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Dear Portlanders,
I am writing to apologize for a truly unfortunate occurrence that happened earlier this month, and to offer some transparency.
On Friday, October 17, I participated in a press conference organized by the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America to announce a pledge to investigate a range of city activities, including the manufacturing of weapons and weapons parts for the Israeli military within Portland; city investments in or contracts with companies complicit in Israeli policies; and diplomatic ties, including sister-city relationships, with Israel. I stand by that pledge, and by what I said in the call.
After the event I learned that Rockne Roll, editor of The Jewish Review, was removed from the call by a volunteer facilitator who worried that it was a fake account created to disrupt the meeting. I have since talked at length with the facilitator, who feels terrible about the mistake. The press conference was run entirely by the Portland DSA, and I and the other the City Councilors who participated didn't know or have access to who was allowed on or removed from the call.
Mr. Roll’s removal from the call was very unfortunate, and not a choice I would have made. When I host or attend events, I truly want to hear from everyone. Those who know me know that I take issue with exclusion regardless of whether it is intentional or unintentional. I am very sorry that anyone was excluded from the October 17 meeting, and believe that our democracy is a better place when everyone has a seat at the table.
Mr. Roll was provided with a recording of the full call, and will be interviewing my fellow City Councilor Sameer Kanal soon.
As I said in the conference, as a mom and a third-grade teacher, I can’t look away from the deaths and injuries of children in Gaza, including those who are here in Portland now trying to heal. I can’t look away from the families who have begged my office to speak out. Never again means never again for anyone – this includes Palestinians and Portlanders alike.
The same companies and technologies that are causing devastation in Gaza are being used on Portlanders, especially immigrants and refugees and people peacefully protesting. Having a human rights lens when we’re thinking about how our city does business or invests money is absolutely not limited to any one government or country. If I can play any role in preventing suffering, that’s my obligation as a legislator and as a human being.
I still believe strongly in the reason for the press conference and am proud of signing the pledge. I am also deeply sorry for the pain I have caused through the inadvertent exclusion of Mr. Roll from the press conference. I am committed to doing what I can to continue to build upon and improve transparency, accessibility, and accountability.
The full press conference is linked here.
Thank you for reading,
Teacher Tiffany
she/her
councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov
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