Cambridge, Massachusetts CEASEFIRE resolution passed on January 29, 2024

WHEREAS:

The Cambridge City Council recognizes that all human life is precious, regardless of race, religion, or nationality; and

WHEREAS:

The horrific attacks by Hamas, a terrorist organization, of October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 Israelis killed and more than 240 taken hostage; and

WHEREAS:

The Netanyahu Administration responded with disproportionate military force to this attack, leading to the deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children, and thousands who have been wounded, injured, and millions displaced; and 

WHEREAS:

While city councils have no direct influence upon American foreign policy nor any authority to direct the federal government’s actions, there has nonetheless been a steady call for municipal bodies, nationwide, to symbolically join the calls for the freeing of the October 7 hostages and a ceasefire, and such has been the case in Cambridge; and

WHEREAS:

This ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, heat, shelter, and proper medical care; and

WHEREAS:

This conflict is not only impacting the international community but is also causing significant trauma, fear, and grief amongst members of the Cambridge community, including Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian and Jewish residents; now therefore be it

RESOLVED:

That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its support for an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and Netanyahu Administration, urging the release of all hostages, and calling for the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid; and be it further

ORDERED:

That a copy of this resolution be sent to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Congresswoman Katherine Clark; and be it further

ORDERED:

That the Cambridge City Council formally go on record standing against bigotry of all forms including antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Cambridge residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding.