Bolingbrook, Illinois passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on February 13, 2024

RESOLUTION 24R-007

AFFIRMING THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, AND IN SUPPORT OF PEACE

WHEREAS, Section 6(a) of Article VII of the 1970 Constitution of the State of Illinois provides that any municipality which has a population of more than 25,000 is a home rule unit, and the Village of Bolingbrook, Will and DuPage counties, Illinois, with a population in excess of 25,000 is, therefore, a home rule unit and, pursuant to the provisions of said Section 6(a) of Article VII, may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees (the "Corporate Authorities") are committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the Village's residents and visitors and ensuring that all Village residents and visitors are treated fairly and equally; and

WHEREAS, fostering a welcoming environment for all people, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or place of origin enhances the Village's cultural fabric, economic growth, and overall well-being and prosperity for current and future generations; and

WHEREAS, the Village is proud of its diversity and its commitment to fostering constructive discussions, debates, and understandings between people of different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees express deep concern at the initiation of violence against civilians at the attack on October 7, 2023, and the rapid and continued deterioration in the region, particularly in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, throughout Israel, and now in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, along with the continued war in Ukraine and Russia; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees condemn all acts of violence aimed at civilians, including all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks, as well as acts of provocation, incitement, and destruction; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees express their desire that all people be free from occupation, authoritarian regimes, or extremist rulers who do not truly represent their populations while continuing to put their people in harm's way; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Board of Trustees believe, and hereby declare, that it is in the best interest of the Village to re-affirm the Village's commitment to supporting diversity, standing up against all forms of hatred, and supporting lasting global peace through a cease-fire in all regions of the world under attack.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK, WILL AND DUPAGE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS, IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS HOME RULE POWERS, AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION ONE: The Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bolingbrook stand for peace and call for the return of hostages and prisoners. And for a durable, sustained humanitarian cessation of hostilities, the rebuilding of civilians' lives, and re-fostering economic development. They also call for a lasting, permanent, and viable peace coupled with dignity and respect for Israelis, Palestinians, and every ethnic and religious group involved in the current conflict. In particular for, those civilians in the Gaza Strip, for the immediate, continuous, sufficient, and unhindered provision of essential goods and services be immediately provided.

SECTION TWO: The Mayor and Board of Trustees of The Village rejects extremists and wholly blames extremist regimes and organizations for the death, destruction, and fear suffered by the people, be they Israeli, Palestinian, Ukrainian, Russian, Iranian, Lebanese, Yemeni, or otherwise. While The Mayor and Board of Trustees do not have any direct role in foreign policy, they express their desire for all global conflict to cease. And expresses the urgent need to ensure the protection of civilian populations in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions and to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid is received directly by civilians in need.

SECTION THREE: The Mayor and Board of Trustees of The Village of Bolingbrook have, and always will, stand against discrimination and hatred, from any source, against any people. they value the lives of Palestinians, Israelis, and all of those caught in terrible wars and conflicts, whether in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Russia or other parts of the world. The Village recognizes its diverse population reflects different perspectives and different sentiments about individual conflicts and encourages open, constructive dialogue between people of different backgrounds. The Mayor and Board of Trustees of The Village wholly and completely reject any forms of hate-induced violence or bigotry and will do everything within its legal authority to prevent and fight against the same in our community.

SECTION FOUR: This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.