Henry-

 

The law referred to in the resolution passed by Council on Monday was MCL 750.169, which provides:

 

"DISTURBANCE OF RELIGIOUS MEETINGS--Any person who, on the first day of the week, or at any other time, shall wilfully interrupt or disturb any assembly of people met for the worship of God, within the place of such meeting or out of it, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

 

On a separate matter, I have a few thoughts.  Please allow me to share them with you.

 

As you know, the resolution passed by Council takes no position on the Palestinian-Israeli issue.  That was quite intentional.  I think you and others in your group must understand that the Council will not, under any circumstances, pass the resolution you advocate.  This is not because the Council has taken a position on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.  We have not done so, and we will not do so.  Regardless of our feelings, the Council will not pass a resolution on an issue of foreign policy over which we have no control, and that would cause such an enormous divide within our community.  Let me be clear one more time: regardless of our feelings on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Council will not pass the resolution you advocate.

 

I cherish the right to free speech.  I spent time in communist eastern Europe as a child traveling with my family while my father was on sabattical.  My family has many friends from other countries who marvel at the rights we have in the United States.  You and others are entitled, and should be encouraged, to express your viewpoints about human rights and political issues.  That is the beauty of America.  Nonethless, I was proud to help author and to co-sponsor the resolution passed by Council on Monday night.  I feel very strongly that your group's protests (or "vigils," as you may call them) outside a House of worship during religious services are offensive and inappropriate.  Your group has caused enormous pain to people throughout this community.  None of the people you have targeted with your protests are policymakers with any ability to directly change American foreign policy.  The City Council unanimously agreed, despite our varying backgrounds and our varying beliefs on this and other issues.  Ironically, your message has been completely lost -- and you have alienated people who

might otherwise listen and learn from you -- because of the medium you chose.

 

You are certainly welcome to share this e-mail with others in your group but I intentionally chose not to do so.  I sent this e-mail only to you because, when addressing the Council, you have shown respect and you have not resorted to outlandish name-calling.  I believe very strongly that people in a civilized community should be able -- and encouraged -- to

engage in civil discourse.  I work hard to listen to those with whom I do not necessarily agree and to engage in an appropriate discussion about the relevant issues.  When you (as an individual) speak to Council, you have met this standard.  Your group's protests outside the synagogue, however, do not meet this standard.  I implore you to immediately end your protests at the

synagogue, not only for the sake of the members of Beth Israel, but for the sake of this community.

 

Sincerely,

Leigh Greden, City Council (3rd Ward)