As expected, the Minneapolis City Council has voted to overturn Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and military aid to be withdrawn from Israel.
The council passed the resolution last month with a veto-proof majority and Thursday's vote remained the same. It was nine votes for the resolution, and three against.
In his veto, Frey said the resolution missed the mark and was "one-sided" in not presenting the Jewish point of view. He did clarify that he was in favor or a ceasefire overall, but not this particular resolution.
"Minneapolis, as a city, occupies a fairly unique place in our state's history," explained Frey after the initial vote in January. "We've often been on the vanguard of progressive policy, and inclusion. But we're also known in our history, for being one of the most antisemitic places in the country. Let's make sure that we hold up one of those histories, and not the other."
The Mayor then issued a formal proclamation Thursday, cementing that support for a ceasefire, and saying he met with Council Members and addressed the public several times to relay his concerns with the resolution’s language. His feedback was not included in the City Council's proclamation.
"The Mayor’s proclamation stands in stark contrast with the Council’s Resolution, which is one-sided and further divides our city and alienates Jewish residents," said a statement from his office.
I, JACOB FREY, Mayor of the City of Minneapolis, do hereby proclaim my support for:
1. A full, immediate, and sustainable ceasefire, along with urgently needed humanitarian aid as a necessary step towards lasting peace.
2. The release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, and the release of any Palestinians unjustly held by Israel.
3. The investment of federal, state, and City funds towards efforts abroad and domestically to create the conditions for reconciliation, which are necessary for the self-determination and peaceful, safe futures for both Palestinians and Israelis.
4. A two-state solution, recognizing the sovereignty of both Israeli and Palestinian states.
In a statement after the Thursday morning vote, Council President Elliot Payne said he, "hoped that it would be the last time we will be faced with a veto this term and look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor collaboratively in the future.”
City Councilmember Andrea Jenkins addressed the crowd who began to cheer as the vote was announced.
"These issues are way too serious, it disrespects the loss of life of Israelis, Palestinians, and this is not a football game or a spectator sport, so thank you for respecting that," Jenkins said.
In St. Paul, city councilmembers did not take up any sort of ceasefire resolution at their meeting Wednesday afternoon despite calls from protesters to do so.