In a charged atmosphere at Alexandria's City Hall, community members gathered to voice their concerns during a public hearing on February 22, 2025. The focus of the meeting was a recent recommendation from the Human Rights Commission urging the city council to divest from Israel, which they described as an apartheid state engaged in acts of genocide against Palestinians.

The echoes of history resonated as speakers drew parallels between Alexandria's past actions against apartheid in South Africa and the current situation in Israel. One passionate advocate recalled how, in 1985, the city council responded to the Human Rights Commission's call to divest from South Africa, urging council members to take similar action today. They emphasized the moral imperative to sever financial ties with entities that contribute to human rights violations.

Speakers presented harrowing accounts of violence in Gaza, detailing recent incidents where children were reportedly killed and homes destroyed. They implored council members to consider the implications of their investments, arguing that taxpayer money should not support what they termed "genocide and apartheid." The urgency of their message was palpable, as they painted vivid images of suffering and devastation, urging the council to act decisively.

Several speakers highlighted the city's existing contracts with companies they accused of facilitating the Israeli occupation, such as Motorola and HP. They argued that while the city may not be able to break these contracts, it could choose not to renew them, thereby aligning its financial practices with ethical standards. The call for transparency and accountability resonated throughout the meeting, with community members demanding that their voices be heard in the decision-making process.

As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere grew increasingly intense, with speakers expressing their commitment to continue advocating for divestment until the council takes action. They emphasized that this movement is not just a local issue but part of a broader struggle for human rights and justice.

In closing, the advocates left the council with a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction. They urged members to reflect on the potential political fallout of supporting continued investments in what they described as a regime of oppression. The meeting concluded with a commitment from community members to return, reinforcing their determination to see Alexandria take a stand for human rights.