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Agenda Item
1 23-0935 Subject: Affirming Oakland's Support For The Congressional And Worldwide Calls For Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza
From: Councilmember Fife
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Affirming Oakland's Love Life Commitment And Support For The Congressional And Worldwide Calls For An Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza
As an Oakland homeowner, I would like to see my real estate taxes used by the Oakland City Council for overhauling the public schools, overcoming homelessness, and combating crime (for starters). Once the Council has demonstrated its ability to solve challenging local problems, then perhaps it could devote its energies and resources to recommending a policy that would provide peace and security for Israelis and justice for Palestinians.
I oppose this proposition. We have problems enough in Oakland and the City Counsel should focus on them, not on issues that both divide us and cannot be affected by whatever the Oakland City Counsel says. Even worse, the proposition fails to condemn the Hamas terrorism. Plus, it advocates the wrong solution since, if there were a unilateral cease fire, Hamas would remain in power and will strike again.
Why on earth not an immediate ceasefire?!?! What world do our leaders live in?
Of course a ceasefire Now!!!
Haven’t we all had enough of this evil genocide unfolding before our eyes? What will we tell our children? Have you not seen the hundreds upon hundreds of images of people under the rubble? My heart is broken. If not for the Palestinians than for all of us guilt ridden Americans who are also heartbroken and ashamed that our tax dollars are funding this genocide. Not in my name!!!! Please have some common sense and common courtesy for humanity
Oakland needs to lead the way in calling for a free, safe and secular Palestine for all. Israel's apartheid state has killed over 15000 Palestinians in Gaza, and has cut off all water, electricity, medical aid for the last 46 days. Doctors are performing operations on their own children without anesthesia.
I support this resolution 100% as an Asian person. No more US tax dollars for the Israeli army's humanitarian crimes.
Palestine has a UN recognized right to armed resistance as Israel is an occupying force and aggressor since the ethnic cleansing of 1948's Nakba. Hamas is explicitly resisting Israeli occupation forces and has taken care of and fed the 200 or so Israeli civilian hostages the entire 46 days even while they themselves are starving.
I am an Oakland resident of district 4. The people of Oakland want a PERMANENT ceasefire, the city needs to follow suit. We are witnessing a genocide paid for by our tax dollars. Not condemning the deplorable actions of the Israeli occupation sets a dangerous precedent. Oakland has always been on the forefront of social justice. This would be a crucial step towards the liberation and self determination of Palestinians they deserve. I support this resolution
It’s a shame that Oakland hasn’t led on this issue. We are counting on you to finally do the right thing. Our reps in Washington are ignoring the will of the people and we need our local officials to join us in calling for a ceasefire now.
I think this motion (and meeting) are entirely unnecessary and a waste of City Council and constituent's time and money. The City Council has not taken a position on any other conflict recently, and whatever position it takes is unlikely to influence global policy. With all the issues Oakland has at home, I fail to see how this proposed resolution has any benefit.
As a physician I can not remain neutral in regard to any military campaign and especially when a regime systematically targets hospitals. I support unequivocally a cease fire. “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind”
The resolution is ill advised. First, the City Council has no business taking a position in a war thousands of mile away between Israel and Hamas. Address local issues. Second, while the resolution will have absolutely no impact on either Hamas or Israel, it will have a very real and negative impact locally. It will further divide our community at a time when it requires unification. Many Jewish community members are unwilling to speak at the City Council meeting because they are fearful that they will be ostracized, or worse. Third, the City Council appears to be unaware of the fact that, on October 7, Hamas and Israel were already parties to a ceasefire agreement reached in 2021. Hamas elected to unilaterally breach that agreement by engaging in a barbaric pogrom targeting innocent Israeli civilians. What makes the City Council believe that Hamas will behave any differently if a ceasefire is declared now? Indeed, after the horrific attacks of October 7, Hamas's leaders vowed to engage in more cross-border attacks on Israeli civilians. Does the City Council have any reason for doubting those intentions, especially when Hamas's charter states its intention to kill all Jews? Fourth, why enact a resolution that enables Hamas to continue its practice of using Palestinian civilians as human shields? Finally, the City Council needs to ask itself why they have selected Israel, the Jewish state, for this "special" scrutiny. Is there some implicit bias at play here?
I commend the councilmembers stepping up to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. With over 14,000 civilians killed (nearly 50% of these deaths being children) and 50% of buildings in Northern Gaza destroyed, Israel's collective punishment on the Palestinian people is tantamount to genocide. Hamas's actions on October 7th were also condemnable, but Israel's response is cruel and disproportionate. If there is not international pressure now, this humanitarian disaster will only get worse.
And yes, this IS an Oakland issue. International pressure is the fastest way to hold Israel accountable, and vocal opposition to the war from the U.S. -- the world power that has financially backed Israel's military for decades -- is even more important. Oakland can set the precedent for cities across the country to publicly condemn Israel's war crimes.
I am an Oakland resident of district 4. The people of Oakland want a PERMANENT ceasefire, the city needs to follow suit. We are witnessing a genocide paid for by our tax dollars. Not condemning the deplorable actions of the Israeli occupation sets a dangerous precedent. Oakland has always been on the forefront of social justice. This would be a crucial step towards the liberation and self determination of Palestinians they deserve. I support this resolution.
My name is Joseph Bear, and I am a queer Jewish resident of District 3. I strongly urge all city council members to support this resolution. For over six weeks, the Israeli government, with massive political and military backing from the U.S., has mercilessly bombed the people of Gaza, killing over 15,000 civilians, and has purposely deprived Palestinians of water, food, fuel, and medical supplies. This is an unfathomable calamity, and it's disturbing to know most American political leaders have supported it.
As a Jew, it has been especially painful to hear so many people so shamelessly claim that Israel’s current campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide is being done for the safety of the Jewish people. This is an erroneous and vile claim. But I have been heartened over this same period to see so many of my fellow Jews stand up against this genocide, including in the occupation of the Oakland federal building on November 13 by hundreds of Jewish activists demanding a ceasefire.
I take actual antisemitism very seriously. But as a Jew and as a human being, I would feel safer knowing I live in a city whose public officials recognize the dignity of all people, including Palestinians. I urge you to vote in favor of this resolution.
The only way to stop the genocide of Palestinians, my people, and my family is through international pressure. Oakland should stand on the right side of history and put more pressure to end the killing
I am an Oakland resident of district 4. The people of Oakland want a ceasefire, the city needs to follow suit. We are witnessing a brutal massacre under the false guise of self defense, paid for by our tax dollars. Not condemning the deplorable actions of the Israeli occupation sets a dangerous precedent. Oakland has always been on the forefront of social justice. This would be a crucial step towards the liberation and self determination of Palestinians they deserve.
I am an Oakland resident and I support the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. I hear too many people equating antizionism to antisemitism. Stop the genocide. Safety and justice for all Palestinians!
Rather than pass measures on real issues within reach of this council (spiraling cost of living, crime, etc), this group wastes taxpayer money and time passing divisive resolutions on matters far from reach of the Oakland local government. I strongly oppose this one-sided (and pointless) resolution, and I look forward to participating in the next recall election for you leeches and losers.
As an Oakland homeowner, I would like to see my real estate taxes used by the Oakland City Council for overhauling the public schools, overcoming homelessness, and combating crime (for starters). Once the Council has demonstrated its ability to solve challenging local problems, then perhaps it could devote its energies and resources to recommending a policy that would provide peace and security for Israelis and justice for Palestinians.
I’ve lived in District 3 for over a decade and support my council person Caroll Fife in her calls for a ceasefire now.
As a person of color especially, I express solidarity with the Palestinian people as they endure a US-funded siege and genocide.
I oppose this proposition. We have problems enough in Oakland and the City Counsel should focus on them, not on issues that both divide us and cannot be affected by whatever the Oakland City Counsel says. Even worse, the proposition fails to condemn the Hamas terrorism. Plus, it advocates the wrong solution since, if there were a unilateral cease fire, Hamas would remain in power and will strike again.
I am a resident of district 2, and I demand my city take a stand on genocide by voting YES on this resolution!!!
Why on earth not an immediate ceasefire?!?! What world do our leaders live in?
Of course a ceasefire Now!!!
Haven’t we all had enough of this evil genocide unfolding before our eyes? What will we tell our children? Have you not seen the hundreds upon hundreds of images of people under the rubble? My heart is broken. If not for the Palestinians than for all of us guilt ridden Americans who are also heartbroken and ashamed that our tax dollars are funding this genocide. Not in my name!!!! Please have some common sense and common courtesy for humanity
Oakland needs to lead the way in calling for a free, safe and secular Palestine for all. Israel's apartheid state has killed over 15000 Palestinians in Gaza, and has cut off all water, electricity, medical aid for the last 46 days. Doctors are performing operations on their own children without anesthesia.
I support this resolution 100% as an Asian person. No more US tax dollars for the Israeli army's humanitarian crimes.
Palestine has a UN recognized right to armed resistance as Israel is an occupying force and aggressor since the ethnic cleansing of 1948's Nakba. Hamas is explicitly resisting Israeli occupation forces and has taken care of and fed the 200 or so Israeli civilian hostages the entire 46 days even while they themselves are starving.
I am an Oakland resident of district 4. The people of Oakland want a PERMANENT ceasefire, the city needs to follow suit. We are witnessing a genocide paid for by our tax dollars. Not condemning the deplorable actions of the Israeli occupation sets a dangerous precedent. Oakland has always been on the forefront of social justice. This would be a crucial step towards the liberation and self determination of Palestinians they deserve. I support this resolution
I am an Oakland resident and I support the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
It’s a shame that Oakland hasn’t led on this issue. We are counting on you to finally do the right thing. Our reps in Washington are ignoring the will of the people and we need our local officials to join us in calling for a ceasefire now.
I am an Oakland resident and I support the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
I think this motion (and meeting) are entirely unnecessary and a waste of City Council and constituent's time and money. The City Council has not taken a position on any other conflict recently, and whatever position it takes is unlikely to influence global policy. With all the issues Oakland has at home, I fail to see how this proposed resolution has any benefit.
As a physician I can not remain neutral in regard to any military campaign and especially when a regime systematically targets hospitals. I support unequivocally a cease fire. “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind”
The resolution is ill advised. First, the City Council has no business taking a position in a war thousands of mile away between Israel and Hamas. Address local issues. Second, while the resolution will have absolutely no impact on either Hamas or Israel, it will have a very real and negative impact locally. It will further divide our community at a time when it requires unification. Many Jewish community members are unwilling to speak at the City Council meeting because they are fearful that they will be ostracized, or worse. Third, the City Council appears to be unaware of the fact that, on October 7, Hamas and Israel were already parties to a ceasefire agreement reached in 2021. Hamas elected to unilaterally breach that agreement by engaging in a barbaric pogrom targeting innocent Israeli civilians. What makes the City Council believe that Hamas will behave any differently if a ceasefire is declared now? Indeed, after the horrific attacks of October 7, Hamas's leaders vowed to engage in more cross-border attacks on Israeli civilians. Does the City Council have any reason for doubting those intentions, especially when Hamas's charter states its intention to kill all Jews? Fourth, why enact a resolution that enables Hamas to continue its practice of using Palestinian civilians as human shields? Finally, the City Council needs to ask itself why they have selected Israel, the Jewish state, for this "special" scrutiny. Is there some implicit bias at play here?
I commend the councilmembers stepping up to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. With over 14,000 civilians killed (nearly 50% of these deaths being children) and 50% of buildings in Northern Gaza destroyed, Israel's collective punishment on the Palestinian people is tantamount to genocide. Hamas's actions on October 7th were also condemnable, but Israel's response is cruel and disproportionate. If there is not international pressure now, this humanitarian disaster will only get worse.
And yes, this IS an Oakland issue. International pressure is the fastest way to hold Israel accountable, and vocal opposition to the war from the U.S. -- the world power that has financially backed Israel's military for decades -- is even more important. Oakland can set the precedent for cities across the country to publicly condemn Israel's war crimes.
I am an Oakland resident of district 4. The people of Oakland want a PERMANENT ceasefire, the city needs to follow suit. We are witnessing a genocide paid for by our tax dollars. Not condemning the deplorable actions of the Israeli occupation sets a dangerous precedent. Oakland has always been on the forefront of social justice. This would be a crucial step towards the liberation and self determination of Palestinians they deserve. I support this resolution.
My name is Joseph Bear, and I am a queer Jewish resident of District 3. I strongly urge all city council members to support this resolution. For over six weeks, the Israeli government, with massive political and military backing from the U.S., has mercilessly bombed the people of Gaza, killing over 15,000 civilians, and has purposely deprived Palestinians of water, food, fuel, and medical supplies. This is an unfathomable calamity, and it's disturbing to know most American political leaders have supported it.
As a Jew, it has been especially painful to hear so many people so shamelessly claim that Israel’s current campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide is being done for the safety of the Jewish people. This is an erroneous and vile claim. But I have been heartened over this same period to see so many of my fellow Jews stand up against this genocide, including in the occupation of the Oakland federal building on November 13 by hundreds of Jewish activists demanding a ceasefire.
I take actual antisemitism very seriously. But as a Jew and as a human being, I would feel safer knowing I live in a city whose public officials recognize the dignity of all people, including Palestinians. I urge you to vote in favor of this resolution.
The only way to stop the genocide of Palestinians, my people, and my family is through international pressure. Oakland should stand on the right side of history and put more pressure to end the killing
I am an Oakland resident of district 4. The people of Oakland want a ceasefire, the city needs to follow suit. We are witnessing a brutal massacre under the false guise of self defense, paid for by our tax dollars. Not condemning the deplorable actions of the Israeli occupation sets a dangerous precedent. Oakland has always been on the forefront of social justice. This would be a crucial step towards the liberation and self determination of Palestinians they deserve.
I am an Oakland resident and I support the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. I hear too many people equating antizionism to antisemitism. Stop the genocide. Safety and justice for all Palestinians!
Rather than pass measures on real issues within reach of this council (spiraling cost of living, crime, etc), this group wastes taxpayer money and time passing divisive resolutions on matters far from reach of the Oakland local government. I strongly oppose this one-sided (and pointless) resolution, and I look forward to participating in the next recall election for you leeches and losers.