Hilliard council president apologizes after Jewish group criticizes her over timing of war resolution

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HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) – After Hilliard City Council received backlash for passing a resolution calling for the “mutual end to hostilities in Gaza” on the first night of Passover, the council president issued an apology to the Jewish community but did not specify if she would resign. 

The Jewish Community Relations Council released a statement on Friday calling for the resignation of President Cynthia Vermillion and an apology from the council after they passed a war resolution on April 22, which marked the first night of the Passover holiday.

The Jewish organization said passing the resolution then disregarded the community’s religious observance and that the city sent the message that Jewish voices are “unwelcome in city government.”

Vermillion said when council placed the resolution on the council agenda, they did not know it would coincide with Passover. She said the council was made aware of the timing through an email from the city manager late Thursday, prior to the meeting on Monday. Vermillion said she took the city manager’s email into consideration, along with input from other councilmembers. 

“I read the email on Friday morning,” Vermillion said. “I spoke with a few council members about whether we should postpone the resolution as it had already been published. We made the decision to go forward.”

Vermillion apologized to the Jewish residents of Hilliard, saying she never intended to exclude Jewish community members from participating in the passage of the resolution. 

“I am deeply sorry for not understanding the gravity of holding the vote on the first night of Passover,” Vermillion said. “As you may know, the first piece of legislation I helped to enact was to broaden our protection of community members by passing a non-discrimination ordinance. I strive to make everyone welcome in the Hilliard community and in our council chambers.”

When NBC4 asked how she is responding to demands for her resignation, Vermillion replied, “I will be taking some time to reflect upon how I handled this sensitive issue.”

A statement from Vermillion regarding the incident is expected in the next few days, she said.