HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2018-2895 RESOLUTION NO. 2018 - 7S96-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, CONDEMNING AIRBNB'S
DECISION TO REMOVE LISTINGS OF RENTALS IN ISRAELI
_. SETTLEMENTS IN THE WEST BANK; DIRECT THE CITY
CLERK TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THIS RESOLUTION;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Sunny Isles Beach continues to foster a strong relationship with
Israel, and is home to a large Jewish population; and
WHEREAS, Israel is a steadfast ally of the United States and the American people; and
WHEREAS, the City shares democratic values, common strategic interests, a sister city,
and bonds of friendship and mutual respect with Israel, which is our friend and ally in the Middle
East; and
WHEREAS,Airbnb, Inc. ("Airbnb"), is a privately held global company headquartered in
San Francisco, California that operates an online marketplace and hospitality service which is
accessible via its websites and mobile applications, where its members can use the service to
arrange and offer lodging, primarily homestays, or tourism experiences; and
WHEREAS,Airbnb recently decided to remove all listings of rentals in Israeli settlements
in the area,historically known as Judea and Samaria, now more commonly referred to as the"West
Bank", while continuing to allow non-Israeli listings in the West Bank; and
WHEREAS, the Sunny Isles Beach Commission believes that Airbnb's actions are
contrary to values we hold dear in the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing Whereas paragraphs are hereby ratified and
confirmed as being true, and the same are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution.
Section 2. Condemning Airbnb's Decision to Remove Listings of Rentals in the West
Bank. The City Commission of the City of Sunny Isles Beach hereby approves this Resolution
condemning Airbnb's decision to remove listings of rentals in the West Bank.
Section 3. Direct the City Clerk to Distribute Certified Copies of this Resolution. The
City Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the following representatives,
United States Senators for the State of Florida,Congressional House Representative for the District
of the City of Sunny Isles Beach,the Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation,the Mayor
of Miami-Dade County, Commissioner Sally Heyman, and Consular General of Israel Lior Haiat.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its final
passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this Z0#day of Dr cemue , 2018.
C5 `I c-, - George H. Sch• 1, Mayor
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APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND L l L SUFFICIENCY:
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H. s frtti let, City Attorney
Moved by: COPMAI c.ct to/Of CiKTO
Seconded by: VI e,6 IMol0t2. 40(-bIVl41.4
Vote:
Mayor Scholl ✓ (Yes) (No)
Vice Mayor Goldman -(Yes) (No)
Commissioner Gatto ./ (Yes) (No)
Commissioner Svechin ✓(Yes) (No)
Commissioner Viscarra I (Yes) (No)
sJNNY ts4, City of Sunny Isles BeachCity Commission
y y George"Bud"Scholl,Mayor
„< „,„_,,,, 18070 Collins Avenue, Suite 250 Mayor
Dana Goldman,Vice
, , ,,:,.._T:;...„,„ vJeanette Gatto,Commissioner
- !y ,- ° Sunny Isles Beach Florida 33160
° „' . Itc�.=� I ' Larisa Svechin,Commissioner
,1, �% (305)947-0606 City Hall Jeniffer Viscarra,Commissioner
_� ` (305)949-3113 Fax
s f• Christopher J.Russo City Manager
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F`o�o S`,P (305)947-2150 Building Department
��r a� (305)947-5107 Fax Hans Ottinot,City Attorney,
r o f suo " Nlauricio Betancur,CMC,City Clerk
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Vice Mayor Dana Goldman Xi
DATE: December 20, 2018
RE: Resolution Condemning Airbnb's Decision to Remove Listings of Rentals in
Israeli Settlements in the West Bank.
Recommendation:
This Resolution is presented for your consideration.
Reasons:
Sunny Isles Beach is an exuberant international tourist destination with visitors coming from
across the globe. It is also home to an extensive and deeply rooted Jewish population. As you
know, our City shares a special relationship with Israel through our sister city Netanya, Israel. It
is this deep bond that makes our City very sensitive to matters that undermine the existence of
the State of Israel.
Airbnb, a global lodging and accommodation service, has significant influence in the area of
tourism and hospitality. To that extent, their decision to remove listings of rentals in Israeli
settlements in the West Bank, historically known as Judea and Samaria, is discriminatory and.
inconsistent with our shared democratic values and alliances that we cherish as a City. As such, I
ask my colleagues on the City Commission to approve this Resolution condemning Airbnb's
decision to remove listings of rentals in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Thank you for your support of this Resolution.