The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today commended the Richmond, California, city council for passing a resolution that affirms its support and solidarity with the Palestinian people and calls for an end to Israeli apartheid.
At its October 24, 2023, meeting, the Richmond city council took an historic step in support of Palestine, acknowledging the current campaign of ethnic cleansing and collective punishment against the people of Gaza by the state of Israel.
SEE: Resolution Affirming Richmond’s Support and Solidarity with the Palestinian People of Gaza
In a significant move towards justice, the city recognized the plight of the Palestinian people and condemned the ongoing human rights violations occurring in Gaza. The resolution states that:
“Gaza is known as the ‘world’s largest open-air prison’ due to ongoing, unbearable living conditions imposed by the state of Israel, including a full air, land and sea blockade, enclosure of its borders by concrete walls and barbed wire fences, and the strict prohibition of Palestinians from leaving and entering the territory freely.”
The resolution acknowledges the importance of upholding international law, particularly concerning the preservation of essential human rights, and emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire, safe passage of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Musa Tariq, CAIR-SFBA Policy Coordinator, expressed his appreciation for the city council’s decision, stating, “CAIR-SFBA stands in solidarity with the city of Richmond in its pursuit of justice, peace, and human rights for all. This resolution signifies a step forward in acknowledging the suffering of the Palestinian people and the urgent need for change. We hope that this resolution serves as an inspiration to other communities to address and raise their voices against the injustices occurring in Palestine and around the world.”