EASTON, Pa. — Easton City Council on Wednesday passed a resolution condemning antisemitism.
The resolution was introduced by Mayor Sal Panto. It states that Easton treasures religious tolerance, and the Jewish community plays an important role in the city.
“Whereas together, we can identify and expose the hate that's hiding between the lines and translate it into something positive, turning darkness into light,” the resolution states.
The resolution shared remarks that antisemitism uses an ideology that Jews harm humanity and are the reasons why “things go wrong.”
- Easton City Council brought up a resolution to denounce antisemitism at Wednesday night's council meeting
- Mayor Sal Panto introduced the resolution to the council
- The resolution aims to engage with community leaders and offer public information to help address antisemitism
It also states that defining antisemitism helps in monitoring, reporting and investigating incidents of hate speech, crimes and violence.
The resolution comes a week after Bethlehem City Council meeting was derailed after a resident made antisemitic remarks, saying the city should organize around the teachings of Jesus.
Bethlehem City Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek, who in the past has spoken about her experience being a Jewish city council member, walked out of the meeting during the speech.
Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds said he was shocked about what was said during the meeting.
“We will remain vigilant in working to create a city where there is no place for hate or the beliefs where it is the feeling of some that certain religions make themselves feel superior to others,” Reynolds said.
Easton City Council did not refer to the incident at the Dec. 6, 2022, Bethlehem City Council meeting.
Recently, President Biden's administration formed an interagency group to strategize against antisemitism along with Islamophobia and other biases in the United States.
The agency will use the White House Domestic Policy and National Security councils to address antisemitism, Islamophobia and other biases in the United Sates.
Easton City Council's resolution states that it intends to engage with community leaders, hold governmental transparency and share public information to curb antisemitism.
