Question:

Given the rise in antisemitism in Maine, what steps would you take as a Portland city Councilor to prevent and respond to occurrences of antisemitism in the Portland area?

Responses:

Mayor Dion:

I think the Council should respond with our collective voice, to publicly any condemn, any incidences of antisemitic behavior.

We should insure that out police personnel respond as quickly as possible to complaints of hate speech or conduct directed against our Jewish friends and neighbors.

We also should encourage the City’s Board of Education to examine their current diversity curriculum to assess their learning goals surrounding teaching students of the existence and consequence of anti semitism.

Finally, timely meetings between members of the City Council and Jewish community leaders would help foster and strengthen our mutual interest in keeping Portland a welcoming City for everyone.

At-Large:

Pious Ali, Councilor, At-Large

---responded to the email to ask for a phone conversation; that conversation is in the works but did not happen before our publication deadline; we did clarify with Council Member Ali that we were looking for written remarks to share with our community and he did not send a statement

April Fournier, Councilor, At-Large

Thank you for reaching out to connect. I am currently traveling for work until Wednesday, I apologize I won't have a statement prepared for your requested deadline of tomorrow. I would like to share an introduction and would be happy to meet you with you after the election. 

As you know, I am currently a member of the city council in Portland. I am serving my second term, having been re-elected last fall. I am Diné or a citizen of the Navajo Nation, but have lived in Maine for most of my life. I currently live in the North Deering neighborhood with my husband, 3 out of 4 children and 2 dogs. I am the chair of the Health and Human Services & Public Safety Committee as well as a member of the Finance Committee. 

For work I work for Native Organizers Alliance, a national Native organization that works on behalf of and in partnership with Native communities around the country to mobilize and empower for various initiatives, calls to action, or policy advocacy. I am the Senior Training and Voter Engagement Strategist, currently focused on our fellows program that has deployed over 160 Native organizers in 12 states to get their own communities out to vote. Because of the disproportionate and historical barriers that affect our community deeply it takes significant work to create structure, support and provide resources to make something as simple as getting a vote cast a monumental effort. This is largely why I have been on the road since July. We're coming into the homestretch now and I will likely have more capacity to set up a time to meet in the latter part of November. 

To provide a brief answer to the question you have posed though, as a woman of color currently serving in elected office I have regularly been the target of hate speech, racism, death threats and intimidation since I first announced I was running for office in 2020. My work on council has been to create more space for all of us to have a voice and to create more accountability for response and action when it comes to any violence, intimidation or harm directed at any group in our community. For more specific actions I plan continued work this coming council year with our JDEI office (and hopefully a permanent director) as well as our police department on how we are addressing all rising instances of discrimination. We should not tolerate any sort of discrimination or violence toward any group within our community including anti-semitism, racism, anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant, anti-unhoused or any other marginalized group. I would be happy to talk more about this and would welcome your thoughts when we meet. 

Be well and I look forward to connecting.

Ahéheé (thank you)

Roberto Rodriguez, Councilor, At-Large

---no response

Jess Falero, Candidate, Council At-Large

I’m not sure about a specific policy proposal and I don’t have any desire to lie and say that I do. But on the face of the question, I would strongly condemn any and all antisemitism in our city. 

Ben Grant, Candidate, Council At-Large

Thanks for the question. I understand that not too long ago, the Jewish and Muslim communities broke bread together here in Portland at the Jewish Community Alliance center. We should continue to facilitate these critical community conversations once more while establishing clear guidelines and expectations on how we engage around issues like antisemitism, hate, and genocide.
 
As city councilor, I propose working hand in hand with the Mayor, the City’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion staff, the JCA, Seeds of Peace, members of our Muslim community, and the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, to host community conversations aimed at bridging the divides. By bringing people together in a facilitated space, we can begin the healing process for our communities and find common ground and a path forward together.

Finally, I can say that our record on the School Board shows that we can take quick, appropriate action - like the recent episode of anti-semetic graffiti at Rowe Elementary School. Reporting these incidents to the authorities, and then making appropriate supports available to students and staff, is an important step in demonstrating to the community that we will not tolerate such actions. 
 

I hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions.

Grayson Lookner, Candidate, Council At-Large

Thank you for the question. As a Jew, creating safety for our Jewish community is of utmost importance to me. Portland is an inclusive city, and Jews have lived in peace here for decades alongside Arab-Americans and immigrants from around the world who've woven the fabric of our beautiful and diverse community. Although I wasn't raised religious, my Jewish identity has been central in my desire to fight to justice, and I try to live by the principles of Tikkun olam in my personal and political life. 

I do see a rise in antisemitism as worrisome. 6 years ago today was the horrific tree of life shooting in Pittsburgh, in which hatred of Jews was the motivating factor. Antisemitism breeds in ignorance, it is an age-old ideology based on the lie that Jews control and dominate the world. It is an ugly and sickening trope and to see it rear it's head once again brings me sadness and fear. Right wing conspiracy theories have been proliferating on the internet bear uncanny resemblance to those age absurdities. It makes sense that many Jews in America feel targeted and afraid.

The death of Jews and other Israelis on October 7th at the hands of Hamas was an atrocity. I mourn for the massive loss of life that day. Israel, like any country, has the right to defend itself. I have the right to disagree with their approach, and to express that belief publicly. How I would choose to do so on City Council is certainly a matter of public interest. In that sense, and with the benefit of hindsight, I see Portland's recent boycott, divestment, and sanction vote towards Israel as unnecessary, divisive, and counter productive.

As a Portland City Councilor, my focus will be on issues affecting the city – like how we can resolve the housing crisis, keep our schools funded, and prepare for the onslaught of climate change – not on international affairs. Sometimes it may be appropriate for the city to take symbolic votes. I don't see how this vote was conducted as one of those instances.

Personally, I am horrified at the what is happening in the Middle East in the wake of October 7th., 2023. And I express that opinion by joining in with organizations such as Jewish Voices for Peace. It is among those people that I feel the most safe as a Jew in Portland.

Creating safety for Jews in Portland will require a prolonged campaign of education, as well as a concerted effort by the city to increase civic participation and foster social cohesion. Conspiracy theories, antisemitism, and bigotry in general prey on the minds of isolated individuals who've lost their bearings in the world. Needless to say, eradicating antisemitism in Portland will be a long-term project, but one that I am committed to.

I'd be thrilled to speak with you and with anyone else from JCA. I am grateful for the opportunity to respond, and I look forward to having a stronger relationship with JCA in the future.

Shalom

Brandon Mazer, Candidate, Council At-Large

Thank you for your email and thoughtful question. 

Antisemitism is rising in Portland. As a member of the Jewish community, I have personally experienced it. 

I appreciate the forum that the JCA hosted a few weeks ago on this very topic and am incredibly glad I was able to attend. As was evident from the conversation that night, there is no simple or easy solution, but I think forums like that are a step in the right direction. We need to continue to educate our community about what antisemitism is and call it out when we see it. Hatred of any kind or in any form is unacceptable in our city or elsewhere.   

I am happy to meet with you or any other JCA members to answer any further questions.

Jake Viola, Candidate, Council At-Large

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this important questions. 

First, I will work to repeal the divestment resolution passed in September. The resolution was misguided, polarizing, and dangerous, inflaming tensions in our local community at a time when antisemitism is at a 50-year high nationally, in Maine, and in Portland. The Council should never, as our Mayor admitted in his recent public apology, stray outside its lane and opine on international affairs about which it has little knowledge and no jurisdiction. That it not only chose to do so but also chose to single out Israel, the only Jewish state in the world, for condemnation and punishment is outrageous. While the Mayor’s apology was a brave start, it does not go far enough to right the wrong committed. 

Second, I will engage with and learn from Portland's Jewish community. We have a proud Jewish history in this city, and the outsized contributions of Portland’s Jewish community cannot be overstated. I have already, during my candidacy, reached out to several of Portland’s rabbis and Jewish leaders to hear their hopes, dreams, and concerns – and was disappointed not to have made it off the waitlist for the JCA’s community discussion on antisemitism earlier this month. You can count on me to be a regular at Jewish community events, celebrations, and remembrances, as well as a promoter of Jewish culture and arts. 

Third, I will always operate transparently as a Councilor and demand that the Council do the same. Should the Council ever have business before it that affects the Jewish community, leaders in the Portland Jewish community must be consulted well in advance and invited to be an integral part of the conversation and planning process. No more secretive, closed-door meetings and last-minute public notifications that take by surprise those most impacted by proposed resolutions and legislation. The public must have time to comment and Councilors must listen and understand the consequences of their actions. 

Fourth, while our First Amendment rights to free speech must always be protected, it is the obligation of our elected officials to speak out against the horrifying displays of hatred that have infiltrated our city. For example, the attempt of anti-Zionist protesters last March to force the State Theater to cancel their scheduled Matisyahu performance and intimidate ticketholders from attending the concert was deplorable. Similarly, public officials should be denouncing the “trend” of freezing out Israeli and Jewish writers and artists. This is why I felt it was so important to attend the Maine Jewish Museum’s recent celebration for winners of its “I’m a Jewish Mainer” Youth Art Contest with my baby daughter and pay tribute to the hostages through Israeli Mainers Camille and Anya Davidson’s powerful “Yellow Ribbon” exhibition.

 
 Finally, I will actively explore the possibility of forming a task force to combat antisemitism in Portland. Given the geopolitical situation as well as the shattered trust in local government, it's important to prioritize repairing the relationship between the city and the Jewish community and preventing further harm. I understand that the JCA is developing its own taskforce and am committed to working with this group to see how the City Council can best support their efforts.

District 1:

Anna Trevorrow, Councilor, District 1

---no response

Sarah Michniewicz, Candidate, District 1

Thanks for reaching out. I'm happy to answer. 

Antisemitism is unacceptable, and I will use my position to the full extent possible to prevent and respond to such occurrences, and to condemn them.

My first step as a new councilor will be to clarify what responses it’s possible for a councilor to take or promote, and what limitations there may be, if any, so as to focus on actionable solutions. 

I will also prioritize meeting with the Jewish Community Alliance and other Jewish leaders to hear their concerns and more fully understand their perspectives and expectations. I will evaluate what role education may play, and engage with the police department in order to understand what capacity and resources are available to ensure safety for Jewish community members at their places of worship. 

In all decision-making, I will strive to anticipate, preempt, and mitigate impacts that may be caused by the council’s actions and policies, informed by guidance from the Jewish community and other groups, and advocate for keeping the council’s focus as much as possible on the local issues that directly affect Portland’s people. 

I will particularly advocate for all work that comes before the council to arrive with adequate public notice in order to provide ample opportunity for community feedback and time for all councilors to read, process and understand the policies we are being asked to vote on.

There is no place in Portland for hateful and harmful actions against any group or individual. Portland should be a welcoming place for all people to live, work, and spend time, and I will work to ensure Jewish families enjoy the same comfort and safety as anyone else.

Todd Morse, Candidate, District 1

As a Jewish person, ignoring antisemitism is not optional for me. I remember as a little kid, sneaking out of a long service on the High Holy Days for some fresh air and hanging out with the security guard outside. When you are young everything seems normal to you and it was only when I grew up that I realized that not every place of worship feels the need for security guards.
 
Antisemitism and bigotry appear to be on rise nationally and Maine is no exception. Just last year, while walking outside the building where I live, I passed a flier with Jewish caricatures and conspiracy theories. Antisemitic and hateful behavior has interrupted our City Council meetings resulting in a loss of everyone’s ability to comment remotely. We have had neo-NAZI rallies that have escalated into violence. Even in writing this message to the JCA I find myself hesitating to write that I am Jewish. I know that if I were to be elected as a Jewish City Councilor I would become a target and face some of the hateful attacks and intimidation that other Councilors have faced based on their identity. But this is something I must be open about or the tactics of hate and intimidation will have prevailed.
 
The way I hope to face antisemitism is the way I think all bigotry should be faced. I would call this behavior out early and often, open dialogs with groups and individuals of all identities, advocate for City Policy and law enforcement priorities that ensure everyone can feel safe in Portland, and stand together in solidarity with people of all identities.
 
One of the things that makes me most proud of being Jewish is our involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. We stood together with people of all identities and played our part in making real progress towards equality. When we stand against bigotry towards other groups they in turn will stand against bigotry towards us. Together, we make progress, divided we are silenced.

I would be more than happy to meet with you to discuss further and hear your perspectives.

District 2:

Victoria Pelletier, Councilor District 2

Thanks for your email - this is actually my last week as a city councilor, but I wanted to make sure I got back to you before the election frenzy. I am vehemently against antisemitism and think it's important that respect, dignity and safety are priorities for all of our community members (especially as a Black woman whose humanity is consistently met with violence.) 

Thank you

Atiim Boykin, Candidate, District 2

---no response

Nancy English, Candidate, District 2

What a profound and far ranging question you have asked me! I would like to require a history lesson for all, a lesson that would include some of the greatest literature and documentaries and show the suffering, cruelty, and crimes committed in the name of historical antisemitism. I would like to show everyone the brass cobblestones set into the pavement in front of houses in Rome and other cities, marking the residences of Jews who were taken to concentration camps and killed. To respond in this way is to say that I hope I am well versed in the nightmare that antisemitism has been throughout history, and that I will share my knowledge of this tragic history whenever possible. I hope that improving knowledge of the history of antisemitism has some power to prevent acts of antisemitism.

If I encounter antisemitism, I will object loudly. If acts of antisemitism happen here, as they do, and I were elected, I would make public statements condemning it. I would involve myself in making amends, depending on what was involved, such as cleaning antisemitic graffiti off walls with a work crew. I have suggested to some city councilors that the Portland City Council adopt a new rule in its Rules of Council Procedure that require Resolutions to relate only to matters of local concern. No one has agreed with that idea yet, but perhaps minds are changing.

In other words, I would be active and vocal and try to have an effect. I will seek out ideas about how to fight antisemitism. Thank you for presenting this question and bringing this issue to the front of my mind. I am interested in meeting with you or other representatives of the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine to better understand your local experience of the problem of antisemitism.

Catherine Nekoie, Candidate, District 2

Thank you for including me in your email. I understand some of the recent decisions from the council may have caused some harm to your community. I am sorry for that. 

There is no room for antisemitism in Portland—period. As a City Councilor, I will ensure this message is loud, clear, and unwavering. When incidents of antisemitism occur, we must confront it, respond swiftly by naming the harm, and stand with those affected. We are a diverse community, and each voice matters. It is essential that every individual—regardless of background, religion, or beliefs—feel safe, respected, and welcome in our city.

Thank you,

Robert O’Brien, Candidate, District 2

---no response

Wes Pelletier, Candidate, District 2

As someone who has organized events and campaigns-- including anti-fascist, anti-white supremacy actions-- alongside many dear Jewish friends,, I'm committed to making sure that there is no place in Portland for bigotry or antisemitism. Ensuring that there is a planned, quick police response to situations-- such as NC-17's march through Portland last year-- is a high priority for me, as is making sure that firm standards are in place for public comment, including those made during remote meetings, so that no public platform is given to hatred.

District 3:

Regina Phillips, Councilor, District 3

---no response

District 4:

Anna Bullett, Councilor, District 4

---no response

District 5:

Kate Sykes, Councilor, District 5

In responding to your concerns about antisemitism, I want to emphasize my commitment to peace, non-violence, and inclusivity. As a city councilor, I believe that what we pay attention to will grow, and I am only interested in addressing these issues by cultivating an environment where understanding and compassion can flourish. Rather than focusing solely on the divisions that can arise, I prefer to foster a collective identity that transcends individual labels and encourages people to see beyond their differences and embrace our shared humanity and connection to the Earth.

To address incidents of antisemitism or any form of discrimination, I support the following actions to promote peace, unity, and resilience in our community:

1. Education for Understanding: workshops and public forums that promote interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange, helping residents connect over shared values and learn about one another’s histories, experiences, and traditions.

2. Community Peace Circles: regular community peace circles or gatherings where people can come together to discuss community concerns in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. This non-violent, solution-focused approach can deepen connections and foster empathy.

3. Non-Violence Training Programs: de-escalation and non-violent communication training in schools, neighborhood groups, and local organizations. These programs should focus on conflict resolution, respect for diversity, and the importance of compassion in creating a peaceful community.

4. Public Art and Media Campaigns for Unity: public art projects and media campaigns in Portland that celebrate diversity, solidarity, and our collective commitment to peace. When we spotlight these positive values, they become the foundation of our community identity.

With a focus on unity and understanding, these efforts can transform our community by reducing fear and preventing the spread of hate.

Additional Resources