So much for unity.
After weeks of kumbaya talk, meticulous planning, and carefully-worded press releases, Coral Gables finally held its long-delayed “Interfaith Ceremony for Unity and Peace” Monday night. The city had spent nearly two months trying to find a way to honor the victims of October 7 without turning it into a geopolitical food fight.
And for a while, it looked like they’d actually pulled it off. Then, Mayor Vince Lago had to ruin it.
Read related: Coral Gables commission backs off Israeli flag at City Hall after backlash
About 75 residents gathered in the courtyard of City Hall to hear religious leaders and community members share sincere messages about peace, tolerance, and empathy. There were candles, songs, and even a reading of Palestinian poet and author 
Mahmoud Darwish’s poem “Think of Others.”
It was supposed to be a neutral, healing moment — the hard-won compromise after Lago’s original idea to raise the Israeli flag over City Hall split the community right down Miracle Mile.
But of course, Lago couldn’t resist the spotlight.
Despite the commission’s agreement that no political statements would be made by elected officials, the mayor took the mic anyway — and promptly broke the peace circle. “I stand shoulder to shoulder with the State of Israel,” Lago declared, as if the rest of the program hadn’t been carefully designed to avoid exactly that kind of speech.
He also thanked members of the Israeli consulate for attending, because of course he had an audience.
Cue the collective sighs and awkward shuffling.
Among those wincing was Jalal Shehadeh, a Coral Gables resident of Palestinian heritage who had helped organize the ceremony precisely to ensure all victims were recognized — not just those on one side. This was a day to remember all the victims of the war not just those killed on Oct. 7. That is precisely why the date was removed from the banner.
Shehadeh had been invited to read the poem, not to make a speech. But after Lago’s comments, he said what everyone else was thinking. “I also wanted to thank the city for allowing us to honor all victims, including the 65,000 that have been killed by the State of Israel since the war began,” he said, visibly shaken by the mayor’s impromptu little speech.
Mic drop.
Shehadeh later told the Coral Gables Gazette that he and his wife had worked closely with commissioners to ensure the event would truly be inclusive — “a ceremony for everyone’s grief.” They were stunned that the mayor spoke at all, much less turned it into another moment of political grandstanding.
Read related: City raising an Israeli flag causes fuss and fury at Coral Gables City Hall
But if you’ve watched Coral Gables politics for more than five minutes, you know this was inevitable. L’Ego doesn’t do “neutral.” He does photo-op diplomacy — the kind that looks great in campaign mailers and plays well with certain donors.
What was supposed to be a community’s shared moment of reflection became, once again, the Vince Lago Show.
And that’s a shame — because for about 45 minutes, Coral Gables actually had a rare moment of harmony. Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others standing together under the banyan trees, talking about peace.
Then, the mayor opened his mouth.
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”Are these not war crimes?”
As the saying goes war crimes only apply to the country / military which loses the war .
Once in a blue moon a soldier perhaps squad if on video might be prosecuted but after the media show the Presidents dismiss charges .
Add every recognized military says same thing as far as we were going after guerillas .
As far as Lago , he is an empty shell void of substance and like ‘No Joke’ has said putting on a show , parasitos like Lago do not have any real conviction except money / power and they go where they think the wind is going .
Please Daddy Trump, now that Vinnie has shown his allegiance to Israel, he is ready to go work for your administration. You should take him up there, maybe under the tutelage of Stephen Miller, our little mayor can really shine.
Israel’s military said Wednesday that the ceasefire was back on in Gaza after it killed 104 people, including 46 children, according to local health officials.
46 CHILDREN!!!
Are these not war crimes?
(AP The Associated Press)
Lago you want to be shoulder to shoulder with this??? Support your Jewish community, Christian, catholic, Muslim, atheist, agnostic community without taking sides in a genocide.
” … and we’re surprised because …”
I would be surprised if a Cuban politician was NOT mierda but even more surprised if one day most Cubans here in Miami woke up and realized we are only voting against ourselves , family by voting for Cubans because as politicos a disaster .
Bottom line…… lago is a racist! To stand there and not even be able to humanize 68k Palestine dead….. just shows how inhuman he is. The virtue signaling and grandstanding is deplorable when you as a mayor for ALL residents chose to divide the community. We are watching, and we know who pays you. You cannot be Mayor for all if you blatantly ignored the votes of all your commissioners and vice mayor and the residents who spoke and sent emails. Israel is bombing Gaza again as we speak and you chose to invite the Israel consulate. If it’s not political what is it then?
The rabbis, the pastors and all spoke about unity and kindness but that wasn’t enough for you.
Feel terrible for Rev Hafner who was tasked to bring all together for Israel and Palestine and lago just had to make sure he got his 2 cents in.
Anderson and Lara, be careful when your colleague disregards your opinions and choices openly. This is a democracy and he is an elected official.
Once again, Lago takes advantage for political and personal gain. And once again, Lago goes against the wishes of the majority of the Coral Gables residents and does what suits him best. Clearly his interests lie with developers, political connections, special interest groups and not at all for the betterment of our city. His speeches and talks about ethics and civility are just a joke now. Shame on him for once again dragging our great city into the mud just so he can boost his personal stake and ego.
How awful! There was a group of people who worked so hard to bring this ecumenical event together. It is such a shame that Vince Lago was able to ruin it.
… and we’re surprised because …