Question:

メイン州における反ユダヤ主義の高まりを踏まえ、ポートランド市議会議員としてポートランド地域での反ユダヤ主義の発生を防止し、対処するためにどのような措置を講じますか?

回答:

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

エイプリル・フルニエ、全市区議員

ご連絡いただきありがとうございます。現在、水曜日まで出張中で、ご希望の明日の締め切りまでに声明文を作成できないことをお詫び申し上げます。ご紹介させていただきますので、選挙後にお会いできれば幸いです。

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.

アヘヘ（ありがとう）

Roberto Rodriguez, Councilor, At-Large

---応答なし

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. 
 

これがお役に立てば幸いです。さらにご質問があればお知らせください。

グレイソン・ルックナー、全市議会議員候補

ご質問ありがとうございます。ユダヤ人として、ユダヤ人コミュニティの安全を確保することは私にとって何よりも重要です。ポートランドはインクルーシブな都市であり、ユダヤ人は何十年もの間、アラブ系アメリカ人や世界中から来た移民と共に平和に暮らしてきました。彼らは、私たちの美しく多様なコミュニティを形作ってきました。私は宗教的な家庭で育ちませんでしたが、ユダヤ人としてのアイデンティティは、正義のために戦うという私の願いの中心にあり、私生活でも政治生活でも「ティクン・オラム」の原則に従って生きるよう努めています。

反ユダヤ主義の高まりは確かに憂慮すべき事態です。6年前の今日、ピッツバーグで「ツリー・オブ・ライフ」銃乱射事件が発生しました。その動機はユダヤ人への憎悪でした。反ユダヤ主義は無知から生まれ、ユダヤ人が世界を支配しているという嘘に基づく古くからのイデオロギーです。これは醜悪で吐き気がするような常套句であり、それが再び頭をもたげてくるのを見ると、悲しみと恐怖を感じます。インターネット上で蔓延している右翼の陰謀論は、これらの昔からの不条理な考えと不気味なほど似ています。アメリカの多くのユダヤ人が標的にされ、恐怖を感じているのも無理はありません。

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.

ポートランド市議会議員として、私は市に影響を与える問題、例えば住宅危機の解決、学校への資金提供の維持、気候変動の猛威への備えなどに焦点を当て、国際情勢には関心を持ちません。市が象徴的な投票を行うことが適切な場合もあります。今回の投票は、そのような例の一つとは考えられません。

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.

シャローム

Brandon Mazer, Candidate, Council At-Large

メールと丁寧なご質問をありがとうございます。

ポートランドでは反ユダヤ主義が高まっています。ユダヤ人コミュニティの一員として、私は個人的にそれを経験しました。

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.

ジェイク・ヴィオラ、候補者、全市議会議員

この重要な質問に答える機会をいただきありがとうございます。

まず、9月に可決された投資撤退決議の撤回に取り組みます。この決議は、反ユダヤ主義が全米、メイン州、そしてポートランドで50年ぶりの高水準に達しているこの時期に、誤った方向へ導き、分断を招き、危険なものでした。地域社会の緊張を煽るものです。市長が先日の公式謝罪で認めたように、議会は、その専門分野から逸脱し、知識も管轄権もない国際情勢について意見を述べるべきではありません。議会がそうしただけでなく、世界で唯一のユダヤ人国家であるイスラエルを特に非難と処罰の対象に選んだことは言語道断です。市長の謝罪は勇気ある第一歩ではありますが、犯された過ちを正すには不十分です。

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.

最後に、ポートランドにおける反ユダヤ主義対策のためのタスクフォースの設置を積極的に検討します。地政学的状況と地方自治体への信頼の失墜を踏まえ、市とユダヤ人コミュニティの関係を修復し、更なる被害を防ぐことを最優先に考えます。JCAが独自のタスクフォースを立ち上げていると承知しており、市議会としてどのように彼らの取り組みを支援できるかについて、このグループと協力していく所存です。

District 1:

Anna Trevorrow, Councilor, District 1

---応答なし

サラ・ミチニェヴィッチ、候補者、第 1 地区

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

反ユダヤ主義は容認できるものではなく、私は自分の立場を最大限に利用して、そのような出来事を予防し、対処し、非難するつもりです。

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. 

あらゆる意思決定において、私は、ユダヤ人コミュニティやその他の団体からの指導に基づいて、評議会の行動と政策によって引き起こされる可能性のある影響を予測し、予防し、軽減するよう努め、ポートランドの人々に直接影響を与える地元の問題に評議会が可能な限り焦点を当てるように主張します。

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.

ポートランドでは、いかなる集団や個人に対しても、憎悪や有害な行為は許されません。ポートランドは、あらゆる人々が住み、働き、時間を過ごす、温かく迎え入れられる場所であるべきです。私は、ユダヤ人の家族が他の人々と同様に快適さと安全を享受できるよう尽力します。

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.

第2地区:

ビクトリア・ペルティエ、第2区議員

メールありがとうございます。実は今週は市議会議員としての最後の週なのですが、選挙の熱狂が始まる前に必ずお返事を差し上げたいと思いました。私は反ユダヤ主義に強く反対しており、コミュニティのメンバー全員にとって、敬意、尊厳、そして安全が最優先事項であるべきだと考えています（特に、人間性ゆえに常に暴力にさらされている黒人女性として）。

Thank you

Atiim Boykin, Candidate, District 2

---応答なし

ナンシー・イングリッシュ、第2地区候補者

なんと深く、広範囲にわたるご質問でしょう。私は、皆様に歴史の授業を受けていただきたいと思います。それは、偉大な文学作品やドキュメンタリー作品も含め、歴史上の反ユダヤ主義の名の下に犯された苦しみ、残虐行為、そして犯罪を示す授業です。ローマなどの都市の家の前の歩道に敷かれた真鍮の石畳を皆様に見ていただきたい。強制収容所に連行され、殺害されたユダヤ人の住居を示すものです。このようにお答えするということは、反ユダヤ主義が歴史を通じていかに悪夢をもたらしてきたかを私が十分に理解し、この悲劇的な歴史に関する知識を可能な限り共有したいということを意味します。反ユダヤ主義の歴史に関する知識を深めることで、反ユダヤ主義行為を少しでも防ぐ力となることを願っています。

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.

言い換えれば、積極的に発言し、影響を与えようと努めます。反ユダヤ主義と闘う方法について、アイデアを探っていきます。この質問を提起し、この問題を私の心に浮かばせてくださり、ありがとうございます。あなた、あるいはメイン州南部ユダヤ人コミュニティ同盟の他の代表者の方々とお会いし、反ユダヤ主義問題に関する貴地域の経験についてより深く理解したいと考えております。

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.

ありがとう、

Robert O’Brien, Candidate, District 2

---応答なし

Wes Pelletier, Candidate, District 2

多くの親愛なるユダヤ人の友人と共に、反ファシスト、反白人至上主義の活動を含むイベントやキャンペーンを企画してきた者として、ポートランドに偏見や反ユダヤ主義の居場所がないように尽力しています。昨年のNC-17によるポートランドでのデモ行進のような状況に対し、警察が計画的かつ迅速に対応できるよう徹底することは、私にとって最優先事項です。また、リモート会議での発言も含め、公の場で憎悪が蔓延しないよう、公の場で発言するための厳格な基準を確立することも重要です。

第3地区:

レジーナ・フィリップス、第3地区議員

---応答なし

第4地区:

Anna Bullett, Councilor, District 4

---応答なし

第5地区:

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.

反ユダヤ主義やあらゆる形態の差別事件に対処するため、私はコミュニティの平和、団結、回復力を促進する以下の行動を支持します。

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