Councilor Burnley reiterated his support for the resolution, emphasizing the community attention it has continued to generate and the importance of listening to what the Somerville voters want. He sponsored Mo Katz-Christy to speak. They spoke of growing up within the Jewish community and the collective trauma held by Jewish residents. They spoke of their current work with Jewish families and working through the trauma that can be held in people’s bodies, and the trauma people are currently facing in Gaza. They ended the remarks by advocating for the divestment of funds as outlined in ballot question 3. Councilor Burnley sponsored Sarah Halawa to speak. Sarah detailed her families experience in Somerville of being silenced when trying to discuss their Palestinian heritage and described events in Israel that she linked to genocide and ongoing racism towards Palestinians. She also closed her remarks by calling for the divestment of funds that is detailed in ballot question 3 that overwhelmingly supported the constituents.

Councilor Strezo sponsored Sam Gechter to speak. He addressed anti-Zionism and hate during his remarks. Most of his remarks focused on the fact that this ballot question is taking resources and time away from the issues that plague constituents on a daily basis and urged the council to focus on local concerns. Councilor Mbah shared his thoughts that he will be supporting the resolution as it has been shown it is the will of the people. He sponsored Kate Opitz to speak. She is a long time Somerville resident who spoke out against antisemitic acts and that the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movements is largely performative. She also stated that the divestment as written is unenforceable and asked that the council not take such divisive action.

Many Councilors shared their thoughts on the resolution. Councilors Ewen-Campen and Sait expressed their unguarded support for the resolution. Councilor Strezo shared her disagreement and continued her arguments that the ask is outside what is legal in the city. Councilor Hardt said she was unable to support as she is brand new to the council and cannot make a fully informed decision at this time. Councilor McLaughlin closed remarks that he would support the resolution as it is evident of the importance to the community but also acknowledged the concerning funds currently in the pension fund and recognized the complexities that lie ahead.