Photo credit: Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune
(LOS ANGELES, CA – 12/20/2023) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today commended council members of the city of Long Beach, Calif., for adopting a resolution that acknowledges the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calls for a ceasefire.
SEE:
- Long Beach City Council passes proclamation supporting ceasefire in Gaza
- A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Long Beach Supporting a Peaceful Resolution to the Ongoing Conflict And Humanitarian Crisis Impacting Gaza and Israel
On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the Long Beach City Council meeting agenda included a resolution, introduced by Councilmembers Joni Ricks-Oddie, Roberto Uranga, and Al Austin, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution states:
The City Council calls on our federal leaders to support negotiations that lead to a lasting humanitarian ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, the release of all hostages, the safe passage of food, water, medical supplies, and other life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a peaceful resolution that achieves both an end to the attacks on Israel by Hamas and the protection of civilian life in Gaza and Israel.
The resolution passed with a 5-2 vote after more than four hours of public comments. The overwhelming majority of the comments were in favor of the proclamation. Councilmembers Kristina Duggan and Daryl Supernaw voted no, and the remaining two council members were not present for the vote.
In a statement,CAIR-LA Policy and Advocacy Manager Basha Jamil said:
“We commend the Long Beach City Council for being responsive to the people of Long Beach and adopting a ceasefire resolution. The city’s leadership demonstrates solidarity with their constituents and establishes a precedent that the City of Long Beach will not shy away from complex issues.
“This resolution represents a commitment to stand against hate and to create a safe, inclusive environment for all. We hope that the city’s leaders will also continue to educate themselves about the 75-year history of Israeli apartheid and military occupation that has led to this critical moment
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 20,000 civilians, including over 8,000 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.
Prior to the meeting, CAIR-LA had sent a letter addressed to the mayor and city council members urging them to support the resolution.
CAIR-LA thanks Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Councilmembers Megan Kerr, Suely Saro, Roberto Uranga, Al Austin, and Joni Ricks-Oddie for their support for the people of Gaza.
CAIR-LA urges all local and national leaders to stand for peace and justice bysupporting 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 justiceand empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT:CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager EnjyEl-Kadi,(714) 851-4851oreelkadi@cair.com
