The council heard from residents and supporters describing the Israeli response as a “genocide” and demanding Kentucky withdraw support and end financial ties with Israel.
One speaker said, "Be it resolved that the city of Lexington advocates for the dignity and safety of residents in every community, regardless of what crimes its leadership may commit and that peaceful diplomacy is the only way to achieve this safety."
Some audience members had American flag designs taped over their mouths and held signs accusing Mayor Linda Gorton and Vice Mayor Dan Wu of being “complicit.”
Gorton told the audience that council rules bar booing or cheering or calling out people by name for critical reasons. At one point, she reminded the crowd applauding between speakers is not allowed.
While the council did agree to a call for a moment of silence during the meeting, no council members offered any remarks following public comment.
The comments come after a pro-Palestinian rally downtown that drew around 200 people in October.
Some attendees at that gathering were cloaked in Palestinian flags. Signs read “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel." Some speakers condemned US aid to Israel and blamed colonialism for the attacks, while others sought to make clear distinctions between Jews and the Israeli government.
Chants ranged from broader calls for liberation — "Free, free Palestine!" — to the more incendiary — "Stop the hate. Israel is a racist state!"
The rally came after a somber gathering of about 200 members of Lexington’s Jewish community at Temple Adath Israel. At that event, Mindy Haas, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass, said her community cannot afford to be weighed down by grief.
"As we gather, mourn, cry, pray, and remember, let us also affirm that we will not be silent," she said.
