Dayton, Ohio CEASEFIRE resolution adopted on December 20, 2023

Informal Resolution

Expressing Sympathy for the Ongoing Human Suffering Caused by the Current Conflict in the Middle East; Condemning Violence Against Civilians of any Kind; Affirming Dayton's Status as a Welcoming Community for Those of the Jewish and Islamic Religions, and Any Other Religion; Calling for a Cease-Fire and a Swift End to the War, and Encouraging Dayton Residents to Offer Support and Sincere Condolences to Members of Our Community Affected by The Ongoing Violence and Loss of Life.

WHEREAS, on October 7, 2023, Hamas militants infiltrated the security buffer that the State of Israel government established around the Gaza Strip, in an attack that resulted in morethan 1,200 Israeli civilian deaths, many others injured, and at least 240 taken hostage; and

WHEREAS, since October 7, more than 18,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,000 children, have been killed in the Israeli counterattack (according to the Gaza Ministry of Health) and more than 1,700,000 Palestinians have been displaced; and

WHEREAS, on October 27, 2023, The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which called for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities" and called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of all civilians being held illegally held/detained or imprisoned.

WHEREAS, all human life is precious and the targeting of civilians no matter their faith or ethnicity is a violation of international law; and

WHEREAS, the continuing death and detention of civilians as a weapon of war serves only to fan the flames of generational hatred, making a lasting peace even more difficult, and

WHEREAS, the world community has created institutions such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice that determine guilt and innocence according to universally accepted principles and likewise have the specific aim of limiting the use of violence to resolve disputes, and

WHEREAS, this Commission recognizes that December 10, 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of all, and

WHEREAS, the Human Relations Council (HRC) of the City of Dayton has been a leader in the promotion of civil rights and continues to promote equity, engagement, and the dignity of all, and

WHEREAS, Dayton is one of only five cities in the United States to have an official Sister City relationship with both Israeli and Palestinian communities, and active and fruitful Sister City relationships exist between Dayton and Holon, and Dayton and Salfit, and therefore has a unique voice in this conflict, and

WHEREAS, Dayton has a strong reputation as a city that promotes peace and cultural appreciation, as well as being a city that encourages peaceful dialogue among peoplein conflict, including our region hosting the successful talks that ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995; and

WHEREAS, The City of Dayton looks upon the recent seven-day ceasefire and the corresponding return of a number of hostages as a promising first step towards a resolution, and

WHEREAS, the Dayton City Commission has long opposed all forms of hate, including both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, and affirms its support for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and all people around the world, to live in peace and security; and

WHEREAS, the City of Dayton is committed to encouraging and uplifting both the Dayton Muslim and Jewish communities, as well as those communities in other locations, and

WHEREAS, many members of our Dayton community are impacted by the ongoing conflict, including members of our Palestinian Muslim, Palestinian Christian, our Jewish community, and many others; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DAYTON:

Section 1. That this Commission hereby expresses our deepest sympathy for the civilian victims and all those affected by the horrific violence of this war.

Section 2. That this Commission condemns all acts of violence committed against civilians, in Gaza, in Israel, and around the world.

Section 3. That the City of Dayton condemns the many dehumanizing incidents of antisemitic and anti-Muslim violence and rhetoric, especially those occurring within the United States.

Section 4. That this Commission hereby affirms Dayton's status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish and Muslim faiths, and all other religions, and encourages Dayton residents to offer support and condolences to members of these communities.

Section 5. That the City of Dayton urgently calls for a cease-fire with the release of all civilians being illegally held or imprisoned on both sides of the conflict, along with the establishment of humanitarian aid corridors in order to preserve human life.

Section 6. That the City of Dayton calls for all Palestinians and Israelis to abide by international law. The Commission envisions a two-state solution, including clear recognition of each state's right to exist, and recognizing the legitimate desire and need for both Palestinian and Israeli self-determination, as well as the legitimate desire and need for Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety and security.

Section 7. That the City of Dayton, given its commitment to and past history of contributing to international peace, stands ready to once again assist in any diplomatic solution that prevents the further loss of life.