside the Fogel home who had had not been noticed by the terrorists....

3 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: MARKREAD1850 Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 12:20 PM To: Council Cc: Subject: Nablus Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

I agree strongly with Rabbi Rose's letter.

Boulder is being used for propaganda purposes.

Very sincerely, Mark Read

From: "Congregation Har HaShem" Sent: Monday, May 6, 2013 12:02:31 PM Subject: Time Urgent Request from Rabbi Rose

Dear Friends,

I am writing to ask you to read the attached letter that I wrote to the Boulder City Council regarding the recent initiative to create a sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus. If you are in agreement with the letter, I would appreciate it if you could send a brief letter note to the City Council expressing your opposition to the initiative. You should email it to [email protected]

You could just say that you agree with the sentiments expressed in Rabbi Rose's letter (or attach the letter and say "in the attached letter"). More significant, however, would be to briefly write your own letter. You could use my letter as a source for ideas and you are welcome to use the talking points that appear at the end of this email.

The Boulder City Council is keeping track of how many letters they receive are "pro" and how many are "con" regarding the Boulder Nablus Sister City relationship.

Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who lives in the city of

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Boulder.

Thanks and Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rose

Talking points:

I. The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal.

1. Honor killings and violence against women are prevalent in the West Bank. Palestinian women who have appealed to the PA to combat these horrific realities have consistently been met with strong resistance from the government and other authorities.

2. Gays persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank often flee to Israel and seek asylum there.

3. The P.A. represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.

4. The P.A. Restricts access to and allows desecration of a Jewish religious shrine (Joseph's Tomb) in Nablus.

II. The dangerous and violent situation in the West Bank and Nablus, fostered by terrorism, has led several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, to warn against travel to the West Bank and to Nablus.

III. Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. The Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project (BNSCP) is not. It is based on a one-sided viewpoint of the Israel-Palestine conflict which demonizes the Israelis and absolves the Palestinians of responsibility for their role in the conflict.

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Beverly Reeves Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 8:37 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I am Bev Reeves, a retired newspaper publisher and owner. I have visited Palestine and Israel and observed the sad situation of the nation of Palestine living under military occupation. I stayed in the home of Palestinian Christians and found them to be very friendly and loving despite their hardships. They watch American TV shows and enjoy hearing about our customs and culture. What more wonderful way to share each others' country than as sister cities. Any positive relationship between US and Palestinian cities is a step toward peace and recognition that people everywhere are human beings and deserve the respect friendships bring. So, I urge the Boulder City Council not to bow down to political pressure. In my experience with city governments, sister city designations have not been an issue where a group of people objected on no grounds whatsoever. Please do the right thing.

Beverly Reeves

Loveland, CO 80537

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Andrew Reid Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 2:00 PM To: Council Subject: Re: Nablus Sister City matter

I has come to my attention that Boulder is considering establishing a Sister City relationship with the Palestinian city of Nablis.

My family and I have been residents of Boulder for 20+ years and are strong supporters of the diversity of the community, particularly the contributions of those from other lands. Exposure to international cultures and issues is extremely important to the growth of our children and community. The Boulder Sister City program is a highlight of this - as evidenced by the Tea House. The Palestinian - Israeli issue is one of the key global concerns of our time that impacts the image of America and Americans abroad and our safety and well-being here (virtually also "terrorist" acts against Americans by Muslims have not been based on religion but on the way America racially and ethnically targets and attacks the Muslim community and wages wars and occupies and interferes with the democratic process and internal affairs of much of the Arab and Muslim world). Therefore, it is extremely important that we encourage contact, dialogue, and exchanges between American and Boulderites with communities particularly in Palestine and especially places like Nablus which are at the center of this issue. Only in that way can we ever aspire to resolve these matters through international peace and fellowship rather than through perpetual and unjust wars and occupations.

For those reasons, I VERY strongly support including Nablus in Boulder's Sister City program.

Andrew B. Reid Boulder, CO 80303

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Roberta Reinfeld Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 6:15 PM To: Council Subject: I totally oppose the Boulder Nablus Sister City Proposal

To: Boulder City Council Members,

I moved to Boulder 13 years ago and lived in Boulder until I moved to Louisville 6 years ago. I shop, eat, go to movies, classes and doctors in Boulder, and enjoy and treasure having Boulder as a part of my life. I am, frankly, astounded that Boulder would even consider linking their name and their values with a city that smacks of terrorism, suicide attacks, rape, CELEBRATION OF THE DEATHS OF SEPTEMBER 11th, CELEBRATIONS OF TERROR ATTACK AT SBARRO PIZZA PLAZA WITH PICTURES OF BODY PARTS AND BLOOD STAINED WALLS. This cannot be a city that Boulder holds up as an example of what we seek kinship with in a "sister city". Sincerely, Roberta Reinfeld

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Shira Reiss Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 3:14 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

Jeffrey and Sheila Reiss

855 Rainlily Ln

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Judy Richtel Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 11:16 AM To: Council Subject: opposition to Sister City Nablus Attachments: Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

I would like to add my voice to the opposition expressed in the attached letter to allowing Nablus to be a Sister City to Boulder. Rather than reiterating the sentiments, simply note that I am in agreement with what is expressed. thank you for your consideration. Judy Richtel.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Darrow, Alisa

From: Barbara Rogan Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 8:56 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus, Sister City??????

Nablus does not support basic human rights -- what do you think about honor killings, lack of respect for women as well as free press? Shame on you for considering the proposal to make Nablus a sister city to Boulder. This decision would be a black eye for a great city.

Please think this over carefully.

Barbara Rogan

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Michael Rollins Sent: Saturday, June 01, 2013 2:47 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My name is Michael Rollins and I am writing to express my support of the Nablus Sister City Project. I am a constituent of Boulder. I have both Palestinian and Jewish friends. This project is about friendship and people‐to‐people diplomacy. It is non‐political. Life if difficult for the Palestinian people who live under military occupation. One of my Palestinian friends lost their home during the 1948 Israeli war and never recovered it. Eventually they left Palestine. Life continues to be difficult for the Palestinian people. They can use all the friends they can get. Our city and its people will benefit from this relationship. To be opposed to this project means that one is taking a political stance. That's not what sister cities are about. Please give your support to this project which will benefit our city.

Michael Rollins

Boulder, CO 80302

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Beverly Rosenschein Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 12:13 PM To: Council Subject: Opposition to adopt Nablus as a sister city: Please confirm receipt of this email and that you will count my opposition

Dear Members of the City Council,

I am writing this letter in opposition to the proposal for Boulder to adopt Nablus as a Sister City.

I have lived in Boulder for 19 years. I care deeply about Israel and peace, too.

There are other on-going efforts in Boulder that focus on bringing peace to Israel and the Palestinian territories. C.U. Hillel students hosted a dinner with Muslim students and we have hosted a dinner for Palestinian journalists visiting C.U., providing an opportunity for Palestinians and Jews to be involved in good, open dialogue.

Boulder bicyclists have participated for three years in fundraising rides for the benefit of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, which is an environmental education and research program in the Middle East whose student body is comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world.

These are all great programs designed to bring about peace. Many of them are on-going in nature. There has been no request or need for the City Council to endorse or sanction these programs.

I oppose the Nablus Sister City proposal because those who initiated this proposal are supportive of only one side’s narrative in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A report on the Nablus Sister City website stated that the group is apolitical but immediately follows that statement with the following very political phrase: “we also need to promote the understanding that the sister-ship is a powerful expression of solidarity with the people and city under occupation.”

The blogs of Guy Benintendi, the founder and coordinator of the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project, has equated Palestinian suicide bombers to Jewish fighters against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and has contended that Israel’s security tactics against Palestinian terrorists are no different than HAMAS’ agenda of violence against Israelis and Jews. This rhetoric that is behind the Sister City proposal is very much a political attack on Israel and demonizes the Israelis.

We also oppose this Sister City proposal because it would inappropriately link Boulder to human rights violations in Nablus and the West Bank. Boulder’s Sister City Resolution

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public No. 631 states that any sister city agreement must contain a statement of a basic commitment of respect for human rights.

“Honor killings” of daughters and sisters for allegedly violating the Islamist norms on sexual behavior including premarital sex, continues to be a practice in and around Nablus. At least 12 women were reported to have been killed in 2012. An April 15, 2013, article posted on the website of Ma’an News Agency, a “main source of independent news in Palestine” states that President Mahmoud Abbas has no plans to amend laws that reduce sentences for suspects who claim an “honor” defense for murdering women.

Nablus has the reputation of being a hotbed of Palestinian militancy. As recently as April 17, 2013, the Jerusalem Post on-line edition reported that a senior Hamas terrorist was arrested in Nablus. Ziyad Marish was part of a cell involved in a shooting attack on a bus station near Ariel two months ago where an IDF soldier and an Israel civilian were wounded.

Boulder Resolution No. 631 emphasizes “exchanges of diverse cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs.” We do not believe that a Sister City relationship should be used as a platform or one-way street for political complaints. No Jewish person can speak for all, but for many the relationship to Israel runs deep. Adopting Nablus as a Sister City would be a very divisive move for Boulder.

At a time when President Obama and Secretary Kerry have recently been in the Middle East and are trying to initiate peace talks, it is inappropriate for the city of Boulder to be endorsing a group that is demonizing one party. It is our hope that the City Council agrees that the highly political Nablus Sister City proposal does not satisfy the goals of the Sister City Program.

Sincerely, Beverly Rosenschein

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Marci Rosenthal Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 3:46 PM To: Council Cc Subject: No to Nablus

Dear City Council Members:

I am a Boulder resident, former CU student, and now the parent of a high-school-aged student in Boulder. I've read with deep concern and dismay that the City Council will be considering a proposal for pairing Boulder with Nablus as a "sister city."

I've read the incendiary political blog written by the man who is driving this proposal and I've seen the photo he posted of himself standing in downtown Boulder, wearing a sign which reads "Zionism Equals Racism."

As an American and a Jew who would love nothing more than to have world peace and human rights for everyone-- as most people in Boulder claim to want--I object to being called a racist for believing that Jews have a right to their historic homeland in Israel. The real agenda behind promoting Nablus as a sister city to Boulder is to delegitimize and demonize Israel by getting Boulder's presumed credibility as a "progressive" city to pair with Nablus.

Why would Boulder want to officially pair with a city that has produced, celebrated, honored and revered more suicide bombers than any other city on the West Bank? Why would Boulder want to officially join in solidarity with a city that arrests journalists who criticize its leadership, persecutes gay people, women, and rape victims? How is this progressive by any stretch of the imagination?

Why would the City of Boulder want to officially go on record as supporting a sister city partnership with a city whose population chose to dance in the streets and distribute candy when planes hijacked by Islamist terrorists flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 9-11? If you haven't seen the video clips of the people of Nablus celebrating, you owe it to the citizens of Boulder to watch them before you decide on this proposal. People from all over the world died in the Towers that day, including Muslims. Some were incinerated, some were crushed, some suffocated, and some chose to hold hands with others, or go it alone and take some control of their imminent deaths by jumping off the roof and splattering on the pavement more than one hundred stories below.

If pairing with Nablus is what it now means to be "progressive," the definition of the word has become a mockery.

Individuals have every right to support what they see as "the Palestinian cause," to travel to Gaza in "solidarity" with Hamas, or join with the citizens of Nablus as they honor suicide bombers and display replicas of the death and carnage their martyrs have caused. But for the City of Boulder to officially support these efforts is far beyond the pale of the civilized world.

I hope you have the intelligence to see this ploy for what it is, and the wisdom and decency to reject this proposal for Nablus as a Sister City.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Marci Rosenthal Boulder, CO

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Marci Rosenthal Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 1:42 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus school curricula

Dear City Council,

Who doesn't want world peace? Who doesn't want to think the best of people?

If you read the official text books provided by us, the American taxpayer, to UNWRA‐‐the United Nations Relief Organization specifically charged with "helping" the Palesinian "refugees" that resulted when the Arabs rejected the U.N. vote to divide the British Mandate of Palestine into two states: one Arab, one Jewish and waged war instead, you will learn who doesn't want to live side by side, in peace.

If you will take the time to watch the video embedded in the link below, you will learn specifically what the children of Nablus are taught in the official Palestinian textbooks we pay for. I would be willing to wager that Mr. Benintendi's group proposing a Sister City would be in full agreement with the "lessons" in these text books. http://www.israelbehindthenews.com/bin/content.cgi?ID=5382

How sad that actual history is not taught to these children. How angry they might be if they knew that Israel resettled every single one of the 750,00 Jews who were kicked out of Arab countries during the War of Independence, leaving their homes and property behind, while the Arabs have left their brethren to smolder in victimhood and hatred in refugee camps, blaming the Jews for "occupying" their land.

As a U.S. citizen, isn't it bad enough that I am forced to fund these text books? Must I also suffer the outrage of my city supporting the annihilationist Palestinian narrative, under the guise of peace and tolerance, espoused by this local group?

Marci Rosenthal Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Marci Rosenthal Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 11:03 AM To: Council Subject: Another reason to say "No" to Nablus

Dear Council,

The article linked below describes the unbridgeable cultural divide between Israel and her neighbors. Please read it to gain an understanding of this intractable situation and the futility and actual choosing to side with evil in attempting to "partner" with Nablus. http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a‐tale‐of‐two‐hearts/

Marci Rosenthal

Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Marci Rosenthal Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 4:17 PM To: Council Subject: Do Boulder and Nablus share values?

Dear Council Members:

One of the arguments being made by the group proposing Sister City partnering with Nablus is that Boulder and Nablus are so similar: both university, "foodie" towns with "shared values." Really?

Please educate yourselves about the values of the Palestinian Authority that rules Nablus and decide for yourselves. Your decision about partnering with Nablus will say a lot about your values as the people who govern Boulder. http://frontpagemag.com/2013/dgreenfield/murderer‐of‐13‐children‐appointed‐top‐adviser‐to‐palestinian‐ authority‐president/

Marci Rosenthal Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jane Rubinstein Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 4:25 PM To: Council Subject: No to Boulder Nablus Sister City Project

May 29, 2013

Mayor Appelbaum and distinguished City Council Members:

I am writing to express my opposition to the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project. As a feminist since my youth, and a believer in equality for all, I cannot in good conscience support a proposal to partner with a city that allows predatory and cruel “honor killings” – murder, by any reasonable description – of women and gays. This practice is entirely antithetical to everything Boulder stands for.

Human Rights Watch defines “honor killings” as “acts of vengeance, usually death, committed by male family members against female family members, who are held to have brought dishonor upon the family....The mere perception that a woman has behaved in a way that 'dishonors' her family is sufficient to trigger an attack upon her life.” Amnesty International says this: “The regime of honor is unforgiving: women...are not given an opportunity to defend themselves....”

In fact, a culture of femicide, justified by the smallest perceived slight or “loss of honor” to a family, extends throughout the entire land under the governance of the Palestinian Authority, as acknowledged by multiple members of that same government.

It is estimated that numerous women die this way, with their bodies left in fields, wells, or streets. These anonymous deaths are most often described as “suspicious” and attributed to “fate” or “suicide.” The PA does not keep statistics on victims of honor killings but such deaths are on the rise. Gay men are also targeted in a similar manner.

At present, if the perpetrators are identified, which is unlikely and greatly at odds with cultural norms, they are imprisoned for no more than a few months. A defense of “honor” killing immediately earns the defendant a reduced sentence. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not change the laws to punish these crimes as severely as other types of murder, according to his legal advisor, Hassan al-Ouri, as he recently told the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency. This is despite Abbas's earlier promise to do so.

Additionally, the head of the PA Interior Ministry's democracy and human rights unit acknowledged that the law “encourages some people to commit crimes against women....”

According to Palestinian women's rights activists, the weakness of relevant laws encourages men to use “honor” as a defense for the murder of any woman. A growing number of activists have asserted that these killings will not stop until there is a fundamental change in the underlying culture.

There are very few shelters in the West Bank for women at risk. One is in Nablus, but it is severely underutilized, according to Human Rights Watch. Women are required to wait for lengthy administrative periods prior to gaining admittance. In many cases, to wait is to die.

While this situation continues, I must oppose the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project and ask that the City Council do the same.

Sincerely,

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Jane Rubinstein Boulder, Colorado

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rubinstein, David M. Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 5:44 PM To: Council

For the reasons sketched by Mr. Cohen et al. it would be a terrible mistake ‐ a disgrace ‐ to ally Boulder with a city that abuses its own population and is a source of anti‐Israeli terrorism.

Guy Benintendi is an advocate for Hamas, an organization explicitly devoted to the destruction of Israel.

David Rubinstein Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 11:24 AM To: Council Subject: Letter opposing Nablus sister city project

9 May 2013

To the members of the Boulder City Council:

As I think about possible pros and cons of adopting the city of Nablus in the disputed territories of the West Bank / Samaria / Palestine as a sister city of Boulder, I see only cons.

Who from Boulder is going to visit the city to see its sights and partake in its culture? The U.S. State Department doesn’t allow its employees and dependents to go there because of safety concerns.

The anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish character of the city is illustrated by a December 2012 rally celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Hamas. The rally drew some 10,000 people to Martyrs’ Square in the midst of the city. Recall that the Hamas Charter advocates the killing of Jews and articulates the goal of establishing a Palestinian state which would include all of the current state of Israel. And since Hamas has exercised political control over Gaza beginning in 2007, it has lobbed thousands of rockets into Israel to terrorize Israeli civilians.

Is there any question of who were the “martyrs” for whom Martyrs’ Square is named? Think about terrorists wearing suicide vests, intent on killing innocents, and you’ve got the picture. Remember the Sbarro Pizza bombing in Jerusalem in 2001 and the exhibit glorifying the bombing which Palestinian students set up shortly afterward in, you guessed it, Nablus.

Nablus was a center for Arab militants during the Second Intifada from 2000 to 2005. It incorporates three Palestinian refugee camps within its city limits, camps which are breeding grounds for anti- Israeli. anti-Jewish, and anti-Western hatred, camps which would not exist if fellow Arab states in the region had decades ago offered those living in the camps the opportunities to resettle and integrate themselves into other countries in the area. (Recall that the country of Israel absorbed some 800,000 Jewish emigrants from Arab lands who fled in the wake of anti-Semitism following the founding of the modern state of Israel.)

Nablus, the location of the biblical city of Shechem, contains the site traditionally considered the tomb of the biblical figure Joseph. The tomb has been vandalized numerous times; Jewish worshippers in January 2013 observed recent vandalism presumably caused by urine and by arson attempts. This followed an October 2011 vandalization with swastikas. At present, Jews are able to pray at the tomb of Joseph only once a month, with the Israeli military providing a security escort.

And a gay Moslem, a Nablus native, in May 2012 appealed to the Israeli High Court of Justice not to be deported from Israel, where he’d been living for ten years. He feared that, if forced to return to Palestinian ruled territory, he’d be murdered because of his homosexuality. Ah, there’s no place like home.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Why would Boulder want to establish a sister city relationship with Nablus, a place with many residents who practice the antitheses of peace, freedom, and tolerance? The world is a large place, with many cities which are appropriate sister city candidates. Nablus is not.

Emily A. Rudd

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:50 PM To: Council Subject: Sisterhood with the City from Hell

Council members:

In the world of liberal utopian fantasy, sisterhood with the notorious City from Hell would make us safer, since we would be compassionately reaching out to our poor, misunderstood pseudo-enemies.

However, in the real world, once word gets out, this action will attract jihadists from all over America to our new "jihadist sanctuary city."

This has foreseeable but stupidly "unintended" consequences to our safety. Among other consequences, we will need to rethink whether we can safely continue our Bolder Boulder race every year. And we may really need those high-capacity magazines after all.

On the positive side, this would be the fastest way ever to mug clueless Boulderites with reality and convert them to conservatism.

Sincerely,

Jack Rudd Boulder, CO 80301

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 7:27 PM To: Council Subject: Fwd: Results from Pew's polling of Muslims worldwide

You folks would be well advised not to send any adulterers, sodomites or lapsed Muslims to Nablus.

Jack Rudd

http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/01/nine‐things‐youll‐learn‐from‐pews‐poll‐of‐the‐worlds‐muslims/3/

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:23 AM To: Darrow, Alisa Subject: FW: Web Email

‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐

Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2013 5:21 PM To: Subject: Web Email

name: Alan Rudy email: topic: Other other_topic: Sister City Progarm comments: To Mayor and Council:

While attending this year's Conference on World Affairs I was stunned to be handed a pamphlet authored by the Boulder Sister Cities program advocting Palestinain issues and condeming Israel.

I am familiar with Sister Cities programs elsewhere. I have never seen one with a political agenda. As a tax paying, involved Boulder citizen, I strongly object to our city supporting such a progarm.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Marian Safran Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 7:56 AM To: Council Subject: Opposition to Nablus Sister Cities Project

Attn: Boulder City Council

I fully endorse the position of Rabbi Marc Soloway with respect to adopting Nablus as a Sister City of Boulder. His opposition to the project is eloquently explained in his letter (below).

Thank you, Marian Safran Resident of Boulder since 1965

Dear Members of Boulder City Council,

I have been a rabbi in this community since 2004 and, in that time, have greatly valued the various dialogues I have had the opportunity to be part of with colleagues in different faith traditions, as well as with citizens of different cultural, religious and political perspectives from my own. I have also spent a great deal of time in Israel, including visits to the West Bank on a program called "Encounter," in which I engaged with Muslim and Christian Palestinians and listened to their narratives. In my years living in Israel, I was connected to many activists there working for peace and reconciliation and know that so many Israelis want to live peacefully side by side with their neighbors and believe in a two state solution, as I do.

I have read through much of the materials of the proposed Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project and met some of the organizers and, after much soul searching and consideration, I have really decided that I must express my opposition to the project, as I believe that it will create more polarization in our city than togetherness. It just does not seem like the project is about promoting peace, and all the materials I have read are only interested in an absolutely one-sided narrative of a deeply complex and painful situation between these two peoples. It also must be pointed out that while Nablus for sure has many peaceful citizens, it has also been a center of radical elements over the years that cannot be condoned by our beautiful city.

If there was ever the possibility of a tri-city project with an Israeli and a Palestinian city partnering with Boulder, I would be strongly in support of such a collaboration, but as a leader of the Jewish community, I am writing to oppose the proposal and join the other voices in our community that have also expressed opposition. 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Thank you very much.

Yours sincerely,

Rabbi Marc Soloway

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: William Safran Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 7:23 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus

To Members of the Boulder, CO City Council:

I fully support the position expressed in the letter by Joan Nagel regarding the Nablus Sister City proposal. We must not politicize Sister City projects by using them as ideological tools.

William Safran

Professor Emeritus William Safran University of Colorado at Boulder Department of Political Science

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: R Sawalha To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project Date: Tuesday, April 09, 2013 8:17:22 AM

Dear Boulder City Council Members, My name is Rami Sawalha. I am Palestinian living in a village near the city of Nablus. I am also graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln with PhD in Agricultural sciences / Livestock breeding. I have visited the beautiful Colorado state while I was studying and have very good memories of the Rockies which reminded me of the mountainous nature of Nablus (though the scale is different). I am writing to highly endorse the proposed Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project. I believe the project will only bring positive outcomes to both Boulder and Nablus citizens. I have experienced the two cultures (Palestinian and American) for myself and family. I attended UNL to do my PhD through Fulbright scholarship, a US grant from the State Department with the main purpose of mutual cultural exchange between different nations. It was a landmark experience for me to live in the US and know the people and experience the American life and culture. There is nothing more effective in eroding the naturally deep rooted mistrust between people and nations than letting them get closer and know each others for real. People here in the Palestine know very little about America and Americans as they only rely on what they get through politically polarized media and factious Hollywood movies. The same applies for most Americans, with some do not know about the existence of Palestinians or have a media stereotyped image about the region and people. I am sure the project will have effective role in bringing the citifies of Boulder and Nablus together. Both cities have great to offer to each others. The city of Nablus is very culturally rich. It has the largest Palestinian population and also the largest higher academic institution (An Najah National University) with many young people who are aspired for knowledge and learning about others. The city is well known for local industries such as a very popular dissert in the region (called Kunafa which is as popular as Donuts in the US), soap making using locally produced olive oil besides its unique centuries old local market (Khan). I am sure both cities have much to offer and exchange to both their locals bringing mutual understanding, and hopefully, long and lasting friendships for generations to come. I hope you also endorse the initiative to establish sistership between our two cities. Kind regards, Rami Sawalha, PhD Nablus, West Bank Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: prudence scarritt Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 3:36 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City

Dear Friends: We are Prudence and Jim Scarritt and we have lived in Boulder since 1961 (and have been homeowners since 1962). We have lived in various countries: Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, England, and France. We have also traveled to Cuba, Venezuela, and the USSR.

We were fortunate enough to host two women from the Circle of the Bereaved who were attending a Middle East Peace Conference in Boulder. One of the women is an israeli and one is a Palestinian. It was an especially wonderful experience to have them visit. They both had lost close family members to violence. We are, therefore, much in favor of a sister city relationship with Nablus.

Since we already have people-to-people relationships with various cities: Cuba- with whom our current national relationship is ambiguous; Dushambe - beginning while the US was in a cold war mode; and Jalapa, Nicaragua -when there was a dispute between the Sandanistas and the Contras. (Our daughter was there as part of a school building delegation).

We support our joining with other cities in the US in a relationship with a Palestinian city. This may enhance the prospects for genuine peace process.

Please support this endeavor.

Sincerely, Prudence & James Scarritt

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Inna Sch Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 10:10 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus

I agree with the sentiments expressed in Rabbi Rose's letter. My reasoning behind it is that Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. The Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project (BNSCP) is not. It is based on a one‐sided viewpoint of the Israel‐Palestine conflict which demonizes the Israelis and absolves the Palestinians of responsibility for their role in the conflict.

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public FROM THE DESK OF T 303 494 3994 REB ZALMAN HIYYAH SCHACHTER-SHALOMI E [email protected]

March 29, 2013

Mayor Appelbaum and Boulder City Council City of Boulder Boulder, CO

Dear Mayor Appelbaum and Boulder City Council Members,

As an elder in the Jewish community in Boulder, I wish to express my resounding support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project. As a Holocaust survivor, I certainly understand the concerns you might hear expressed by some in our community. Notwithstanding these feelings, I can personally attest to having visited a venerable Shaikh, Sidi Hassan of blessed memory, in Nablus and Balata and was the recipient their friendship. With goodwill others have experienced the same hospitality I received.

Overcoming psychological blocks by recognizing the humanity in each and every one of our neighbors is exactly what is needed to foster a peaceful world. This is the beauty of the sister city concept, and Boulderites surely appreciate the benefits from our other sister'd cities, Dushanbe, Lhasa, and others.

It is therefore with great joy that I endorse the work of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project. Their working to create opportunities for individuals in both cities to get to know each other are critical in these challenging times. When citizens of Boulder have the opportunity to meet citizens of Nablus, fears will be transformed into smiles and open hearts. Too, there is considerable need in the West Bank for both resources and expertise; the generous and well-off community of Boulder can benefit greatly through the act of donating skills and time in service to others.

In addition, giving Boulder citizens the opportunity to learn about the West Bank population whether on delegations, volunteer brigades or summer internships can only help deepen their understanding, and therefore compassion, for peoples of the world — an essential ingredient in the effort to make peace.

Sincerely yours,

Reb Zalman Hiyyah Schachter-Shalomi -

ברכות בכל חלקי החיים

Blessings where they will do the most good for you

1720 LEHIGH STREET BOULDER, CO 80305 WWW.RZLP.ORG Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: LeslieSchaeffer Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 9:27 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City. This is incendiary and hateful and I am stunned that Boulder would even remotely consider this racist proposal.

Leslie R. Schaeffer

Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Chany Scheiner Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 5:12 PM To: Council Subject: Weighing in on the Nablus Sister City project

--

Dear Mayor Appelbaum and Members of the City Council,

I am writing you to weigh in about the proposed Nablus Sister City project.

I have lived in Boulder for the past twenty one years and have found the people in Boulder, friendly, tolerant and well balanced.

I am apprehensive about the Boulder Sister city project partnering with Nablus.

Firstly, being a Sister city is a way to support another culture with friendship, partnership and an exchange of ideas and cultures. As many know, Nablus is the home of a hotbed of terrorism and I am wondering is Boulder ready to open our doors to extremists who may use the guise of friendship as a way to enter Colorado?

Additionally, being a Sister city is supposed to be a way to encourage Boulderrites to visit and exchange culture. If members of the Boulder community who are against land for peache would choose to visit Nablus their safety would be compromised. Is this the message we want to give to Nablus as well as the Boulder Community that one can be a hotbed of terrorism and still be looked upon in friendship and sharing of cultures?

I think that this move needs to be seriously examined as it is not in line with the openness and sensitivity and embracing all cultures that I have come to know in Boulder.

On a different note, thank you for all that you are doing for the Boulder Community, we appreciate it!

Sincerely,

Chany Scheiner

Chany Scheiner Chany Scheiner| Program-Director Lubavitch of Boulder County O. 303.494.1638 | E. [email protected] 4900 Sioux Drive, Boulder, Co, 80303

Lubavitch of Boulder County, where every Jew is family.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Carl Schneider Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 10:17 AM To: Council Subject: sister city

Please do not add Nablus to the list of sister cities. Only consider this after the arabs renounce all their opposition to Israel. Carl Schneider

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rob Schware Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 9:55 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project letter of support

Boulder Changemakers: Yoga in the West Bank

The first dedicated yoga studios in the West Bank are named Farashe, or “butterfly” in Arabic. The name reflects the founders’ hope for yoga’s transformational effect on residents, whose daily stresses include commuting through military checkpoints, unstable employment, and political unrest. “We started Farashe to provide a safe space for Palestinians to breathe and relieve the stress of their harsh daily realities,” says Maha Shawreb, one of the founders.

Support from several Boulder organizations has allowed Farashe to keep class fees low and to expand its reach beyond an initial studio in Ramallah to Nablus. The Give Back Yoga Foundation donated mats and yoga props for the two studios; the Boulder-Nablus Sister City donated laptops to allow the two centers to communicate with each other and for teachers to access Arabic- language yoga teaching materials. Calming Kids translated its elementary age “Yoga Keeps Me Calm, Fit & Focused” into Arabic and made it accessible to Farashe. (This book was originally made possible through funding from the Colorado Medical Society Alliance, Boulder County Medical Society Alliance, and Energy Source, Inc.)

Transformation is already taking place for the women who’ve been touched by Farashe. “When we worked in a refugee camp, the women were so refreshed to just sit together, to observe their breath,” says Maha.

The Give Back Yoga Foundation plans to bring to Boulder two of the Nablus teachers in October 2013. One currently teaches in three government schools selected by the Ministry of Education to have yoga classes. She teaches girls between the ages of 10-12 years. She teaches them breathing and then an asana practice. The girls LOVE it, and have all said how it has helped them with their concentration for studying, and improved their relations at home. She also teaches kindergartners yoga at a private Montesori school.

The other has a medical background and would like to get training in yoga therapy/yoga as medicine. She has received certification in Reiki and non- violent communication. She would like to get further general yoga teacher training. Both have the goal of running studios to bring yoga to more Palestinians. Both would like to learn about how studios are run and managed in Boulder.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Give Back Yoga Foundation is in full support with the mission of the Boulder- Nablus Sister City Project ,which is to foster citizen diplomacy between residents of the two cities, based on exchanges, and creating lifelong friendships. Boulder stands to benefit from these exchanges by sharing what we find unique and special about Boulder with citizens across the globe --the largest number of yoga studios per GDP and the beauty of dispelling negative stereotypes, amongst other things.

We are reaching out to the City Council to support this initiative.

Further information, please contact: Rob Schware

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2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Kenneth Schwartz Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 5:26 PM To: Council

Dear Boulder City Council,

You don’t have to be a genius or Jewish to understand the Palestinians simply want to eradicate Israel from the face of the earth. This concept is taught very early to young Palestinians. When you grow up believing that, you live your entire life with that concept in mind.

We don’t need a sister city that wants to kill our distant relatives in Israel.

Please don’t allow the Nablus Sister City project to happen here in Boulder. It will only enable the Israel and Jew haters here to have another soapbox to stand on.

Thanks for your consideration,

Ken Schwartz Boulder

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Paul Schwartz Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 3:07 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Proposal

Dear Mayor Applebaum and Members of the City Council:

I am a fifteen-year resident of, and a small business owner in, Boulder. I support a two-state solution for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. I oppose, however, the proposed Nablus Sister City proposal. Israeli- Palestinian peace is a complex and highly politicized issue. Boulder's sister city program should not take sides - - or, just as important, be perceived as taking sides -- in respect to political issues. That is especially true when opinions vary materially within Boulder as to those issues. While I do not doubt that some of the consequences of the proposed relationship would be cultural, any suggestion that the project would be, and would be perceived as being, purely apolitical lacks credibility. Adoption of the proposal would be viewed by many, both within and outside Boulder, as an endorsement of the Palestinian side of the conflict. I urge the Council to reject the proposed sister city relationship.

Paul Schwartz

-- Paul H. Schwartz SHOEMAKER GHISELLI + SCHWARTZ LLC Pearl Street Boulder, Colorado 80302

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1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: LaRoy and Mary Seaver Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:46 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

It is exciting to us to have Boulder consider identifying Nablus as a "sister city". We have been in Nablus and other cities in the West Bank. All the people there are fellow‐citizens with us of this one planet, Earth. Anything that can be done to increase our aqwareness of and identifi‐ cation with each other has extraordinary value.

This relationship is simply a recognizing and getting‐to‐know‐you kind of thing. It is not a political act that is in any way opposing Israel.

It is twenty years since we had the experience of being among the Pal‐ estinian people but we remember with delight the process of getting to know them and something of their ways and culture. This is a key to caring about each other and creating peace in our world. Having a "sister City" in Palestine is not different than having one in France.

We would be enthusiastic about Boulder having Nablus as a "sister city".

LaRoy and Mary Seaver

Estes Park, CO 80517

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 6:45 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Project Attachments: fwdbouldernablussistercityrequest.zip i am attaching 2 letters written regarding the Boulder Nablus Sister City project. i would like to add my name to the opposition of this project. i agree that this is not a positive approach to fostering sister city relationships. sincerely, carol secor

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:09 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City project - no.

Dear Boulder City Council, I am opposed to the establishment of Nablus as a Boulder Sister City. Unlike other Sister City programs, this one appears to be politically motivated, and not about cultural exchange.

In recent years, Nablus has been the source of much animosity towards US and our ally, the State of Israel. Perhaps when there is peace in the region, Boulder can consider Nablus as a Sister City. But not now.

Best Regards, Wayne Seltzer

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Philip Sekar Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 8:03 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus as sister city

It is a terrible idea to make Nablus a sister city. This ccity has all the terrorists united against the USA and Isreal. PLEASE DROP THIS IDEA. IF YOU STILL PURSUE THIS, THIS WILL AMOUNT TO "TREASON" AGAINST THE USA.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jackie Seltzer on behalf of Jackie Seltzer Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 8:53 PM To: Council Subject: please don't pursue the politics of the sister city program in Nablus for Boulder

Dear City Council As a long time resident of Boulder, I urge you to please not pursue and put city support into a program that is entirely political in nature. I like the sister city programs we have the outreach that member of the Boulder community have been engaged in. I see an entirely political ploy with this suggest new sister city option in Nablus. At a time when we all want peace, why would Boulder encourage the one sided approach that would not result in understanding and sharing but the opposite of peace. After all, wasn;t it some residents of Nablus that were having a party during 9‐11. How can we pick this as a sister city. I oppose this suggested course and I hope that regardless of the numbers of pro /cons, that purpose the sister city program will be evaluated. Why are so many residents upset about this ? Thanks for your careful consideration of this highly charged political issue .. The selection of Nablus is not what the purpose of reaching out with the sister city program is about from what i have learning. Please reconsider and pick another location for sisterhood and peace. Jackie Myland Seltzer

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From: firyal Says Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus sister city Project

Dear Boulder City Council Members,

Please vote YES to the Boulder‐Nablus sister city Project and give it the official status it deserves.

The goal of this project is to inform and educate the public about people with whom they don't have immediate access and/or interaction. It is a cultural project that aims to enlighten and broaden people's awareness of a different culture. It should be considered equally as other similar projects.

Throughout the forty years I have lived in Boulder nothing makes me more proud to live here as the community's liberal outlook and acceptance of all cultures, no exceptions. So please don't make politics shade that unique quality of Boulder and its people.

Thank you,

Firyal Al Shalabi Boulder, 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: hanna shaner Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 12:55 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City

Dear Mayor Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council: I am writing in opposition to the proposal to make Nablus a sister city. Having just returned from a trip to the middle east I can attest to the fact that the arab and palestiniand citizens of Israel have far more human and civil rights than they do under the repressive regimes of the PA and Hamas. Why in the world would you pick a "sister" city which is the antithesis of everything Boulder stands for? Religious freedom and tolerance, women's rights, gay rights, etc. are nowhere to be found in Nablus. In addition, in the interest of fairness why not declare that the state of Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state and any and all peace partners must acknowledge that right as a precursor to furthering the peace process? Surely Boulder has better things to do than be drawn into the complicated problems of the middle east in such an antagonistic manner. Thank you for your consideration, Hanna Shaner

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: David Shannahoff-Khalsa Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 7:19 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content

David Shannahoff‐Khalsa

Del Mar, CA 92014

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Dear Members of the City Council,

We are writing this letter in opposition to the proposal for Boulder to adopt Nablus as a Sister City.

The undersigned residents have lived in Boulder for many, many years. Each of us has been involved in people-to-people projects that promote values that we are proud to share with so many Boulder residents. We have helped refugees resettle, collected food, blankets and clothing for the homeless, volunteered with Community Table and Meals on Wheels, been a companion to elderly residents, participated in projects and dialogues of Restoring the Soul, an interfaith social action group, and worked to eliminate all forms of discrimination and intolerance. One of our synagogues provides shelter to the homeless as an overflow site.

Yes, we care about Israel, but we care about peace, too. One of us has relatives who live in Jerusalem in an integrated neighborhood and have sent their children to bilingual schools--the classrooms each have one Jewish and one Arab teacher. One cousin works for a foundation that builds community centers in Arab communities and health clinics in which Palestinian and Israeli doctors work side by side. These peace-promoting projects are on- going but do not get much publicity in our media.

We have been active in similar activities within the Jewish community in Boulder. We have participated in Israeli-Palestinian dialogues, attended local fundraisers for Rabbis for Human Rights which carries out projects such as helping Palestinians rebuild their homes, attended presentations regarding the Encounter program in which several Boulder travelers to Israel have spent the night with a family on the West Bank. Our rabbis are very open to dialogue with Palestinian activists.

There are other on-going efforts in Boulder that focus on bringing peace to Israel and the Palestinian territories. C.U. Hillel students hosted a dinner with Muslim students and we have hosted a dinner for Palestinian journalists visiting C.U., providing an opportunity for Palestinians and Jews to be involved in good, open dialogue.

Boulder bicyclists have participated for three years in fundraising rides for the benefit of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, which is an environmental education and research program in the Middle East whose

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public student body is comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world.

These are all great programs designed to bring about peace. Many of them are on-going in nature. There has been no request or need for the City Council to endorse or sanction these programs.

We oppose the Nablus Sister City proposal because those who initiated this proposal are supportive of only one side’s narrative in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A report on the Nablus Sister City website stated that the group is apolitical but immediately follows that statement with the following very political phrase: “we also need to promote the understanding that the sister- ship is a powerful expression of solidarity with the people and city under occupation.”

The blogs of Guy Benintendi, the founder and coordinator of the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project, has equated Palestinian suicide bombers to Jewish fighters against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and has contended that Israel’s security tactics against Palestinian terrorists are no different than HAMAS’ agenda of violence against Israelis and Jews. This rhetoric that is behind the Sister City proposal is very much a political attack on Israel and demonizes the Israelis.

We also oppose this Sister City proposal because it would inappropriately link Boulder to human rights violations in Nablus and the West Bank. Boulder’s Sister City Resolution No. 631 states that any sister city agreement must contain a statement of a basic commitment of respect for human rights.

“Honor killings” of daughters and sisters for allegedly violating the Islamist norms on sexual behavior including premarital sex, continues to be a practice in and around Nablus. At least 12 women were reported to have been killed in 2012. An April 15, 2013, article posted on the website of Ma’an News Agency, a “main source of independent news in Palestine” states that President Mahmoud Abbas has no plans to amend laws that reduce sentences for suspects who claim an “honor” defense for murdering women.

Nablus has the reputation of being a hotbed of Palestinian militancy. As recently as April 17, 2013, the Jerusalem Post on-line edition reported that a

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public senior Hamas terrorist was arrested in Nablus. Ziyad Marish was part of a cell involved in a shooting attack on a bus station near Ariel two months ago where an IDF soldier and an Israel civilian were wounded.

Boulder Resolution No. 631 emphasizes “exchanges of diverse cultural, educational, artistic, scientific, and professional ideas and programs.” We do not believe that a Sister City relationship should be used as a platform or one-way street for political complaints. No Jewish person can speak for all, but for many the relationship to Israel runs deep. Adopting Nablus as a Sister City would be a very divisive move for Boulder.

At a time when President Obama and Secretary Kerry have recently been in the Middle East and are trying to initiate peace talks, it is inappropriate for the city of Boulder to be endorsing a group that is demonizing one party. It is our hope that the City Council agrees that the highly political Nablus Sister City proposal does not satisfy the goals of the Sister City Program.

We are working to gather information for a thoroughly documented submission to the City Council. If this application is submitted, we respectfully ask that this matter be heard by Council in late summer or early fall to give all interested parties an adequate opportunity to submit material and be heard at a public hearing before Council.

Sincerely,

Joan Nagel Jim Brantz Bill Cohen Liz Fox Sara-Jane Cohen Sid Fox Jerry Pinsker Ken Stickney Sandy Friedman Jane Rubinstein Steve Friedman Talor HaLevi Rabbi Josh Rose Audrey Fishman Franklin Paula Erez Karen Diamond Tom Trager Lou Diamond Barbara Trager

3 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Dori Shiovitz Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 7:15 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx; Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

> > >> Dear City Council Members, > We are writing to let you know that we are in agreement with the attached letters and are strongly opposed to Boulder being a Sister City with Nabulus. > Thank you, > Dori and Bill Shiovitz > > Boulder, CO 80304 > >

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Cathleen Shoenfeld Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 5:08 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City proposal

Dear members of the Boulder City Council,

I am writing in response to the City Councils proposal for the Nablus Sister City initiative. As a long time resident of Boulder, I feel I must express my opposition to the initiative. There are many endless reasons to oppose this initiative. While I understand that you have your reasons for the initiative let me please address just a few of the opposing reasons that you may have failed to recognize in your decision making process.

The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal.

1. Honor Killings and Violence against women. 2. Gays persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank. 3. Freedom on the Press and Freedom of Speech are often Repressed

Boulder's relationship with a Sister City should be based on a relationship where it would be mutually beneficial to both parties. I do not see how this relationship would improve our community.

Please take a moment to rethink your proposal and listen to the residents of your community.

Sincerely, Cathy Shoenfeld

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Indrani Sigamany Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:54 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Madam/Sir,

I live in Denver, CO, and at the moment, am a student in York in England. Here, I am an active member of the Palestine Solidarity Society which is part of the University of York. The university has a very dynamic Human Rights Defender (HRD) fellowship, which this year is hosting one HRD from Gaza. This gives all students an opportunity to interact with a citizen from Palestine which builds bridges, and opens up a deeper relationship for humanity.

It would be just wonderful if Palestine could be a sister city of Boulder, where similar bridges across continents and cultures could be built. It would be a proud moment for our Rocky Mountain communities to establish friendships and cultural links with Palestine, an ancient civilisation, which has so much to offer us in terms of history, culture, religious experiences, and strength, which they need to survive the oppressive practices of neighbouring countries. They need all the help and friendship and support from communities like ours, living in relatively peaceful affluence.

To block this peaceful and harmonious civil society effort of Boulder, would be taking an (erroneous) political stand, which could be perceived as being complicit with oppression. We need people‐to‐people diplomacy and the ability to extend encouragement to our sisters and brothers across the ocean who are living in a particularly punishing environment.

Please do the right thing and support this effort. thank you, and kind regards, indrani sigamany

Indrani Sigamany

Aurora, CO 80016

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: sharon siman-tov Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 7:57 PM To: Council Subject: Petition Against Nablus as Sister City

To whom this may concern:

Please consider the impact and the significance of making Nablus the official sister city to Boulder. I fail to understand where there lies a connection between Boulder and Nablus, two extremely different places. I am not asking to make Tel Aviv the sister city of Boulder, but merely asking you to review your decision to connect two opposing territories of lands, peoples, cultures and lifestyle.

Thank you,

Sharon Siman-tov

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Adam Sirkus Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 12:28 PM To: Council Subject: No to Nablus

I encourage the council to understand the negatives if we, Boulder, were to become a sister city to a place that ideologically is opposite from us. They have an ongoing and historical record of human rights crimes. Some of these are not documented. Please look directly at this place and not with a political eye. Sincerely, Adam Sirkus

Sent from Adam Sirkus' phone

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jeff Skovron Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 9:01 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx; Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

Dear Council:

I am writing to ask you deny the request to form a sister city relationship with Nablus. The attached letters reflect my sentiment and rationale.

I am one of the cyclists who rode to support the Arava Institute, a promoter of peace, understanding and cooperation between Israelis and Arabs from the mideast. I strongly believe in a two state solution. I also acknowledge that Israel has engaged in actions which can be rightly criticized. But it is wrong at this point for Boulder to essentially "take sides" in this political dispute.

Thanks, Jeff Skovron

-- Jeffrey L. Skovron, P.C. Boulder, CO 80302

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Monday, March 18, 2013 12:45 PM To: Cc: Council Subject: Re: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear KC, Please support the application of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project for official sister city status. No city funds will be used on the Sister City Project and Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project is already providing a cultural benefit to Boulder. The Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project is presenting a Palestinian Film Series free to the public on the CU Boulder Campus. The first film in the series was 5 Broken Cameras, presented on February 20, 2013. About 70 to 80 people attended this screening. 5 Broken Cameras won the 2012 Sundance Film Festival Directing Award and was the 2012 Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Feature.

After the 85th Academy Awards, Israeli Guy Davidi and Palestinian Emad Burnat, directors of 5 Broken Cameras, told supporters, that “although we did not win the Oscar, we have shown the Palestinian non-violent struggle for freedom to the world. This is most important.”

5 Broken Cameras is a profound artistic accomplishment, deserving an Academy Award Nomination and worthy of an Oscar. The film’s screening in Boulder greatly adds to a rich and diverse cultural life.

Please support the application of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project for official sister city status. Thank you for your public service.

Kind regards and best wishes,

Yours truly,

Scott Sloan Executive Committee Colorado Democratic Party

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mahdi Smaali Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 5:48 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Hello everyone, My name is Mahdi and I am a truly concerned US citizen about the state of the openness of our present day society. Please disregard the Hate and the misguided souls whose sole purpose is to keep us from fraternizing among nations and getting to know each other better to capitalize on all our universal common desires and aspirations. Please support the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project (BNSCP), and in the Spirit of our Great Nation, give us the opportunity to once again extend and add to our Global Human Family. There are only 4 other Palestine‐US Sister cities. Be part of History and embark this Great Adventure,... This remarkable and Courageous Effort that the Rest of the Global Community has already embraced many years ago. To be opposed to such a Significant Historical junction would only once again prove to mean our once again taking a political stance going against the entire Global community to further support an Internationally Recognized and Sanctioned prejudiced oppression of a people,... a NATIVE People,... only because their land is being stolen under their feet every day that God makes with the Financial Support of our Government and the extra funding by ethnically supported US organizations like AIPAC and the ADL, which goes against every Constitutional Value our great Nation stands for. Once again, please Support the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project! God Bless You All! Kind Regards, And 1Love, Everyone! :o)

Mahdi Smaali

Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: charlotte Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 9:26 AM To: Council Subject: sister city

Members of the City Council - I have lived in Boulder since 1968. I was librarian at the Daily Camera for many years and also wrote a well-received book review column for that newspaper.

I am writing to urge you not to choose Nablus as a sister city.I remember very clearly the uproar over the choice of Dushanbe as a sister city many years ago, at a time when Soviet planes from Dushanbe were killing Afghan civilians. Picking a sister city should never be the cause of dissent, anger, ever hatred, among Boulder people. It will be, for some of us are aware - as many are not - of Nablus as a city that has glorified the killing of Israeli civilians in terroist attacks.

The choice of Nablus as a sister city would cause pain to many residents of Boulder, myself included. I urge you not to do this. Sincerely, Charlotte Smokler

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jane Smolens Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 11:56 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 5:48 AM To: Council Subject: Not in agreement with Nablus as a "sister" city

To Whom It May Concern,

The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal.

Their time honored killings and violence against women are prevalent in the West Bank. Palestinian women who have appealed to the PA to combat these horrific realities have consistently been met with strong resistance from the government and other authorities. Gays who are persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank often flee to Israel and seek asylum there. The P.A. represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech. The P.A. Restricts access to and allows desecration of a Jewish religious shrine (Joseph's Tomb) in Nablus.

The dangerous and violent situation in the West Bank and Nablus, fostered by terrorism, has led several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, to warn against travel to the West Bank and to Nablus.

Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. The Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project (BNSCP) is not. It is based on a one-sided viewpoint of the Israel-Palestine conflict which demonizes the Israelis and absolves the Palestinians of responsibility for their role in the conflict.

I urge you to take into consideration these facts when reaching your final decision in choosing a sister city. I implore you to not choose Nablus as that city.

Thank you. A concerned citizen, Suzanne Sobczak

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: [email protected] on behalf of Rabbi Marc Soloway To: Council Subject: Nablus Sister City Project Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:21:02 PM

Dear Members of Boulder City Council, I have been a rabbi in this community since 2004 and, in that time, have greatly valued the various dialogues I have had the opportunity to be part of with colleagues in different faith traditions, as well as with citizens of different cultural, religious and political perspectives from my own. I have also spent a great deal of time in Israel, including visits to the West Bank on a program called "Encounter," in which I engaged with Muslim and Christian Palestinians and listened to their narratives. In my years living in Israel, I was connected to many activists there working for peace and reconciliation and know that so many Israelis want to live peacefully side by side with their neighbors and believe in a two state solution, as I do.

I have read through much of the materials of the proposed Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project and met some of the organizers and, after much soul searching and consideration, I have really decided that I must express my opposition to the project, as I believe that it will create more polarization in our city than togetherness. It just does not seem like the project is about promoting peace, and all the materials I have read are only interested in an absolutely one-sided narrative of a deeply complex and painful situation between these two peoples. It also must be pointed out that while Nablus for sure has many peaceful citizens, it has also been a center of radical elements over the years that cannot be condoned by our beautiful city.

If there was ever the possibility of a tri-city project with an Israeli and a Palestinian city partnering with Boulder, I would be strongly in support of such a collaboration, but as a leader of the Jewish community, I am writing to oppose the proposal and join the other voices in our community that have also expressed opposition.

Thank you very much. Sincerely, Rabbi Marc Soloway

-- Rabbi Marc Soloway Congregation Bonai Shalom Boulder, CO. 80303 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Teo Sonnenschein Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 3:20 PM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

I oppose the proposal of Nablus as Boulder's Sister City.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Miriam Sparks Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:34 PM To: Council Subject: sister city

I oppose Nablus being a sister city to Boulder.

I am a Boulder resident.

Miriam Sparks

Boulder, Co

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Roberta Spivak Sent: Friday, May 03, 2013 6:35 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus sister city project

Dear members of the city council:

I write in reference to the Nablus sister city project. I am in favor of the Nablus sister city project—with reservations. Giving the Boulder community an opportunity to get to know Palestinians and Palestinian culture is a wonderful idea. However, like my friend and mentor Bill Cohen, I am concerned that the movement is as much (or more) about sticking it to Israel as it is supporting a Palestinian city and that’s a shame.

Those who staunchly take one side or the other do not really care about peace. Those who look honestly at the situation, without trying to settle the question of who is right and who is wrong, and without rationalizations or justifications, will find that there is a staggering amount of ugliness on both sides. Both Israeli and Palestinian governments have tortured, killed civilians, kidnapped or imprisoned innocents without what we would consider a fair trial. Both governments have repeatedly turned away as their citizens exact violence on civilians. It reminds me of what my grandfather used to say, “Angels only live in heaven.”

So why don’t we throw up our hands in disgust and leave them to the misery they inflict on themselves? Because people on both sides also express tremendous altruism. Jewish Israelis have provided video cameras to Palestinians so that they can document Israeli abuse, Israeli soldiers have gone to prison rather than serve in the Occupied Territories, Israeli human rights activists have dedicated their lives to ending the occupation. And Palestinians have acted equally heroically. I remember the Palestinian parents who came outside during a firefight to bring Jewish children into their homes, doubtless saving many of the children’s lives while risking their own. Even the act of advocating for peace while living under the miserable conditions of occupation is a heroic act. Many Israelis as well, even victims of terror attacks, continue to work for reconciliation and justice.

So what I have learned is that the dichotomy between Israelis and Palestinians is false. The real dichotomy is between those whose fear and anger lead them to violence and those who are brave enough to embrace the other, who have the wisdom to understand that peace is the process and not just the end goal.

So what does all of this mean for the Boulder‐Nablus sister city project? It means we must evaluate the underlying motivations of the project’s leadership to make sure that advancing peace is the goal. Mr. Benintendi is passionate about helping Palestinians, which I applaud, but he also seems very antagonistic toward Israel, which means that he may not be the right person to lead this movement. I see two options here. The first is for Mr. Benintendi to step down, as sad as this may be for him personally, and let someone less partisan lead the group. Alternately, the group could propose a triplet sister program. Boulder, Nablus, and an Israeli city such as Haifa, long known for good relations between Jews and Palestinians, might work.

Sister cities are valuable but if we choose to reach out to the world we must do it make life better, never to empower hate or prolong war. Likewise, a sister city project that tears apart our own city seems antithetical. Let’s first be honest. In its current form the project is most certainly political. However, if the 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Boulder‐Nablus organizers can express a genuine appreciation of the regions complexity—without taking sides—and offer us a mission of peace and justice, then kol hakavod (all the praise) for all of us.

Roberta Spivak Louisville

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Aza Squarer

Boulder CO 80305

May 1, 2013

To: Mayor Matt Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council City of Boulder, Colorado

Email:

From: Aza Squarer

Dear Mayor Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council

I am writing to you to object a proposal to establish a sister city relationship with the Palestinian City of Nablus in the West Bank.

For several reasons I believe that the city of Nablus should not become Boulder’s sister city. The primary reason for my objection is the basic human rights differences between Nablus and Boulder. Citizens of the West Bank can’t experience free speech the way we can in the USA. Boulder pride itself of its acceptance of every residence regardless of his/her origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. That is not the case in Nablus where being gay is intolerable. There were several instances where gay men from Nablus sought refuge in Israel because of considerable abuse they suffered in Nablus.

In the West Bank, it is believed that three to four women are killed every month in the name of family honor. Men receive reduced punishment for killing wives or female relatives if they have brought dishonor to the family.

Finally, the city of Nablus nurture terrorism. A quick Google search produces media reports of several terrorist attacks that were dispatched from Nablus with Nablus operatives. Boulder is a city that strives for excellence in education, strong ethics and values whereas Nablus' Al-Najah University is known to be a breeding ground for suicide bombers.

For the reasons described above I ask that the City Council reject the proposal to establish a city relationship between Boulder and Nablus.

Thank you,

Aza Squarer

1

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: John Steiner/ Margo King Sent: Friday, April 19, 2013 6:45 PM To: Council Subject: Supporting the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Esteemed Boulder City Council Members,

We are twenty year residents of Boulder, and for the last eight years we’re one house over the line (next to Tribbles) in Longmont. We are devoted to our town and county and have been long term, engaged members of the community. John at one point was Chairman of the Board of CDR Associates. We are proud supporters of e‐Town, the Conference on World Affairs, the Community Foundation, and many groups and activities that Boulder houses and hosts. We are part of the Jewish Renewal Community in Boulder. Our children went to September School, Shining Mountain Waldorf and New Vista. We are extremely grateful and proud to be living here.

We are deeply moved by and supportive of the possibility Boulder‐Nablus Sister City initiative. As peace makers at all levels of society, we see the wisdom of reaching out to all sides in any hot spot and to develop relationships, even when risk taking is called for, and especially when Palestine is under represented with sister cities in the U.S.

Through our friendship with William Ury, co‐author of “Getting to Yes”, we were early supporters of the Abraham Path, the eco‐tourism, pilgrimage, hospitality, and peace offering walking route throughout the Middle East — now active in four countries: Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Turkey with six more to go — retracing the footsteps of Abraham the patriarch of the the the great monotheistic religions. The Abraham Path offers such great, long term hope for peace in that part of the world. One advantage of Nablus becoming a sister city to Boulder will be the opportunity for more Boulder citizens to engage at that grassroots level in Palestine and the neighboring lands — especially our high school and college students. The Abraham Path passes through Nablus. http://www.abrahampath.org/about.php http://www.abrahampath.org/downloads/Walking_in_Palestine_detailed_info_110610.pdf

In fact, in part, this initiative grew out of local citizens’ involvement with this historic effort.

We were also an active part of the Citizen Diplomacy efforts between the US and USSR for many years before the Berlin Wall fell and the great changes in the USSR. As someone once said, not only is war too important to be left to the generals, so too diplomacy is too important to be left to the diplomats. We believe that the people to people exchanges that such a sister city effort can engender will be a vital addition to the many Arab/Israeli/US interchanges and peace efforts that have long been underway.

So, we enthusiastically offer our citizen’s vote for the Boulder City Council endorsing Boulder becoming a sister city to Nablus, along with the other six programs, including that in Cuba.

With great appreciation for the challenging and uplifting work of the folks at the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project, And with great appreciation for your serious consideration of this fine proposal, John Steiner and Margo King 1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Barbara Steinmetz Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2013 11:17 AM To: Council Subject: Opposition to Nablus as the choice for another /ister City designation.

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council,

I am writing this letter in OPPOSITION to the proposal for Boulder to adopt Nablus as a Sister City because that proposal has a politically motivated agenda.

I have lived in other communities which have Sister Cities. Those communities, as well as Boulder, have been proud of the associations developed as a result of the Sister City connections. In every case, when there was a project that involved the Sister City, it was a joy and celebration for the community at large. The purpose was for peaceful cultural and educational exchanges which benefited both communities and engendered broad understanding and connection.

I've now lived in Boulder for 7 years and noticed many very interesting, challenging and contentious issues come before the City Council. I have admired the manner with which these projects are considered from so many angles and solved by listening closely and respectfully to all parties involved.

However, in this particular case, the Nablus Sister City idea has an insidious and contentious political agenda at its base. It would pit Boulderite against Boulderite in an irresolvable dispute over the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, not just for the present discussion, but continuously and into the future. The political component of this project will splinter this community and have implications far beyond this project. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not for Boulder to solve - it is not the role of a Sister City project to enter into political conflicts. The primary result from approving this proposal would be continued division and conflict.

There are many projects that individuals and groups in Boulder can join or initiate in order to support Israel and/or the Palestinian cause. Those are private choices. It would not be prudent for the City of Boulder, a governmental body, to chose a sister city that does not promote peace and harmony nor encourage pride and celebration in our own community.

Therefore, I oppose the Boulder Nablus Sister City project.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Barbara Steinmetz

Boulder, Co. 80301

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Stepanek Sent: Saturday, June 01, 2013 9:52 AM To: Council Subject: Joe & Caroline Stepanek Support Nablus as a Boulder Sister City

Good Morning Council

Caroline and I support Nablus as our newest Sister Cities relationship,

Thank you, Joe Stepanek

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Judynnort Sent: Thursday, May 09, 2013 4:24 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City Discussion

To the Boulder City Council:

We completely agree with the sentiments expressed in an email dealing with the sister city proposal sent to you by Rabbi Rose of Congregation Har HaShem. His sentiments are expressed below.

I. The Human Rights situation in the West Bank and in Nablus is abysmal.

1. Honor killings and violence against women are prevalent in the West Bank. Palestinian women who have appealed to the PA to combat these horrific realities have consistently been met with strong resistance from the government and other authorities.

2. Gays persecuted in Nablus and the West Bank often flee to Israel and seek asylum there.

3. The P.A. represses Freedom of Press and Freedom of Speech.

4. The P.A. Restricts access to and allows desecration of a Jewish religious shrine (Joseph's Tomb) in Nablus.

II. The dangerous and violent situation in the West Bank and Nablus, fostered by terrorism, has led several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia, to warn against travel to the West Bank and to Nablus.

III. Boulder's Sister City relationships should be apolitical. Judith and Norton Steuben

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Cheryl S Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 12:46 PM To: Council Subject: please support Nablus as sister city

Dear Council, Please support Nablus as a sister city. We need to do more to educate people about the situation in Israel and Palestine, and Boulder as a symbol of city that supports the weak and downtrodden is an appropriate city for doing so. Thanks very much. Cheryl Stevenson

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Isolde Stewart Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 3:52 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus

My good friend Amy Stein used to be head of the ADL in Boulder. The mission of the ADL is "combating hate through education." In pursuit of that mission, she spent precious and focused energy trying to create situations where Jews and Palestinians could come together to further their understanding of one another. She was skilled at bringing together all kinds of people who were not natural allies, and guiding them to mutual understanding. She also spent her time in Boulder as the spokesperson against hate crimes of all kinds. She was the proud defender of human rights in our city. Imagine her heartbreak at this current situation with Nablus.

The entire premise of Sister Cities is apolitical. Look at our current Sister Cities, and we see that a few could be considered politically charged - like the ones in Cuba, Tibet and Tajikistan. This was not a reason to reject the effort to make human contact with people across the globe, who have such different experiences from ours. It is a way to challenge our prejudices. And if we can find out first hand what living in Nablus is like, we may be ignited to help find a solution to this terrible problem of the occupation of Palestine, and the violence that plagues the two communities.

As the letter to the Daily Camera this morning quoted the Rabbi Zalman Schacter Shalom, "overcoming psychological blocks in recognizing the humanity in each and everyone of our neighbors is exactly what is needed to foster a peaceful world."

The other letter this morning, opposing the Nablus project, takes an extortionary tact - he will not spend any more money in Boulder because Boulderites "really want to hang out with jihadists and terrorists."

So, good people, it is up to you. Give in to extortion, or foster a peaceful world.

Isolde Stewart Boulder, CO 80305

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ken Stickney Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 8:00 PM To: Council Subject: BOULDER NABLUS SISTER CITY PROJECT PROPOSAL

Dear Mayor Applebaum and Members of the Boulder City Council,

I have been a resident and taxpayer in Boulder since 1986, and have always cherished this community's acceptance of diverse lifestyles, religious beliefs, and political philosophies. Moreover, I am proud and grateful to live in a country that practices the highest forms of liberal democracy.

Entering into a partnership with the city of Nablus would represent a step backward for Boulder as a community. First, it would be taking sides in a very complex international conflict, by ratifying the proposal of a political action group whose position on this conflict is extremely one-sided. Second, the Nablus community has nothing in common with the Boulder community. We uphold human rights for all and reject terrorism as a political strategy. In contrast, Nablus's record is horrendous on these issues. Third, the level of violence and corruption in the West Bank is also endemic to Nablus, which represents a dystopia that Boulder should never sanction with a partnership.

With all of these disturbing implications of a partnership with Nablus in stark relief, I must voice my opposition to the ratification of the BNSCP application.

Respectfully,

Ken Stickney

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sophia Stoller To: Council Cc: Subject: support for Boulder-Nablus sister city Date: Saturday, April 06, 2013 8:52:06 AM Attachments: nablus support letter

April 6, 2013

Dear Boulder City Council Members,

I am writing to express my support for Boulder and Nablus becoming sister cities. The Boulder-Nablus group has been working hard promoting the goals of Sister City International.

“Sister Cities International helps advance peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development efforts, and serves as a hub for institutional knowledge and best practices to benefit citizen diplomats. Sister Cities International empowers individual citizens to become diplomats and represent their community and their country in new and meaningful ways.” Sister Cities International website

This active group of Boulder citizens, has been working with both citizens and officials in Nablus, Palestine to create cultural programs and activities of mutual benefit, fostering understanding and goodwill between our cities.

The Boulder group has also been offering cultural programs in Boulder about Nablus and Palestine to promote better understanding. All of these activities model practices supported by Sister Cities International’s Mission and the practices of Boulder’s current sister cities.

I urge Boulder City Council to add Boulder-Nablus to Boulder’s wonderful group of Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public culturally diverse and engaged sister city groups.

Sincerely,

Sophia Stoller

Founding member of Boulder-Dushanbe Sister Cities

Boulder, CO 80302

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Robert Stone Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:51 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My name is Robert Stone and I am a Jewish American living in Frisco, CO. I fully support the city of Boulder becoming a sister city with Nablus. I believe that this is a step in the right direction in helping the cause of peace in the Mideast.

Please do not cave in to the ADL and other Jewish groups. These groups are always against anything that humanizes the Palestinians

Robert Stone

Frisco, CO 80443

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Helen Strait Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 12:50 AM To: Council Subject: Stop Nablus as Boulder's Sister City

Please rethink your plans to adopt Nablus as your sister city! what a sorry thing that would be for Boulder to do! Terrorism can never be supported and certainly a city like Boulder should never want to participate in that. Sent from my iPad

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 10:46 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus

Response to Nablus Sister-City Project:

Recently a suggestion was made to extend sister-city status to Nablus. I have another idea, which is not to circumvent that suggestion but to offer another choice for sister-city status. The city, Xining (“Peace in the West”), is found in the Qinghai Province of China. The province is a fascinating corner of China not only as the source of the Yellow, Yangtze, and Mekong Rivers but for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The province and city are extraordinary for the blending of Tibetan Buddhism as well as Islamic and Chinese cultural interests. Historically, these social variants have all existed in the same universe of Qinghai Province. The province has been tapped as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. But the province and city are also the home of the Huar singers, a fascinating but dying cultural art in China. I have been really excited about President Obama’s determination to highlight our relationship with China. Colorado and China have old and rich ties that extend to well over a hundred years. We now need to be a bit more forward looking educating ourselves on a vital, renewed relationship with Asia. If Boulder can adopt Xining as a sister-city we would also be helping to spotlight the Huar singers who are in great need of cultural support. Let us look to new horizons as our president has which fit into Boulder’s general philosophy of recognizing and creating trust with all fabrics of humanity. Again, this is not to diminish Nablus but to consider other possibilities. Boulder has long been a recognized progressive force vital in highlighting its humanitarian interests through the granting of sister-city status to a broad range of cities. I’d like to see a move towards Asia and a most interesting part of Asia to boot. Boulder's goodwill and friendship has explored and extended itself in friendship to the Middle East in the past. I'd like to see us now turn in another direction to the future and to Asia.

Gloria T. August Louisville, CO

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ellen Taxman Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 1:58 PM To: Council Subject: Objection to adding Nablus as a Sister City to Boulder Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

I am attaching a letter written by Rabbi Rose from Congregation Har HaShem that I am in full agreement with and would like to voice along with his, my objection to this request to include Nablus as a Sister City to Boulder. Please refer to the letter for your consideration. Thank you, Ellen Taxman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: David Tellkamp Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 11:30 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus.

Dear sirs Please not my opposition to making Nablus on the Palestine territories a sister city to boulder city. Why you would pick a city of terrorism,hate and intolerance is beyond me.Boulder city should not be associated in any way with such a place.

Sincerely -David Tellkamp Uniondale NY 11553

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Janet Thew Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2013 11:02 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder- Nablus sister city project

Dear Council members,

We are very much in support of this project. I traveled to Palestine and Israel while studying at CU Boulder, and remember being overwhelmed with the hospitality of the Palestinian people. Unfortunately, most people today still have misconceptions about them. There are only a handful of sister city relationships between our country and Palestine, all because of politics. That is the antithesis of promoting human rights and values. Boulder is a progressive city, and this is a progressive project. Please vote yes.

Thank you,

Janet and Mark Thew

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Dear City Council Members,

My name is Jane Thomas, and I am I am writing in support of the Boulder Nablus Sister City Project. I first came to Boulder in 1973 and married here in 1975. I did an internship at the Boulder Public Library while I was getting my Master’s in Library Science from the University of Denver. After working in Illinois, I came back to Boulder and worked for 15 years at the Boulder Public Library, first as a Reference librarian and then as manager of the Meadows Branch Library. After “retiring” in 2000, I took a temporary job at the University of Colorado’s Norlin Library. The temporary job turned into a permanent job, and I stayed at Norlin Library until my second retirement in 2009. My present job is part-time in the same department I used to manage. I have two daughters, one a pediatrician in Denver and the other an architect in Seattle.

My interest in Palestine began back in 2001. While I was the manager of the CTRC Page Replacement Project at Norlin Library, I hired a young international student to work on the project, Lubna Abu-Niaaj. She really impressed me with her work ethic and attention to detail. As I got to know her, I found out that her family was originally from Palestine, though her passport was Jordanian. When 9/11 happened, I found myself thinking about how difficult it must be to be Muslim and wear a hijab in the U.S. Lubna and I became friends, and when her husband came to join her in Boulder, I met him also. When she had her first baby, I was there in the hospital. When she moved out of state, we kept in touch. We will be seeing each other in Ohio at the end of this month.

I grew up as an Air Force brat, living in many states, Chile, and Morocco. Like many people in Boulder, I lived in other countries at various times in my adult life, and have traveled widely, including Russia, Mongolia, Peru, and Iceland. My latest trip was a climb of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. But I have never traveled to the Middle East. Most of my impressions of the region have been shaped by the news, and most of that is negative. My friend Lubna was my introduction to another way of seeing that region, specifically Palestine. I decided to go to a slideshow last year sponsored by the Nablus Sister City Project at the Meadows Branch Library. I was curious to see pictures of the land that my friend came from, where her family had been for generations. I was not only intrigued by what I saw, but chagrined to realize how very little I know about Palestine. People there are living under very difficult circumstances. Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Since that slide show I have attended meetings of the Nablus Sister City Project, viewed some of the films they have shown, and supported them by paying dues and buying olive oil. I attended the sponsored book talk by Pamela Olson at the Boulder Book Store. I have been impressed by the amount of outreach the group has accomplished as an informal group in a short amount of time. Their efforts have spurred me to listen to the news more carefully, to question assumptions, and to register for a non-credit course on Israel/Palestine at the University of Denver.

I believe we really need a way for more Americans to find out about a state like Palestine that is not very well understood. A people-to-people relationship would do much to break down barriers and prejudice. It would also be a great way to present a more balanced view of the history and culture of Israel/Palestine. There are 47 sister city relationships between Israel and U.S. cities, according to Guy Benintendi, spokesperson for the project. In comparison, there are only 4 U.S. cities with ties to cities in Palestine, and three of those ties are with Bethlehem. We, as Americans, need to better understand that region as part of being informed world citizens. We can help each other learn about each other’s culture, ideas, and philosophies. Maybe in some small way we can help lessen the fear of the unknown, by making the unknown known. I believe Boulder is a good match in size with Nablus, and that Boulder’s population would benefit greatly by having an opportunity to interact directly with people from Palestine. For these reasons, I hope you approve the Boulder Nablus Sister City application.

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Ed Thwaites Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:43 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content I have long felt that the Palestinian people have been treated very poorly, not only by their occupying Israeli neighbors, but also by the United States. It is my belief that a more even‐handed and fair treatment of the Palestinians by our government would have avoided much of the tensions with the Arab world which have led us, not only to the 9/11 terror attacks, but the continuing enmity toward us existing among many Arab people. I am not Arab, or Muslim. I am a 91 year old Presbyterian Pastor who has watched the efforts of several US Presidents to deal more fairly in this situation, only to fail...largely because of lobbying by Israeli‐nationalist groups. George H.W. Bush came closest to leveling the playing field when his Secretary of State (James Baker) gave an ultimatum to Israel to either stop the West Bank settlement building, OR face a cut‐off of American military aid. It worked...for a short time. But then, we again cow‐towed to the Israeli lobbies in Congress. It is way past time for ordinary citizens, like the citizens of Boulder, to reach out a friendly hand to the Palestinian People...if only to show that some of us care that their lands have been...and are still...being stolen from them by a greedy occupying nation. Just a few years back, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA, of which I am a member, was a Palestinian Christian, who like so many other Palestinians, had fled the oppression to live in the United States. There are still many Christians in the Holy Land...but their burden of life is very heavy in their own homeland. I have not visited myself; but I have several friends from the Denver Metro Area who have done so. They have seen the hardship that the "security walls" have created. Farmers cut off from their lands. Workers unable to get to their jobs. Etc. It is, as I said, WAY PAST TIME for us in America to begin to show some compassion to our friends, Christian, and Muslim, in this land which we all call "Holy". I do hope that the Boulder City Council will adopt Nablus as a Sister City. The results in good will may be beyond your imagining! Thank you!

Ed Thwaites

Westminster, CO 80031

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Carl Tinstman Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 8:02 PM To: Council; [email protected] Cc: Essrea Cherin Subject: Open Letter to City Council on Boulder Nablus Sister City proposal

Dear City Council,

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Board Member of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project, a retired UN official who served the world's children through UNICEF for 30 years (mostly in the Third World), and currently a volunteer for my passion of the global eradication of polio, worldwide. I am also a longtime resident of North Boulder.

I write in support of the proposal to make Nablus the 8th sister city of Boulder.

Many issues have been put forth in the media in the past several weeks, expressing passionately held views about this effort. I wish to comment on only one, but on one that I believe I am better qualified than most: that is, the safety, of traveling to Nablus. As a polio eradicator, in the last two years I have visited Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Kenya. As a global citizen, I have visited Israel, and the West Bank. Some years ago, I lived in Yemen as the head of the UNICEF Office there. What do all of these countries, notably including BOTH Israel and the West Bank, along with current sister city locations of Kenya, and Mexico, have in common? They are all currently on the U.S. State Department "Travel Warning" list that the U.S. Government "recommends that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to."

Traveling to Kandahar in Afghanistan, to Peshawar in Pakistan, to Borno and Yobe states in Nigeria are indeed dangerous undertakings. I visited them all last year, in my polio eradication work. Visiting Nablus, which I did last year for the second time, bringing my wife along with me, is nowhere close to the levels of danger in these other countries. In fact, I felt totally safe in Nablus and other parts of the West Bank, where I stayed in Palestinian homestays ..... and equally safe in Israel where I stayed with good Israeli friends. Many others of my acquaintance, across the world, have visited Nablus, stayed there, and experienced wonderful hospitality, rather than any sense of fear or danger.

Suggestions that Nablus is unsafe, or a hotbed of terrorist activity, are simply false. The many Boulderites who have visited there in the last two years can attest to that. Just ask them!

Carl Tinstman

Boulder

Carl Tinstman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mark Toukan Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:18 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I have lived in the City of Boulder for over 30 years and support the initiative to establish a sister city with Nablus.

I visited Nablus the last time I traveled to the Middle East. I found the city and people to be very warm and friendly.

This project should be about friendship and people‐to‐people diplomacy, not politics.

Boulder and Nablus would both benefit from this proposed US sister city program.

Mark Toukan

Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Alice Trembour Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 8:59 AM To: Council Subject: Letter in support of Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

To the Boulder City Council,

I'm writing in support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project. I am a resident of Boulder, and I am an early childhood teacher at one of the local Waldorf schools. I have had a long-standing interest in and relationship to the Middle East and all of its cultures, beginning in 1967, when my family moved to northwest Iran, and I went to high school in Beirut, Lebanon. Eventually I spent a year (1971) on a kibbutz in Israel, and traveled to Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Turkey. I've been back to Israel several times since then, and once or twice to the West Bank, as well, although I've never been to Nablus itself. I was thrilled to learn that there are some dedicated people in our town who are working toward a relationship with a West Bank town; certainly the people of West Bank can use all the friends they can get.

I feel some responsibility to the region, because I've traveled there so much, and keep in touch with the friends I've made all over that area. Further, as an American whose tax dollars year after year go to support both sides of the conflict there, I very much wish for a peaceful solution. I believe the sister city relationship will contribute in a small way to whatever future peace is possible. The project is about friendship and connection, which foster tolerance, understanding, and peace. I hasten to add that this project has my support because it is expressly non-political; I've witnessed the efforts of its leaders to preserve the non-political nature of the project. As you can see, I have connections on both sides of the Middle East conflict, so I'm seeking constructive ways to foster peace that are not allied with one side or the other.

I very much hope that Boulder will become a sister city to Nablus. Many thanks for your attention and efforts.

Very sincerely yours,

Alice Trembour Boulder, CO 80302

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Linda Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:48 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx; Nablus SC oppos'n letter.doc

Dear City Council,

I am a resident of Boulder since 1973. I am writing to express that I am against Boulder having a Sister City relationship with Nablus. The reasons are expressed elequently by Rabbi Marc Solloway in the first attachment and by others in the Jewish Community in the second attachment.

This Sister City relationship is not a benign or apolitical and will only serve to create feelings of discomfort and alienation in our Jewish community in Boulder. Creating a just and lasting peace for Israel and the Palestinians is one of my greatest hopes. However, I believe Boulder taking this action would serve no purpose in this direction but would create alienation in our community.

Thank You Linda Tuber

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: William Ury Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 11:47 PM To: Council Cc: Essrea Cherin Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Mayor Appelbaum and Boulder City Council Members,

I am writing to convey my enthusiastic support for the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project. I very much hope that you will vote in favor of Nablus becoming a sister city to Boulder.

Over the past three decades of working for a just peace in the Middle East, I can think of no better way to foster a more peaceful world than creating opportunities for people to meet each other, work together and interact on a human level. There is nothing more useful and necessary than breaking down the psychological barriers that separate us.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Nablus, one of the most ancient cities in the world with a rich cultural heritage, and believe it would be an excellent partner for Boulder.

I applaud the work that the Boulder‐Nablus Sister City Project has done to foster these friendships that can open hearts and minds. These times call for courage in reaching out across differences of all kinds.

Many thanks for your consideration.

With kind regards,

William Ury

Boulder, Colorado

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Friday, April 19, 2013 9:55 AM To: Council Subject: "...Keep Your Enemies Closer"

There was a rather scathing submission in the Daily Camera open forum today decrying Nablus as a center for terror activity. That being said, I believe in "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."

If indeed what was said is true, all the more reason to bridge the "them and us" mentality. Nazi Germans found it difficult to hate the Jews when they worked closely with them. What is needed here, is MORE connection, not less.

I submit to you, to embrace like minded members of the Nablus community in a sister city relationship will improve relations at the very least at a local level, and perhaps expand from there (think Butterfly Effect).

Carolyn Usher

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Boulder CO 80304 April 18, 2013

Boulder City Council PO Box 791 Boulder CO 80306 re. Nablus Sister City

Dear Members of the Boulder City Council,

I would like to address the proposal to add Nablus to our sister cities and voice my support. If this is considered a contentious subject, then that is precisely the reason we need to consider it.

There is a fairly well held belief in the military that the use of force throughout the world is no longer a sound military strategy and diplomacy is what is needed. Unfortunately our government is slow to get on board with this, but as we all know, change can be affected more readily at a local level.

I’ve always thought while our governments are busy playing politics, their people are thinking and feeling much the same as I am, worried about the future and loving and being loved by their friends and family. Muslims are perhaps one of the least understood by us and all the more reason to reach out. Make no mistake, we are all brothers and sisters on this planet, and the less we understand other cultures, the more effort we need to make to connect.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Usher

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Kirk Vincent Sent: Saturday, May 04, 2013 4:43 PM To: Council Cc: Kirk Vincent Subject: No more sister cities

Council: I am opposed to the sister city program in general, and the idea of befriending Nablus in particular. I do not want Boulder taking sides in foreign lands, particularly when neither side has "clean hands."

Kirk Vincent Bould er

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Arnie Voigt Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2013 2:35 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder and Nablus

Boulder City Council:

I am excited that the city of Boulder government is considering adopting a sister‐city relationship with the city of Nablus, Palestine.

Local groups connecting with local groups, face‐to‐face "diplomacy," and person‐to‐person contacts are solid means of breaking down barriers and developing deeper understandings which are not possible in other ways.

I am a co‐administrator of the Colorado Chapter of Friends of Sabeel (www.sabeelcolorado.org) and am now preparing to lead a seventh peace‐and‐justice awareness trip to Israel and Palestine. Each time we go we visit Nablus, making connections with the governor and local officials, and we visit the various attractions the city has to offer. We have always been welcomed and we come away with an appreciation of the peoples and their culture. Like Boulder, Nablus has a vibrant business center, appreciates its heritage, and values education. This relationship can offer Boulder another window to the larger world, and will say to Nablus that they have friends in America.

I urge you, please, to adopt this connection.

Thank you,

Arnie Voigt Westminster, CO 80234

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Roger Vossler Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 6:18 PM To: Cc: Reinfeld Roberta Subject: Nablus Project

Hi,

Since moving to Boulder county during July 1989, I have watched both city and county government do some really dumb things, however, the Nablus Sister City Project tops the list. Clearly, I strongly oppose the Nablus Project. Note that the Nablus community is a known hotbed of Hamas activity.

If the good citizens of Boulder really want to hang out with terrorists and jihadists, I'm sure that they will find a way in which to do so. However, if the Nablus project goes forward, I will simply take my business elsewhere. Shopping in downtown Boulder is a real pain for openers because of the parking situation. There are lots of other places (e.g. Flatirons Crossing, Cherry Creek, Park Meadows, etc.) that I'm sure will more than welcome my business with plenty of free parking, not to mention better prices, merchandise, and variety.

The Boulder City Council needs to think about the Nablus Project very carefully before they manage to shoot themselves in the foot, again. What happens in Boulder has an impact on everyone in the region.

Thanks for listening, Roger…..

Roger Vossler Louisville, CO 80027

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Marlene Waite Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1:21 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

I do believe more person‐to‐person or city‐to‐city contact is important and that this is a small step toward bringing peace to the Middle East. We can't just keep painting the situation there in black‐and‐white. That only broadens the gap. This sister city concept is non‐political.

Marlene Waite

Aurora, CO 80016

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Courtney Walsh Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 12:30 PM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Esteemed Council Members, As a Boulder native and life‐long Boulder resident I strongly support Boulder as a Nablus Sister City.

The people in Palestine live under a military occupation and my fellow Boulder citizens will benefit from this relationship because we can show our support for them.

Since no city funds are spent on these projects, I would like you to consider it. There are only four Palestinian sister cities in the US ‐ I think Boulder has always stood out as a city that is unafraid to take political action that is different than that of of other places. This makes us unique, special and a wonderful place to live (and be from).

I would be proud to call my home town a Palestinian sister city and I hope you agree.

Kindly, Courtney Walsh ‐ Boulder native, CU alumna and life‐long Boulder resident 303‐875‐9007 (cell)

Courtney Walsh

Boulder, CO 80305

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Claire Walter Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 4:17 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister Cities Project

To the Boulder City Council Re: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Relationship

I have been to Israel twice and to Palestine once over a period of more than 20 years -- before and after the First and Second Intifadas. Each trip was for at least nine days and each was enlightening. I believe that my experiences give me real perspective.

I hope that City Council will approve the Boulder-Nablus Sister City proposal, which a people- to-people, community-to-community exchange that would continue Boulder’s tradition of progressive policies and tolerance. Approval does not equate to anti-Semitism. Sister Cities International – currently in 136 countries– aims to “advance peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development efforts, and serves as a hub for institutional knowledge and best practices to benefit citizen diplomats.”

There is no question that Israel is a remarkable country that, of course, has a right to exist and defend itself. A Boulder-Nablus relationship would take nothing away from that. The Israeli occupation army is not about defense. It is about controlling the Palestinians.

The Palestinian people whom I met were warm, welcoming and hopeful of a break in the political stalemate that has long prevented their full participation in the international community. They are no more all terrorists because of the actions of a few than all Americans are mass murders because of actions of James Holmes, McVeigh and Nichols, Klebold and Harris, or other psychopaths. Violence makes news. People living their lives and going about their business do not.

Consider that Israel is country with a right-leaning coalition government with even more politically conservative ultra-Orthodox parties holding the balance of power. Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews comprise the overwhelming majority of the population of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. There some 400,000 settlers are guarded by untold thousands of Israeli troops. The ultra-Orthodox are only about 10% of the rest of the Israeli population.

The government of Israel – not the 90% who are secular -- does everything it can to humiliate the Palestinians. Palestine reminded me of the segregated South. Roadways linking West Bank settlements are fine divided highways. Those linking Palestinian communities are narrow, bumpy and pot-holed. Israeli treatment of people passing through the 700-add checkpoints set up all over the land is capricious. When traveling from town to town, Palestinians never know whether they will be waved through, searched or detained. Something on the order of 60

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Palestinian women have given birth at checkpoints because a young soldier with an Uzi would not let them through to a hospital.

Worst of all is the Israeli government’s policy of “administrative detention” – arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of Palestinians without charges or trials. Whenever there is a negotiated prisoner exchange with a very few Israeli prisoners traded for very many Palestinians, it’s because many more Palestinians than Israelis have been incarcerated. Meanwhile, something on the order of 6 million Palestinians live in exile, including in refugee camps in Jordan and elsewhere. One would think that the number six million would resonate.

The recent (May 5) op-ed piece in the CAMERA (and the cartoon illustrating it) confused the two Palestinian entities under Israeli occupation. Gaza is in southwestern Israel with no Israeli settlements and the West Bank, where Nablus is located, is peppered with 170 Israeli settlements ranging from walled cities of 45,000 or more to tiny moshavs (a handful of houses that are also walled and also guarded by armed Israeli soldiers). Their commonality is that they are all located on land appropriated from Palestinian owners.

The CAMERA also published tenuous accusations against the Sister Cities Project’s Guy Benintendi by purposely misinterpreting his description of a visit to the West Bank. The writers made a weak argument against the sister city relationship. I believe that the Palestinians deserve a fair shake, and this sister city project provides a modest way to do that. I hope that the City Council approves it.

Claire Walter Boulder

*********************************

Claire Walter Freelance journalist, author and blogger. Travel. Food. Snowsports.

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Pauline Wanderer Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 7:13 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Your Action Content: I believe it's time for us to get acquainted with Palestinians. Many Americans believe I I believe it is time for Americans to get acquainted with Palestinians. Many Americans believe that Islam is a terrorist religion. With a sister city, perhaps they could be educated, finding Palestinians are simply human beings and that true Islam holds Jesus Christ as a major prophet. I promote this sister city.

Pauline Wanderer

Boulder, CO 80302

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Phil Waters Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 4:13 AM To: Dr. Neil Dobro; Council Subject: Re: Nablus: A proposal and opinion from Americans Against Terrorism

Well said Neil. Thanks for speaking up for the rest of us.

Phil

From: Dr. Neil Dobro To: Sent: Monday, June 3, 2013 9:15 P Subject: Nablus: A proposal and opinion from Americans Against Terrorism

Dear Council,

Americans Against Terrorism is a Colorado political action group that has built several rallies against terrorism that have drawn over 3,000 people since its’ inception in 2001. Many of these rallies have been specifically in support of the state of Israel. We would like to join the discussion of the Nablus Sister City by submitting this letter and IMPORTANT PROPOSAL. Chair Dr. Neil Dobro plans to attend the meeting and would like to speak to the points below during the general discussion.

1. Nablus has a history of being an organizational center for terrorist attacks. The terrorist leadership is well known to most all and continues to operate with the consent and approval of the Nablus governmental powers and the population.

2. There is a culture of Jewish hatred that is open, widespread and accepted. It is racism, pure and simple. For example: an exhibit was set up at the government controlled university in Nablus after the bombing in Israel of the Sbarro pizza restaurant during the second intifada. In one room there was a graphic diorama complete with blood splattered walls and various detached body parts of the Jewish victims. Another room showed a Palestinian behind a rock placed in front of a mannequin of an ultra-Orthodox Jew, with a taped recording broadcast on the loudspeakers saying "O believer, there is a Jewish man behind me. Come and kill him."The exhibit was enormously popular, with Nablus residents and others waiting for hours in line to enter.

3. This culture of violence against Jews is as alive as ever and is symbolized by the numerous signs, memorials and posters around Nablus paying tribute to the perpetrators of various murders and bombings of Jews. The Boulder City Council could and should take constructive action by requiring the government of Nablus to remove these tributes -many of which have been set up or approved by the government- as a PRE-CONDITION to further consideration of the alliance of the two cities. Boulders’ ability to push for anti-racist change will never be greater than this moment. If Boulder gives its' approval to “sisterhood” now, it will have lost most of its' leverage.

Dr. Neil G. Dobro

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Chair, Americans Against Terrorism 303‐513‐3521

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Linda Weber Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 2:32 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister city project

Hello,

I’m writing to register my support for the Boulder-Nablus sister city project. I hope you will support it as well. thank you, Linda

Linda Weber, counselor and author Boulder, CO

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Eric Weissmann Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 3:58 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus-Boulder (NO!)

Dear Council Members:

I’m writing to express my opposition to the Nablus sister city project.

This proposal is political – taking sides in a major international dispute. Sister city relationships should be non‐political.

Further, Nablus is a city that suppresses the press, oppresses women and homosexuals, teaches hate for Jews in schools, tolerates terrorism against Israeli civilians (it has been a center of know how in rocket production) and where selling land to a Jew is a crime punishable by death. These are hardly Boulder values.

I hope there will be a day when it would be appropriate for Boulder and Nablus to be sister cities – but that day is not yet hear. Please don’t approve this divisive project.

Thank you, Eric Weissmann (Boulder resident)

======Eric Weissmann Boulder, Colorado ======

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

February 28, 2013

To Whom It May Concern at the Boulder City Council,

I am writing today on behalf of the Front Range Jewish Voice for Peace in full support of Boulder officially becoming a Sister City with Nablus. Our organization is comprised of Jewish folks who live on the Front Range (primarily in Denver and Boulder) and are advocates for Peace and Social Justice both here in our community and in Israel/Palestine. We often are involved in events/discussions/actions that involve very strong emotions and very conflicting political ideologies and tactics. So it’s always quite refreshing to see opportunities that are specifically NOT political, but can have a beneficial effect on all parties involved. Such is the case with the Sister City project!

As American Jews, we have a vested interest in both the conflict in Israel/Palestine AND our connection to it locally. We have all sorts of internal debates about the best way to move forward as a Jewish community here in Colorado and as it relates to Israel/Palestine, but luckily, the Sister City program with Boulder and Nablus is not one of them! The Sister City program is about being friends and being helpful and reaching across (literally the world!) and learning from each other. Boulder is recognized for being an open-minded and caring community and this spirit of adventure and justice would only be heightened by officially becoming a Sister City with Nablus.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about our organization, or this letter. My 4 nieces and nephews all go to Boulder County Schools and I know that they, and their classmates would benefit from the new Sister City, just as much as they have from the ones already established.

Thanks for your consideration!

Evan Weissman

Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jennifer Weissmann Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 10:54 PM To: Council Subject: OPPOSED TO NABLUS AS SISTER CITY

1 May 2013

Dear City Council;

The city resolution that covers the sister city program specifically spells out that "The City of Boulder does not recognize or endorse political action of the respective sister city government." Sister city organizations have to have a statement of "commitment to basic human rights." Nablus does not meet any of these criteria.

While Boulder Sister City Affiliation Policy is wonderful, making Nablus Boulder's 8th sister city goes against the very fiber your criteria for Sister City Status. We strongly oppose and hope you reject this proposal due to basic human rights situation: honor killings, lack of respect for women, and lack of respect for free press. Finally, putting Boulder's reputation into political motivations is a huge mistake. All of these are so far from the values we hold so dear in Boulder.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Weissmann Boulder Resident

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Gmail Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 11:17 PM To: Council Subject: Sister City Proposal

Dear City Council;

The Boulder resolution that covers the sister city program specifically spells out that "sister cities must have a commitment to basic human rights." Nablus does not meet this criteria.

While Boulder Sister City Affiliation Policy is wonderful, making Nablus Boulder's 8th sister city goes against the very fiber of your criteria for Sister City Status. We strongly oppose and hope you reject this proposal due to basic human rights violations: honor killings, lack of respect for women, and lack of respect for free press. Finally, putting Boulder's reputation into the political area is a huge mistake. All of these are so far from the values we hold so dear in Boulder.

Sincerely, Danielle Weksler

Sent from my iPhone

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Dr. CWepman Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 10:31 PM To: Council Subject: AGAINST Nablus Sister City

Dear Boulder City Council,

I am AGAINST the proposed Nablus Sister City concept. Although I like the sister city concept in general, Nablus is an anti‐American, anti‐Israeli, pro‐Hamas city. Do not go forward with this proposal.

I moved to Boulder in 1985 and have lived in Louisville since 2000. I treasure living here in Boulder County. Forming a sister city partnership with a city that promotes anti‐American and anti‐Israeli sentiment seems incredibly unsafe and contrary to the current war on terrorism.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Jo Wepman, MD

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jim or Anna Wilkinson Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 8:08 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus

One of the many reasons why I chose to move to Boulder from Union City, CA in 1985 was it’s close connection to the rest of the world. Our Sister City Program is a part of that connection. I was surprised to learn that only four cities in the US have a sister city relationship with a West Bank city. I did know that Sacramento, CA is a sister city with Bethlehem.

I would like to see Boulder become an official sister city with Nablus in the West Bank. The pathway to peace is built on interpersonal connections, so I say, “Let there be more.”

Sincerely, Jim Wilkinson

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Gretchen Williams Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 11:38 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

To the Boulder City council, I write you as a citizen of the City of Boulder, and as one with the wonderful, valuable experience of having traveled in Palestine in the early summer of 2009. My husband, Dick, and I traveled with the Friends of Sabeel, with whom we visited many sites in Palestine and Israel.

I remember our visit to Nablus. We attended a city council meeting of Nablus, bringing greetings from our home of Boulder. The mayor of Nablus invited our group to a meal with the council, and then to his home where his family has made and sold soap for generations.

I remember the downtown area of Nablus as being a very energetic center. I was glad to learn of the university in the city, as well. Having a sister city relationship with Nablus feels very natural and positive to me. I am very supportive of this project and hope that you all are, also.

Gretchen Williams

Boulder, CO 80301

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Bruce Wildman Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2013 7:56 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City-opposition Attachments: Nablus SC oppos'n letter (1).doc

Dear Members of the City Council,

I am a long time Boulder Resident. I have been reading quite a bit about Boulder's consideration of Nablus as a sister city. I have attached a letter that provides a solid basis for not moving forward with this consideration that was written by a number of people I respect and are compassionate people and known to give the other person the benefit of the doubt.

At a simpler level, what I enjoy about Boulder is that people work to get along and are helpful to each other. I see the consideration of this issue as being polarizing and decisive and question that any good can come from it. This is not ducking a tough issue that needs to be addressed by Boulder but rather focusing our energies towards those issues we really can address and have an impact on.

Thank you for the difficult work you take on.

Bruce Wildman

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Tara Winer Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 12:22 PM To: Council Subject: Nablus as our sister city- I am against it

i am against Nablus becoming a sister city for many reasons. First, Why is Boulder taking sides in the Middle East Conflict? If you insist on Nablus as a sister city- how about picking an Israeli sister city along with it. Perhaps Sderot, which is on the border near Gaza. Sderot gets pummeled with rockets constantly and the city lives in constant fear. They could use a sister city. Sderot has been hit with over 7000 rockets from Gaza over the past decade, see article from the Christian Science Monitor below.

http://www.jpost.com/Defense/2-rockets-pound-Sderot-area-as-tensions-rise-on-Gaza-front-308509 http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/Olive-Press/2013/0429/Israeli-first-responder-searches-for-the- good-among-Sderot-s-rocket-pocked-streets

Second, Nablus shows no love for the Jewish people. http://archive.adl.org/main_Arab_World/israel_sbarro.htm

Third, there was recently an article in the Camera calling for a boycott of a certain Israeli company: http://www.dailycamera.com/guest-opinions/ci_22750227/guest-commentary-complicity-israels- crimes?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com by someone from the Middle East Collective of the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center.

Why don't we boycott other regimes with real human rights violations? and there are so many, including many in the arab world. Why pick on Israel? It seems there is a concerted effort to de-legitimize Israel not only in Europe, where that has basically happened already, but also in the US and now in Boulder.

I am extremely upset at this decision and disappointed in Boulder City Council for going forward with it. I believe we need to do more to be fair to both sides and certainly picking Nablus as a sister city does not do that.

Sincerely, Tara Winer

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sheila Winters Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:54 AM To: Council Subject: Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

Categories: Nablus Info

Dear Council Members

I am Sheila Winters. I have lived in Boulder for 33 years. I am a recently retired RN/nurse practitioner from the VA in Denver. I am writing in support of the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project. I have been on the committee since its inception two years ago. I became interested in Palestine after my husband visited there twice with humanitarian organizations. I believe that our links with Palestinians will benefit both of our cultures - artistically, educationally and person-to-person. Our committee has sent two delegations to Palestine. We have also sponsored several movies and workshops about Palestine at CU. Our co-director, Guy Benintendi, has given several talks in Boulder to inform the public about our project. I hope you will support our application to become an official official sister city with Nablus, Palestine

Sheila Winters Boulder, CO 80305

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Juliet Wittman Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 9:41 AM To: Council Subject: Support Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project

My parents were refugees in London in 1939. They came from Czechoslovakia, where most of our relatives died and many endured Auschwitz. I support a just peace between Israel and Palestine and believe that the more people know of each other, the likelier peace becomes. I am deeply distressed at attempts by some local organizations to politicize the work of the Nablus‐Boulder Sister City project and to sway the City Council against it. These organizations do not speak for me as a Jew, and theirs is the kind of attitude that makes cooperation and coexistence close to impossible. Please support the project.

Juliet Wittman

Boulder, CO 80303

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Mary Wolf Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 4:35 PM To: Council Cc: Mary Wolf Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City - request Attachments: RabbiMarcLetter.docx; Nablus_SC_oppos'n_letter.doc

Dear Friends,

I am writing to ask you to read the attached letters--one from Rabbi Marc. I agree with the sentiments expressed there (see attachments), and urge you to refrain from identifying Nablus a Sister City to Boulder!

You could just say that you agree with the sentiments expressed in the letter written by Rabbi Marc or myself (or attach the letter and say "in the attached letter").

Thank You, Mary Wolf

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 4:25 PM To: Council Subject: Nablas Sister City

Dear City Council Member:

I am writing to urge you to reject the pending application that would join Boulder to Nablus, in the Palestinian territories, as a Sister City.

Boulder has a national reputation for supporting Women's rights, for encouraging diversity of ethnicity, for gay rights, freedom of religion, and equality under the law. None of these ideas are supported in any form in Nablus. In accepting Nablus as a Sister City you will be stating to the world that Boulder joins with a community that rejects the values for which Boulder claims to stand. (3) What a statement of hypocrisy!

Why would you vote to stand with a culture that supports honor killings (1, 2), Gay persecution, repression of the press and freedom of speech, repression and desecration of Jewish and Christian religion and holy sites (4), and world wide terrorism? (5)

The Sister City relationship is supposed to be apolitical. You may not see it as a political coup for Nablus, but I can guarantee that Nablus and the World Community will. What an embarrassment!

I can find no reason to defend the acceptance of Nablus as a Sister City. I guarantee that to do this in the "hope" of changing their ways is a fools errand. I can not express how strongly I support the complete rejection of the pending application of Nablus as a Sister City.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Wolin

1 http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/163568#.UZ5tcaIiq-k Abbas to Keep Reduced Sentences for ‘Honor’ Murder

2 http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/159119#.UZ5vUaIiq-l Rise in PA ‘Honor Killings’ Despite US Aid

3 http://blog.camera.org/archives/2013/05/wheres_the_coverage_palestinia_5.html Where's the Coverage? Palestinian Official Declares Desire to Nuke Israel

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public 4) http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150570147901338&set=p.10150570147901338&type=1 &ref=nf Rachel's Tomb: 290 Firebombs and IEDs in 6 Months

5) http://archive.adl.org/israel/israel_sbarro.asphttp://archive.adl.org/israel/israel_sbarro.asp World WideTerrorism

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 2:38 PM To: Council Subject: Boulder - Nablus Sister City Project

Dear Boulder City Council Member:

I am writing to urge you to reject the pending application which would join Boulder to Nablus, in the Palestinian territories, as sister cities.

I believe that the values of these two communities are in direct opposition. If Boulder were to go ahead with this project, she would strengthen the forces of rejection, extremism, hate, and intolerance so prevalent already in Palestinian culture. Nablus does not represent religious tolerance, peaceful accommodation, or compromise.

A recent event near Nablus illustrates the point:

Eviatar Borowsky was a 31-year-old Jewish husband and father of five waiting for a bus on the morning of April 30, at the Tapuah junction not far from Nablus, when he was attacked by Salam As’ad Zaghal, and stabbed to death. He was on his way to an improvisational theater class.

Eviatar was described by one of his teachers as a special man, very spiritual, alternative, abstract; a very gentle person. Besides his theater work, he was learning to become a hospital clown, someone who would dress in costume and lift the spirits of sick patients, Jew and Arab alike, since Arabs are treated without discrimination in Israeli hospitals.

His murderer, Salam Zaghal, a repeat offender, was released from an Israeli jail a few months before, where he had been incarcerated for fabricating rockets to be fired indiscriminately into Israeli towns, and for throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at Jewish civilians. According to Hamas, whose charter calls for the unconditional destruction of Israel, Zaghal worked for them. Salam has a brother, who is imprisoned by the Palestinians for cooperating with the Israelis. Hamas no longer rules Nablus, but they are very influential there, and they have no compunction about attacking civilians. The Palestinian Authority, which does rule, does not hesitate to lock up people who cooperate with Israelis.

How did the PA, the government in the West Bank including Nablus, respond to this murder? On their official Facebook page, Fatah, the military wing of the government of Nablus, posted several pictures, each with a caption. They congratulate Salam on his "success". Under a photo of Salam with an AK-47 they write: “Peace be with you the day of your birth, on the day of your imprisonment and on the day of your freedom.”

Palestinian Media Watch, which translates the Arabic press, quotes Abu Al-Einein, who was recently a minister in the inner circle of PA Chairman and Nablus ruler Mahmoud Abbas: "We salute the heroic fighter, the self-sacrificing Salam Al-Zaghal."

Another PA official remarked at the same event: "He insisted on defending his honor, so he went against the settler and killed him. Blessings to the breast that nursed Salam Al-Zaghal." The Palestinian audience burst into applause.

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

Unfortunately, these are not minority opinions. A recent poll taken by the Israel Project in cooperation with the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion found that more than 60% of all Palestinians reject a two state solution, support Hamas' call to kill Jews, believe there should be one Palestinian state replacing Israel, support kidnapping Israeli soldiers, and reject any historic Jewish claim to Jerusalem.

Palestinians widely considered President Obama's visit to Israel in March to be an insult, and there were many demonstrations against him in Gaza and the Territories, including burning of American flags.

Nablus is not a community Boulder should consider bonding with. To do so gives a seal of approval to the murderous hatred displayed above, making peace even more difficult to achieve. There are any number of cities elsewhere whose government and citizens genuinely desire peace and comity with others, and would welcome a sister relationship with Boulder without any ulterior motive.

Reject the Nablus sister city project.

Sincerely,

Michael Wolin

Longmont, CO 80501

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Jackie Sprinces Wong Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2013 7:05 PM To: Council Cc: Subject: Boulder Nablus Sister City Project I OPPOSE THE PROJECT

To Boulder City Council,

My name is Jacqueline Sprinces Wong. I am a 30 year resident of Boulder. I live at 1001 Mapleton Avenue. I am a member of the Boulder Jewish Community. A member of Congregation Bonai Shalom Synagogue at 1527 Cherryvale, Boulder. Also, I am the Boulder Campaign Chair for the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado. I obtained my B.A. and M.A. in Religious Studies at CU Boulder. I love this town and have a lot invested here. My husband and I have raised four children here.

As a human being,an American, a woman and a Jew I OPPOSE the (BNSCP) Boulder Nablus Sister City Project!!!

As a Jew I attend synagogue frequently on Saturday mornings. This year A pro Palestine group has decided to picket outside our sacred space. They hold placards about Israel's occupation of Palestine. A political situation continues taking place during our worship time. Yes, they have freedom of speech, but in all my years in Boulder this is a new level of harassment. Are churches being harassed at their time of worship? This is strictly anti-Semitism.

I always thought Boulder upheld principals of tolerance for all individuals. The acceptance of sexual orientation, women's rights, and yes wildlife rights. The Mapleton Elk visited my back yard the day before it was shot by two Boulder policemen.

Please consider your actions, the BNSCP is a political nightmare. It is driven from a perspective of politics and hate. Many of us wish for a peaceful and fair solution with the Israeli's and Palestinians. An opportunity given in 1948 for all people to live together was not embraced by the Arab neighbors. Palestinians left the new state because the Arab countries promised they would destroy Israel. As we know Israel defeated the armies. Numerous opportunities have come and gone with Arafat rejecting the last amazing offer. Please, Boulder City Council educate yourself. It can be eye opening.

I OPPOSE the BNSCP!!!!!!!

Thank you, Jackie Sprinces Wong

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public Jackie Sprinces Wong

2 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Rona Wronker Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 8:31 AM To: Council Subject: Nablus sister-city mistreats its sistahs

Dear Sirs and Madames:

The petition to make Boulder sister-cities with Nablus is terribly misguided.

The progressive tolerance that Boulder is famous for is detested by the people who run Nablus. The mistreatment and downright persecution of women, gays, and people of religions other than Islam is in direct contradiction to Boulder's sister-city resolution that states "the sister city agreement must contain a statement of commitment of respect for human rights according to the provisions of the 1989 Vienna Concluding Document of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. This document sets forth many goals, including:

* Promoting democracy; * A commitment to elections; * A commitment to gender equality; * Human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion; * Protection of minority rights."

As far as commitment to elections goes, the fact that the elected government of Mahmoud Abbas is in the 9th year of its 4 year term makes a mockery of democracy.

Nablus is a very inappropriate choice for Boulder as a sister-city. Guy Benintendi is well known in the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement, which seeks to delegitimize the State of Israel. The motives of the petition have little or nothing to do with a "special relationship ... based on some common interests" as stated by Boulder's sister-city resolution.

Yours truly,

Rona Wronker

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Matt Young Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 2:43 PM To: Council Subject: Sister-city proposal Attachments: Rabbi J Rose re Nablus.pdf

City Council Boulder, Colorado

Dear Councillors:

I concur wholeheartedly with the sentiment expressed in Rabbi Joshua Rose's letter, attached.

I would add only that, as a supporter of the "two‐state solution" ‐ Israel and Palestine ‐ I was initially more or less neutral on the proposal for a sister‐city relationship. Guy Binentendi's virulently anti‐Semitic calumny that Zionism is racism, however, drove home the fact that the proposal is purely political and indeed poorly hides a hidden agenda.

I urge you to reject the proposal, at least until some semblance of democracy is brought to the West Bank.

Sincerely,

Matt Young

‐‐ Matt Young Boulder, CO 80304

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: Susan Flaxer Zalkin Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 2:11 PM To: Council Subject: Please vote against Nablus Sister City proposal

City Council Members:

I am sending this in regard to blocking the proposal for Nablus to become Boulder's "Sister City" for the following human rights violations.:

1. Citizens of Nablus have conducted so called "honor" killings and violence against women.

2. Some residents in Nablus have sought asylum in Israel.

3. It has been documented that at least one individual was imprisoned for criticizing the Palestinian Authority.

Boulder is a wonderful community. It would be a terrible mistake to associate itself with Nablus especially in the Sister City program.

Respectfully Submitted,

Susan F. Zalkin

1 Attachment D - Correspondence, Emails and Letters from the Public

From: andrew zicklin Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2013 5:05 AM To: Council Subject: sister city

Dear City Council,

As a resident of Boulder, I feel that the nablus sister city program is problematic and I have to put forth my opposition.

As gay people are being able to enter into civil unions here, they are being killed in Nablus. As women are voting, driving, equal here, they are not in Nabus. As raped women are being treated here, they are being blamed for the rape there.

As peace is a boulder tenet, it is not in Nablus.

I have a real problem with the proponent of the Nablus sister city program. He has made virulently anti israel and anti jewish statements, yet this is his altruistic plan? I don't buy it.

Please vote no..

Thank you,

Andrew Zicklin Boulder Resident

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