Tacoma, Washington passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on April 30, 2024

BY REQUEST OF MAYOR WOODARDS, DEPUTY MAYOR HINES, AND COUNCIL MEMBERS BUSHNELL, DANIELS, DIAZ, RUMBAUGH, SCOTT, USHKA, AND WALKER

A RESOLUTION recognizing our community’s global ties and affirming Tacoma’s commitment to standing together in support of peaceful and diplomatic conflict resolution, including calls in support of an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

WHEREAS we recognize that the people of Tacoma are part of the fabric of our great state and country, but also our global community, with ties woven across borders to beloved family members, friends, and communities, and

WHEREAS these global ties mean that when there is violence abroad, many in our community suffer here at home as well, and

WHEREAS our community is especially distressed by violence against children and deeply concerned for the welfare of youth in conflict zones, such as Gaza and Israel, and those around the world, who lack access to basic human needs, and

WHEREAS we know how important it is that we stand together with peace- loving communities around our state, country, and the world to help amplify the chorus of those who praise peace, democracy, and human rights, and

WHEREAS in 2015, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City’s membership in the Welcoming Cities and Counties Initiative, which encourages communities to create a welcoming environment and celebrate cultural diversity, and

WHEREAS the City of Tacoma further committed itself to anti-racist systems transformation in 2020 when we adopted Resolution No. 40622, rejecting policies and practices that marginalize, degrade, and dehumanize any group of people in our city, and

WHEREAS we recognize that our commitment to being a Welcoming City and striving for anti-racist systems transformation is a declaration that we support human dignity and human rights for all, and that this declaration of our values is not bounded by our city limits, and

WHEREAS the City of Tacoma believes that diversity is what gives us strength and that all residents have the inalienable right to practice, embrace, and celebrate their heritage and religious traditions without fear of persecution, and

WHEREAS Tacoma does not accept violence or hate, and stands forever united with our community members against such actions no matter where they take place or who they target; Now, Therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TACOMA:

Section 1. The City of Tacoma unequivocally condemns all acts of violence and hate targeting people due to their faith, ethnicity, race, or heritage, and we stand against all abuses of human rights no matter where they occur.

Section 2. The City of Tacoma affirms its commitment to build bridges and support all its residents and condemn anti-Arab racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination. We stand by all members of our community who seek to peacefully demonstrate and share their political, religious, and moral views.

Section 3. The City of Tacoma will always stand in support of peaceful and diplomatic conflict resolution, including our national, state, and local leaders and community members who have called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the protection of humanitarian aid workers, and the provision of humanitarian aid in Gaza. We ask our state and national leaders to recognize the harmful impact foreign conflicts have on our residents and continue to use their diplomatic power to help bring about an end to violence against civilians, to ensure the safe return of hostages and political prisoners to their families, and forge a durable peace for Palestinian and Israeli civilians, and communities around the world.

Section 4. The City of Tacoma recognizes and cherishes every one of our community members who is affected by violence in foreign countries, and we reaffirm Tacoma’s dedication to peace and solidarity with community members who are affected by conflicts abroad.

Section 5. The City of Tacoma asks all state and federal leaders to continue their efforts to share and amplify Tacoma’s values of compassion and care to those lacking access to basic human needs. We also ask that they use their diplomatic influence with foreign governments to allow unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into conflict zones, including in Gaza, to ensure that all civilians have access to basic necessities, and do their utmost to protect aid workers. We stand by all our residents who are extending neighborly kindness to one another to build the bonds of peaceful coexistence and engaging in constructive dialogue to build shared understanding.

Section 6. The City of Tacoma mourns all the innocent lives that have been lost and forever impacted by violence in our city, state, and abroad. We especially call on all our residents and national leaders to ensure that young people in our global community are not only safe, but that we show them their future has value.