“Courageous Conversation” on Middle East Approved While Ceasefire Takes Effect

While there is still no location or facilitator, the Jan. 13, 2025 Culver City Council meeting saw the council approve a request by the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee to hold its next Courageous Conversation Event, “Spark Healing through Conversation: How the Middle East Crisis Affects Me,” in February.

For months, the city council meetings have been listening to numerous speakers adress Items Not on the Agenda, asking for the city to approve a statement offering the City’s support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Comments from Culver City residents and other locals, in passion and in pain over the brutality and horror have filled hours of public comments at meetings.

The City had put out a statement in support of Israel in October of 2023. 

Just days after the council approving the item with the committee, a ceasefire agreement was reached by negotiators. 

The ceasefire, which was approved on Sunday, January 18, 2025 , has already seen the exchange of prisoners and hostages, is hoped to be the beginning of a lasting peace for the region. 

From the city, “The purpose [of the conversation] is to give community members the tools to have a productive interactive discussion. EHRAC is continuing to secure professional neutral facilitator services, conduct outreach to the community and finalize the program.

“The Committee was formed in 2020 to “recommend programs, policies, and activities that promote positive human relations and equitable outcomes and opportunities in all aspects of community life.”

The city will provide more details and invite the public to join once a location and facilitator are determined. Even as the ceasefire is in process, the conversation can be a place to share thoughts and feelings, and promote healing from the conflict. 

Judith Martin-Straw

The Actors' Gang