(LOS ANGELES, CA – 1/25/2024) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today commended council members of the city of Montebello, Calif., for adopting a resolution that calls for a permanent ceasefire and recognizes the urgent need for an end to the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the Montebello City Council meeting agenda included a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire and respect for international law, including ending the restriction on humanitarian assistance entering Gaza. While not explicitly acknowledging the 75-year illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine, the resolution does recognizes that the violence in Gaza and Israel did not begin on Oct. 7, and is the result of a long history in the region. The resolution also commits to identifying and supporting local programs in Montebello that combat all forms of hate, including Islamophobia, antisemitism, and racism. The resolution states:
The City of Montebello supports U.S. Congress Resolution H.R. 786 and joins other cities in calling on our congress members to demand: a permanent ceasefire; the release of all hostages and prisoners; the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza; the respect for international law
The resolution passed unanimously with all five council members voting in support. Dozens of community members attended the meeting to urge the city council to recognize the genocide in Gaza and call for a ceasefire.
Montebello is the fourth city in Southern California to adopt a ceasefire resolution, joining Pomona, Long Beach, and Cudahy.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Policy Manager Basha Jamil said:
“We commend the Montebello City Council members for listening to the voices of their constituents who echo the call of millions nationwide for an immediate ceasefire. By passing a ceasefire resolution, the council is taking a stand for peace and against all forms of hate in our community. We hope leaders in other cities will show the same solidarity demonstrated by the Montebello City Council members and stand with the people of Palestine facing genocide and ethnic cleansing.”
Since Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza began on Oct. 7, it has destroyed entire residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure, displaced over one million people, and killed over 25,000 civilians, including 10,000 children. Human rights organizations and advocates from all over the world have stated that Israel’s cutting off food, water, electricity, and medicine while it also indiscriminately drops bombs on homes, hospitals, bakeries, schools, mosques, churches and even refugee camps in Gaza, amounts to war crimes.
CAIR-LA urges all local and national leaders to stand for peace and justice by supporting the Ceasefire Now Resolution (HR 786).
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com