Charlottesville, Virginia passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on April 1, 2024

RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE AND AN END TO VIOLENCE IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

WHEREAS the people of Charlottesville recognize that all human life is precious, and that the targeting of any civilian under any circumstance is a violation of international human-rights law; and

WHEREAS Gaza and Israel have already experienced tremendous loss of life, displacement, and violence, and hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk; and

WHEREAS the City of Charlottesville has a longstanding tradition of being a welcoming city for refugees and understanding the challenges faced by those displaced by conflict; and

WHEREAS the United States Federal Government holds immense diplomatic and appropriations powers to save Palestinian and Israeli lives; and

WHEREAS to date, over 100 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Durham, Harrisonburg, San Francisco, and Seattle, have adopted resolutions urgently calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine; and

WHEREAS the billions spent in United States funding for this conflict could be allocated toward mitigating crises in our own community, including the funding of deeply affordable housing, public health, job training, and education;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Charlottesville urges the Biden administration and all elected officials in the United States Senate and House of Representatives who represent this community to call for and make all efforts to facilitate:

  1. an immediate, sustained, and comprehensive ceasefire in Israel and Palestine;

  2. the immediate and safe release of all hostages; and

  3. the immediate entry and provision of humanitarian aid needed for the people of Gaza, at the scale required to save the maximum number of lives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Charlottesville values the harmony that exists in our diverse community, and advocates for the dignity and safety of all residents, regardless of religion, race, or nation of origin; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Charlottesville City Council asks the City Clerk that copies of this Resolution be quickly forwarded to the President of the United States, Joe Biden; Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner; and Representative Bob Good.