Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing criticism over comments about Gaza made during a Sept. 24 discussion at Town Hall Seattle, where she appeared with authors Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor to discuss their book, “End Times Fascism and the Fight for the Living World.” After a video about a proposed redevelopment vision for Gaza, Wilson described the images as a contrast between what she called “the genocide in Gaza” and an AI-generated paradise where developers could profit from selling condominiums. She added that humor was a way to cope with grief. Regina Friedland, regional director of the American Jewish Committee, objected to Wilson’s characterization of Israel’s military campaign. Friedland said she views the campaign as self-defense after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, and rejected the term genocide. She called the mayor’s remarks inappropriate and said Wilson should more forcefully condemn antisemitic incidents in Seattle. Friedland said she knew of several recent incidents involving vandalism, graffiti and property damage. She also described an incident in which, she said, someone removed an American flag from a home and replaced it with a Palestinian flag. Those accounts were not independently detailed in the information available about the incidents. Wilson’s office said she was expressing a widely shared concern about human rights violations. In a statement responding to the criticism, Wilson said antisemitism is unacceptable and that Jewish residents have the right to feel safe and at home in Seattle. Friedland argued the mayor’s words affect Jewish residents and businesses and called for a concrete response to antisemitic acts. She also questioned Wilson’s participation in a discussion about an international conflict, saying the mayor should focus on city responsibilities. Seattle University political science professor Patrick Schoettmer said mayors have a history of commenting on international affairs. He cited former Mayor Ed Murray’s opposition to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and former Mayor Norm Rice’s support for anti-apartheid efforts and Nelson Mandela. Schoettmer said such statements can bring political costs as well as strengthen a mayor’s support among residents, particularly in a diverse city, even if they are unlikely to change events overseas. Longtime Seattle Democratic consultant Dean Nielsen also questioned Wilson’s appearance at the forum, pointing to residents’ concerns about affordability, homelessness, public safety and downtown’s economy. He urged the mayor to concentrate on local issues, including the affordability message that featured prominently in her campaign.