Title
Consideration of a Referral to Approve the Use of City Council Goal Funds to Support an Interfaith Works Community Event
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the allocation of $10,000 in Council Goal funding to Interfaith Works to support a community event featuring Palestinian and Israeli activists organizing for collective liberation.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the allocation of $10,000 in City Council Goal funding to Interfaith Works to support a community event featuring Palestinian and Israeli activists organizing for collective liberation.
Staff Contact:
Melissa McKee, Assistant to the City Council, 360.753.8443
Presenter(s):
None - referral item
Background and Analysis:
Interfaith Works has collaborated with American Friends of Combatants for Peace to bring a series of events to Olympia titled The Moment to Move - Palestinian and Israeli Activists on Organizing for Collective Liberation. The presenters are activists from Combatants for Peace who will be touring the United States between mid-September and early October 2026.
According to the organizers, the event is intended to provide an opportunity for deeper engagement, resource sharing, and discussion of the collective struggle in response to escalating violence in the West Bank and increasing societal crisis in both Israel and the United States. Organizers emphasize the need to transcend division and co-imagine a just future. Speakers will share their personal experiences and perspectives related to occupation, displacement, and peacebuilding.
Councilmember Madrone, with support from Councilmembers Gilman and Green, request consideration of approving $10,000 in City Council Goal Funds for Interfaith Works to support this community event.
This request aligns with Resolution M-2490, adopted by the City Council in December 2023, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine. The Resolution also committed the City to partnering with community, faith, educational, and cultural leaders to reduce antisemitism, islamophobia, xenophobia, and anti-Arab bigotry, and to support opportunities for community connection and learning.
Interfaith Works has engaged in several years of intentional relationship building with local Muslim and Jewish communities to support this work.
Climate Analysis:
This action is not expected to impact carbon emissions.
Equity Analysis:
This item supports the City Council’s stated goals of reducing antisemitism, islamophobia, xenophobia, and anti-Arab bigotry. This event provides space for shared learning, promotes interfaith and intercultural understanding, and supports the City’s broader commitments to equity, social justice, and community healing.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Interfaith Works has collaborated with leaders from the local Mosque, Temple, and other local partners. The event is intended to foster peace, dialogue, and collective healing within the Olympia community.
Financial Impact:
Council Goal Funds are an annual allocation of $100,000 that the City Council may use to support emerging issues, opportunities, or community needs that arise during the year. If approved, $10,000 in City Council Goal funds will be provided to Interfaith Works to support this community event.
Options:
1. Move to approve the allocation of $10,000 in City Council Goal funds to Interfaith Works to support a community event featuring Palestinian and Israeli activists organizing for collective liberation.
2. Move to approve the allocation of another amount of City Council Goal funds to Interfaith Works to support a community event featuring Palestinian and Israeli activists organizing for collective liberation.
3. Do not approve the allocation of another amount of City Council Goal funds to Interfaith Works to support a community event featuring Palestinian and Israeli activists organizing for collective liberation.
Attachments:
Referral
Resolution M-2490
Event Flyer