Public comments highlight sharp divisions over Palestine, antisemitism and community safety in Arlington
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Summary
Dozens of public commenters on Oct. 18 pressed the Arlington County Board on opposing views about Palestine and antisemitism: speakers urged divestment and criticized ties to defense/surveillance industries, while others warned about rising antisemitism locally and urged protections; the board reiterated that foreign policy is outside its jurisdiction but vowed to oppose hate and support reporting of incidents.
A series of sharply worded public comments at the Arlington County Board meeting highlighted community divisions over the war in Gaza, calls for divestment and concerns about antisemitism.
Speakers representing pro-Palestine advocacy asked the board to adopt an ethics policy that would bar collaborations with companies they described as complicit in "apartheid" or human-rights abuses and urged divestment from defense and surveillance industries. "Adopt these principles and hold AED accountable once and for all," said Kishori Mahulikar representing Arlington Apartheid Divest (public comment).
Others, including David Bernstein and multiple speakers identifying as Jewish, said local activism had crossed a line into support for terrorism or created safety risks for Jewish residents. Bernstein told the board a flyer circulated by Arlington for Palestine included an inverted red triangle he associated with Hamas and described violent incidents he linked to calls of "Free Palestine." Ken Reid, forming a local chapter of the Coalition for Jewish Values, told the board local governments lack authority to enact divestiture and urged focus on local issues.
Board Chair Tackis Carantonis said the county is not a foreign-policy actor but made a point of condemning antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate. "We don't tolerate hate. We don't tolerate violence," the chair said, and he encouraged residents to report incidents so police and county staff can respond. Several board members — including Susan Cunningham and Maureen Coffey — said they've seen a resurgence of hate speech locally and pledged continued policy work on ethics and enforcement.
The comments prompted discussion about limits of county authority: the board said policy on divestment would require action beyond the county's legal powers but noted a need for stronger local ethics rules and better community engagement. Staff and the manager's office said they would continue to review the county's ethics policy and update the public about engagement opportunities.