Frey Condemns Israel's 'Excessive Bombing' In Ceasefire Proclamation

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob on Thursday issued a formal proclamation to support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The proclamation came just as the City Council overrode Frey's veto of their resolution, which the mayor claimed was too one-sided.

In his proclamation, Frey unequivocally condemns "the targeting and killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians – both during the horrific October 7 attacks by Hamas, and through the excessive bombing by the Israeli government since that date."

Frey also called for "a peaceful resolution of this conflict that results in both an Israeli state and a Palestinian state, a two-state solution"

Frey's proclamation comes about a week he vetoed the City Council's "ceasefire" resolution related to the Israel-Hamas War because it is "one-sided, failing to recognize the history of Israeli Jews."

"The resolution City Council approved uplifts the history of Palestinians, and all but erases that of Israeli Jews," Frey wrote in his veto last week.

"Including some people’s history as valid, truthful, and righteous as it may be, while ignoring others, is neither progressive nor inclusive. That's not in keeping with the Minneapolis I know and love."

Frey added: "At a time when antisemitic incidents and Islamophobic complaints have risen nearly 400 percent and 216 percent respectively nationwide, we have an obligation to, at the very least, not make things worse. I remain open to signing a truly unifying ceasefire resolution and hope we can all do this work together."

The mayor’s office said Frey's feedback given earlier this month was not included in the resolution language and: "As the only elected Jew for the City, that is disheartening."

Frey provided examples of ceasefire resolutions he would sign if they made it to his desk, including:

• Hastings, Minnesota
• Greensboro, North Carolina

On Thursday, nine of the 13 City Council members successfully voted to override Frey's veto.