Global Crises, Local Impacts: Threats to Social Cohesion and How Cities Can Respond (February 2024)

Publication Date:

12/03/2024

Content Type:

Event Reports

Tags:

— 3 minutes reading time

Event Details

Description: Given the range of threats facing cities in North America as a result of global crises  – from COVID-19 and migration to the war in Ukraine, climate change and, most immediately, Israel-Gaza – Strong Cities launched a webinar series inviting mayors and other city officials, as well as experts from counter-hate research organisations, to discuss what cities are facing and how local leaders can most effectively manage inter-communal tensions resulting from these crises. This is the third in the monthly webinar series.

Where & When: 28 February 2024, virtual 

North American Cities represented:

Athens (Ohio)
Columbus (Ohio)
Edmonton (Alberta)
Los Angeles (California)

Key Takeaways

For Mayors & Cities:

There is a proliferation of online mis/disinformation related to the Israel-Gaza crisis; cities have a role to play in supporting information integrity in the long term. Social media users primarily turn to unreliable news aggregators and commentary accounts for information rather than traditional news. And with the proliferation of artificial intelligence, users admit that they no longer know what information can be trusted. Cities can promote media literacy, particularly in schools, and good practices such as lateral reading.
Muslim communities in North America have felt vulnerable for years and hate crimes have significantly risen following 7 October. Since 2016, the American Muslim community has consistently experienced elevated levels of Islamophobia compared to previous years. This includes interpersonal, institutional and structural discrimination, from being the victim of verbal harassment to being subjected to extended scrutiny at airports to unequal treatment in the legal system. Following 7 October, cities have reported a drastic rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents.
Residents impacted by the Israel-Gaza crisis are in pain; they want to be both seen and heard by the city and its leaders. Many Americans have direct ties to victims of 7 October and the resulting conflict, both Jewish and Muslim. Residents have demanded action from city leaders, including issuing calls for a ceasefire. City leaders should acknowledge this suffering both privately with victims and publicly with grieving communities and can demonstrate this sympathy through public displays of sympathy and affirmation.
Despite the tension, many communities want to come together; local government can help. For example, in recent years, bonds had been growing strong between American Jewish and Muslims communities, and a majority of both share a desire for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza crisis. At times, these communities have turned to city leaders asking for government to host convenings to bring the two communities together in dialogue and in the service of humanity.
During periods of global crises, cities can benefit from partnerships, locally and globally. Cities are not alone in experiencing these periods of tension. Often, they can benefit from leveraging local institutions such as college and universities. Cities also recognise the value that membership in the Strong Cities Network can bring, from connecting with peer leaders around the world to accessing advisory services from the Strong Cities team.

Next Steps

This webinar was the third in a series of monthly gatherings of mayors, city representatives and research organisations for timely discussion and exchanges of approaches around Global Crises, Local Impacts. The next session, which will feature city representatives from both Europe and North America, is scheduled for 20 March 2024.
Strong Cities has also announced a strategic partnership with the National League of Cities. The inaugural joint event will be a webinar on 27 March 2024 focused on how mayors and cities can respond to incidents of hate and extremism.

Additional Resources

Navigating Local Impacts of Global Crises: Ten Considerations for Mayors and Cities – Lessons from the Israel-Gaza Crisis, Strong Cities Network (December 2023)
Research on American Muslims and the Impact of Events in Palestine, Israel, and Surrounding Region, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (December 2023)
Information disorder in the Israel-Hamas war highlights shifts in the fight against online misinformation, Institute for Strategic Dialogue (November 2023)
Violent and graphic content of the Gaza conflict served to minors’ accounts, Institute for Strategic Dialogue (October 2023)
A Guide for Cities: Preventing Hate, Extremism & Polarisation, Strong Cities Network (September 2023)
A Guide for Mayors: Preventing and Responding to Hate, Extremism and Polarisation, Strong Cities Network (September 2023)
Countering and Dismantling Islamophobia: A Comprehensive Guide, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (undated)

Global Crises, Local Impacts: Threats to Social Cohesion and How Cities Can Respond (February 2024)

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