The County Council of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on March 21, 2024

A RESOLUTION Supporting and urging for a permanent cease-fire in Israel and in Gaza and the West Bank

WHEREAS, Milwaukee County is committed to becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin through achieving racial equity; and

WHEREAS, the targeting of civilians through apartheid and genocide, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, is a violation of international humanitarian law; and

WHEREAS, the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in the loss of countless lives; and

WHEREAS, on January 7, 2024, the Gaza Health Ministry stated that since October 7, 2023, over 22,000 lives have been claimed and thousands more have been wounded and displaced; and

WHEREAS, de-escalation and support are needed to deliver humanitarian aid such as medical care, food, and water to those effected by this crisis; and

WHEREAS, cease-fire is only just and fair when it is concurrent with Palestinian freedom and autonomy; and

WHEREAS, Local Progress, a movement of local elected officials fighting for racial and economic justice, has released an open letter with over 300 signatures calling on Congress and the White House to take immediate action for a cease-fire in Israel and Palestine; and

WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine, comprised of over 60 organizations, has urged state political leaders to take action towards implementing a cease-fire in Israel and Palestine; and

WHEREAS, if a cease-fire is not achieved, lives will continue to be lost and put in danger; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors hereby supports an immediate and permanent cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian aid and de-escalation in Israel and in Gaza and the West Bank; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Office of Government Affairs staff is authorized and requested to communicate the contents of this resolution with the Wisconsin Congressional delegation.

NOTE: one of the ways that the community pressured the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors to pass this resolution was by having community members and elected leaders submit letters to the board members. If you would like to read these letters, click here.