The City Council of Santa Fe, New Mexico passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on May 7, 2024

CITY OF SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

INTRODUCED BY:

Councilor Alma Castro, Councilor Pilar Faulkner, Councilor Jamie Cassutt, Mayor Alan Webber

A RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO ADVOCATE FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE AND AN END TO VIOLENCE IN GAZA AND ISRAEL, FOR THE SAFE AND IMMEDIATE RETURN OF ALL INNOCENT HOSTAGES AND UNJUSTLY HELD PRISONERS, FOR THE IMMEDIATE INCREASE AND DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO GAZA; CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION, INCLUDING ISLAMOPHOBIA, ANTI-SEMITISM, ANTI-PALESTINIAN, AND ANTI-ISRAELI BIGOTRY; ENCOURAGING ALL RESIDENTS TO SEEK, INVITE, AND PRACTICE CIVIL DISCOURSE; EXPRESSING SORROW OVER THE LOSS OF LIVES AND OVER THE SUFFERING ENDURED BY CIVILIANS IN GAZA AND ISRAEL; AND EXTENDING SYMPATHIES TO SANTA FE RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE ON-GOING VIOLENCE.

WHEREAS, The City of Santa Fe stands committed to the universal truth that all human life is precious, no matter a person’s faith, ethnicity, culture, ability, or political or religious affiliations, and that every human being deserves to live a life of peace and dignity; and

WHEREAS, recent and ongoing armed violence against the Palestinian and Israeli people has resulted in the tragic loss of life of Palestinians and Israelis and injuries to many more innocent people on all sides; and

WHEREAS, Palestine and Israel both have a right to nationhood, and both peoples should have all the rights and responsibilities of an independent nation, including full democratic and equal rights and religious freedoms; and

WHEREAS, there are a growing number of people on all sides of this tragic conflict who are calling for a ceasefire and new direction, engagement, and negotiations to lead to peace; and

WHEREAS, the United States Government holds immense diplomatic power that could save Palestinian and Israeli lives; and

WHEREAS, the continued violence against the Palestinian and Israeli people and the rising Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and bigotry across the United States and the world deeply impacts the people in our culturally diverse community in Santa Fe, many of whom have direct ties to the Israeli and Palestinian region and peoples; and

WHEREAS, Santa Fe is the City of Holy Faith and strives to uphold the pursuit of peace and dignity for all people, both within our community and across the world; and

WHEREAS, the Governing Body is united in protecting city of Santa Fe residents against acts of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, as well as against hate crimes toward people of all faiths and religions, including our Arab, Jewish, and Muslim residents; and

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Fe (“City”) recognizes the importance of the First Amendment and the fundamental tenets of respect, dignity, and thoughtful civil discourse that are hallmarks of this community, upholding the value of our residents expressing and listening to differing opinions and points of view, especially on subjects where there is disagreement; and

WHEREAS, conflict among ourselves and among our community members can either exacerbate divisions or, if we are willing to engage with each other in difficult and important dialogues, can open doors to opportunities to find solutions that allow us to move forward as one community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF SANTA FE calls on the New Mexico Congressional Delegation to advocate for the following actions with regard to the conflict in Gaza and Israel:

(1) Call urgently for an immediate ceasefire and an end to violence in the region, and the safe and immediate return of all innocent hostages and unjustly held prisoners; and

(2) Immediately increasing and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including fuel, water, food, medical supplies, and medical personnel into Gaza to alleviate the massive suffering there quickly and effectively.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Santa Fe condemns all forms of discrimination, including Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Israeli bigotry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governing Body, comprised of leaders of this community, encourages all residents to embody the values of this City, by seeking, inviting, and practicing civil discourse, especially when we disagree, to strengthen our ties as a diverse, multicultural, and welcoming community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, upon adoption, the City Clerk shall forward this Resolution to the Office of the United States President and the New Mexico Congressional delegation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, on behalf of the City, the Governing Body expresses its immense sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and the suffering endured by civilians in Gaza, Israel, and the broader region, and extends deepest sympathies to Santa Fe residents who have been directly impacted by the ongoing violence in any way, including the loss of loved ones.