Each year for the past 23 years, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Jewish Congress chooses a handful of mayors nationwide to travel to Israel -- all expenses paid -- and join in an international discussion with city executives from around the world. This year, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone was one of 13 U.S. Mayor's picked to attend a conference on "Leading the 21st Century: Multiculturalism, Security, Preservation and Development."
For some, the choice of Curtatone as a representative of the Boston-area seems like a rather odd choice. Unlike surrounding communities, Somerville is not known for it's teeming Jewish population. In fact, the only synagogue that exists in the city has been without even a Rabbi for many years. So why would the American Jewish Congress choose Curtatone over the likes of Newton's David Cohen (yeah, exactly)? Bostonist speculates it may be payback for Curtatone's strong opposition to the Israel Divestment resolution heard by the Board of Aldermen late last year. This is just the latest in a string of Jewish-related public appearances that the Italian, Roman Catholic Curtatone has made -- including a brief speech in front an audience of bewildered Brandeis students before an Israeli-consulate sponsored concert at the Somerville Theatre earlier this winter. It has long been speculated that Curtatone is interested in above just Somerville Mayor, and he probably realizes that appealing to the heavily political Boston Jewish community is important to any politician considering higher office in the area.
Whatever the case may be, Curtatone's office recently released some photos of the Mayor's trip to Israel, including this gem of him perched atop Masada overlooking the Dead Sea. He is surrounded by mayor from cities such as Manchester NH, Akron OH, Hallandale Beach FL, and San Bernadino CA. They're all wearing shirts that say "Somerville Rocks."
Whatever your opinion on Curtatone, Israel, or divestment, Bostonist thinks we can all agree that yes, Somerville does rock!
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