Dallas City Council Member Cara Mendelsohn, who is Jewish and has been outspoken about her support of Israel in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, told The Dallas Express that activists refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance at City Hall “do not support our country.”
Nine Americans are still being held hostage in Gaza, and 30 have been reportedly killed by Hamas.
As previously reported by DX, activists critical of Israel have shown up at City Hall, calling on council members to support a ceasefire in Gaza during the last two council meetings. The protesters have been boisterous and disruptive, prompting Mayor Eric Johnson to clear them from the council chambers.
Mendelsohn said they have protested at her private home in addition to public spaces.
“As anyone can see from watching both of these meetings or the protests at my home and at Love Field, their behavior is that of bullies,” Mendelsohn said. “The pro-Palestinian protesters who came to City Hall yesterday and last month are committed to chaos, hatred, and antisemitism, and sorely lacking in their knowledge of history and truth.”
Mendelsohn maintained that she “proudly” stands with Israel.
“All 139 hostages still being held, including 9 Americans, 19 women, and 2 toddlers, must be returned immediately and Hamas must surrender,” Mendelsohn added in a statement to The Dallas Express.
“The pro-Palestinian protesters’ refusal to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance is both telling and ironic,” she continued. “Telling because they do not support our country and ironic because it is our commitment to our republic and democracy that allows them to conduct protests and the freedom to say whatever they want during our public comment period.”
In December, Council Member Adam Bazaldua called for the city council to adopt a resolution condemning violence against the “innocent civilians in Gaza,” per KERA News.
“I’ve got some new language to consider and have been working to get the support on the council before bringing it forward,” Bazaldua recently told The Dallas Morning News.
However, Mendelsohn is doubtful this effort will find success. “This action would take the signatures of 5 councilmembers and I am not aware of an interest by others to do that,” she said.
Shortly after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, the council unanimously adopted a resolution stating “that the City of Dallas unequivocally condemns Hamas for this deplorable and unprovoked attack on Israel,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
