For many in our community, the last few months have brought a range of emotions, including fear and anger, at the displacement, devastation and massacre of thousands of innocent people in the Israel-Hamas war. We must recognize that this is not merely a reaction to events occurring thousands of miles away, and that our community members, families and college students have experienced discrimination, hate, pain and suffering right here in Davis due to their faith, cultural background or homeland. These experiences do not represent the values of our city and our community, the City of Davis does not tolerate hate, discrimination or antisemitism. 

The City Council has listened to and interacted with countless community members recently, and we know that there is real pain, suffering, anger and fear, and we believe that our community has the empathy and respect to continue this open dialogue and identify areas where we can promote peaceful communication that reflects our values.    

Our community deserves to feel safe and welcome.
Our community deserves empathy and kindness.
Despite where we came from or what we believe in, our community deserves respect.

The City of Davis has a history of condemning acts of violence and hate, especially in recent years in response to acts of antisemitism, anti-LGBTQ+, hateful speech relating to race and more. We will continue to speak up and support our community through our Commissions, local organizations, and now through Hate-Free Together.  

At the first two City Council meetings of 2024, Councilmembers Vaitla and Arnold shared that they will be meeting with City staff working on Hate-Free Together and a representative from the City’s Human Relations Commission to discuss local efforts and how we can better align resources.  

In 2022, in order to help combat the many hate incidents that were occurring in Davis and throughout our region, the founders of Hate-Free Together, Yolo County, the City of Davis and UC Davis, joined forces to stand up against this ongoing epidemic. We believed, and continue to believe, that we are stronger together. Hatred and bigotry are insidious and impact all of us, requiring a joint, ongoing and unprecedented effort to create safety and cultivate change.  

There is great momentum and focus with Hate-Free Together, which also includes new partnerships with Davis Joint Unified School District and the Yolo County Office of Education, that will help to bridge many of the concerns and needs that have been brought up in our community. In addition, there are many opportunities for learning and education at local faith-based organizations, non-profits and college campuses that we invite the community to consider as possibilities for learning, conversation and engagement. The City’s Human Relations Commission can help to funnel ideas and concerns to staff of Hate-Free Together that will provide structure and ways for the community to be part of a proactive process for more productive engagement. 

I urge anyone who witnesses or experiences antisemitic behavior to report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. In the City of Davis, if you have experienced a hate crime, please report it to the Davis Police Department by emailing: policeweb@cityofdavis.org, calling: (530) 747-5400 or visiting: https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/police-department/hate-incidents. The Davis Police Department is aware of recent incidents, including social media posts and flyers, that have caused serious concern for several community members. The Davis Police Department will continue to monitor the situation and is in close communication with the UC Davis Police Department and federal partners.

If a hate crime or incident has occurred on the UC Davis campus, please call 530-752-1230 or email police.web@ucdavis.edu. UC Davis also has a “Report Hate and Bias” portal at: https://reporthateandbias.ucdavis.edu/.

Antisemitism, like all forms of hatred and bigotry, has no place in our city. Let us reaffirm our commitment to tolerance, understanding and mutual respect for people of all faiths and backgrounds. We stand together and will not be divided by intolerance and will continue to support all members of our community in their time of need.

- Mayor Josh Chapman