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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
There was a ceasefire on October 6th that was broken by Hamas a terrorist organization. Some atrocities that were committed but not limited to: Beheading, torture, raping, kidnapping, burning innocent lives in their homes, and shot at all while attending an innocent hippie music festival. The kidnapping of babies, women, elderly, children, and INNOCENT lives for just being Jewish or living in Israel to Gaza is a WAR CRIME beyond belief. A ceasefire would leave these HUMANS to various torture. Imagine if it was your children or families. NO CEASEFIRE until all the hostages are home and accounted for! This war is with HAMAS and not the people of Palestine. Learn the difference. WAKE UP!
This resolution does nothing to address the fact that Hamas, a known terrorist group, committed atrocities against civilians on October 7 and continues to do so by holding civilian as hostages.
It is immoral and false equivalency to call for a cease-fire without conditions that the innocent hostages kidnapped by Hamas from Israel be immediately released. The quickest way for there to be a cease-fire is for Hamas to release the hostages and and end their call for the complete destruction of Israel.
Hamas values do not align with the values of the city of Oakland:
- Women have fewer rights than men.
- LGBT people are routinely, harassed and killed. (in fact, many LGBT people try to escape Gaza to the safety of cities like Tel Aviv in Israel)
- use of child fighters as combatants and intentional attacks on civilians.
A city resolution is a first step Oakland can take against Israel's occupation and genocide of Palestinians, and the minimum we can do to affirm that Palestinians deserve justice and sovereignty.
As a long-time resident of Oakland, a parent with a kid in an OUSD school, and a member of one of the City's boards, I urge you to support the resolution in support of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to all Israeli violence against Palestinians, and immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. A growing number of your constituents, including American Jews, are demanding our government hold the Israeli government accountable for its daily violence and oppression against Palestinians. Oakland should be on the right side of history.
A call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza is essential. So many Gazan lives has been lost and so many more will die if there is not a ceasefire. This is genocide and the US is complicit in it. Nothing justifies Gazans being killed and nothing justifies the Israel government's longstanding and ongoing human rights violations. As a jew and a descendent of indigenous ancestors who experienced genocide, I strongly support Oakland supporting the calls for immediate ceasefire and call for Oakland to take actions to support Palestinians and Gaza. Never Again for Anyone.
I support Oakland in joining the pleas from around the world to end this unforgivable humanitarian crisis of the genocide of the Palestinian people. We must stand for a permanent ceasefire, and to free Gaza.
The current "Ceasefire pause" is insufficient to address the violent crimes the Israeli government has committed against the Palestinian people. As a resident of Oakland, I urge you to support a ceasefire resolution that call for a permanent ceasefire and political solution to this violence. The Palestinian and Israel people deserve peace. The Palestinian people deserve self-determination and right to return. A permanent ceasefire is the only solution that will lead to peace and we must end the violence happening in Gaza that is made possible by use of American tax dollars. Your stance on this issue will be critical in my support for you in future elections and I hope to stand with you on the right side of history.
Israel has the right and responsibility to defend itself against evil. Hamas has said they will do this again and again. I support the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live peacefully. I also support the right of Israel to defend itself against terrorists. On Oct 7, Hamas terrorists entered Israel and butchered, beheaded, raped, and killed more than 1000 civilians, took over two hundred hostages (INCLUDING BABIES AND CHILDREN), and started a war.
Hamas is committing war crimes with every rocket it shoots at civilians, with every innocent civilian it uses as a human shield, with every weapon it hides in schools, mosques, and hospitals, with every civilian it killed on Oct 7th, and with every hostage it took (and still has).
End Hamas war crimes. Have Hamas surrender. Free the Palestinian people FROM Hamas. There's no love embedded in a ceasefire. As soon as Hamas surrenders, there will be a ceasefire.
Generally speaking, local governments should focus on their local issues. But if you do want to take a stand, wake up, and put out a statement calling for the immediate return of innocent Israeli hostages as well as those of other nationalities along with the immediate surrender of Hamas, a death cult and terrorist group sworn to the destruction of Israel -- read their charter. Educate yourself before getting involved.
1) Oakland has many issues that the council needs to prioritize over this issue, including handling Crime, Homelessness, loss of major retail, our Schools and neglected infrastructure.
2) This issue is divisive- I would rather Council focus on resolutions that build bridges and understanding through education and discourse.
3) There is a ceasefire in place now. The language is not current and the resolution is no longer valid.
I support this ceasefire immediately. This is a genocide and we need to stop. 70% of deaths are women and children. 30% of the population is displaced. These civilian deaths are a travesty and we cannot spend more money on this genocide. We have blood on our hands.
For the resolution to truly support life, peace, safety and dignity it is crucial to amend it with a condemnation of Hamas and support President Biden's message that Hamas must be removed from power in Gaza. Hamas is a terrorist organization that declared in its mission, and proved in its action, that its goals are to massacre Jews, destroy Israel and eliminate any chance for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
A call for ceasefire without in parallel calling for Hamas removal, de facto leaves Hamas in power and as such, promotes anchoring the source of hate and war in the region.
I support the cease fire. If a school shooter were in a school we wouldn’t bomb the entire school and destroy the children and staff. I support the cease fire.
I unequivocally support a call for an immediate ceasefire. I am a Jew and active voter. The unconscionable violence incited by Israel for decades is now in plain light for the world to witness. I thank any elected official standing up for basic human decency and calling for an immediate ceasefire.
This is a painful and heartbreaking time for Jews and Palestinians. Your words have real life consequences in terms of the safety and wellbeing of your constituents. Please do your best to follow the lead of the Israelis and Palestinians (Standing Together; Women Wage Peace; etc.) who recognize that both peoples are connected to this land and need a path forward that honors the life, dignity, and safety of all who live there. So many of us get news from social media platforms that profit from binary thinking and pushing us to choose a side. Please choose both peoples. To start with, consider editing to the resolution title as follows: RESOLUTION AFFIRMING OAKLAND’S LOVE LIFE COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL AND WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE RETURN OF ALL HOSTAGES AND A BILATERAL CEASEFIRE.
In the words of Rabbi Emily Cohen, "To this [either/or] rhetoric, I say: I will not lose my compassion for all: Israeli and Palestinian, Arab and Jew. I have found myself for these last weeks living in the 'and,' and I want to invite you to live there with me...Fully acknowledging the 'and' is challenging — more challenging, in many ways, than picking a side and letting empathy for the other go. And it’s the only way forward. We have to live with these ands. We have to build a better world with these ands."
- From a longtime Oakland resident and parent with Israeli and Palestinian friends and family
I support this ceasefire and I implore the city of Oakland to pass this resolution. Oakland historically defended and fought for the civil liberation of black and brown population in America. Pass this resolution of a permanent ceasefire to stop the genocide of the children, women and men that have been under a militarized imperialistic regime since 1948. Listen to the people and call for a permanent ceasefire
I am a long time resident of Oakland, currently a homeowner in district 3, and my child has attended several OUSD schools, I urge you to vote in support and pass the resolution for the immediate ceasefire in Gaza. As a members of a US governing body, you have a responsibility as our elected local officials to break your silence and stand on the right side of history by supporting this critical resolution and call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza including immediate humanitarian aid and access for Gaza; restoration of electricity, food, and water; and release of the hostages. US tax dollars are funding this ongoing genocide, I urge you to stop our complicity by ending US military funding to Israel, our tax dollars should fund what our local communities really need—healthcare, housing, education, community-led safety resources, and environmental protection.
I urge you to take a stance against the dehumanizing and inflammatory rhetoric advocating for further violence in Gaza, which has been allowed to spread without restraint. This rhetoric, perpetuated by elected officials, media, and community members has unfortunately led to a concerning surge in hate crimes against Arab and Muslim Americans in Oakland and across the nation. Approving this resolution would not only send a powerful message against such divisive language but also contribute to creating a sense of safety for me, my family, and our community.
I support a congressional call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Please pass an Oakland resolution!
There was a ceasefire on October 6th that was broken by Hamas a terrorist organization. Some atrocities that were committed but not limited to: Beheading, torture, raping, kidnapping, burning innocent lives in their homes, and shot at all while attending an innocent hippie music festival. The kidnapping of babies, women, elderly, children, and INNOCENT lives for just being Jewish or living in Israel to Gaza is a WAR CRIME beyond belief. A ceasefire would leave these HUMANS to various torture. Imagine if it was your children or families. NO CEASEFIRE until all the hostages are home and accounted for! This war is with HAMAS and not the people of Palestine. Learn the difference. WAKE UP!
This resolution does nothing to address the fact that Hamas, a known terrorist group, committed atrocities against civilians on October 7 and continues to do so by holding civilian as hostages.
It is immoral and false equivalency to call for a cease-fire without conditions that the innocent hostages kidnapped by Hamas from Israel be immediately released. The quickest way for there to be a cease-fire is for Hamas to release the hostages and and end their call for the complete destruction of Israel.
Hamas values do not align with the values of the city of Oakland:
- Women have fewer rights than men.
- LGBT people are routinely, harassed and killed. (in fact, many LGBT people try to escape Gaza to the safety of cities like Tel Aviv in Israel)
- use of child fighters as combatants and intentional attacks on civilians.
A city resolution is a first step Oakland can take against Israel's occupation and genocide of Palestinians, and the minimum we can do to affirm that Palestinians deserve justice and sovereignty.
As a long-time resident of Oakland, a parent with a kid in an OUSD school, and a member of one of the City's boards, I urge you to support the resolution in support of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to all Israeli violence against Palestinians, and immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. A growing number of your constituents, including American Jews, are demanding our government hold the Israeli government accountable for its daily violence and oppression against Palestinians. Oakland should be on the right side of history.
A call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza is essential. So many Gazan lives has been lost and so many more will die if there is not a ceasefire. This is genocide and the US is complicit in it. Nothing justifies Gazans being killed and nothing justifies the Israel government's longstanding and ongoing human rights violations. As a jew and a descendent of indigenous ancestors who experienced genocide, I strongly support Oakland supporting the calls for immediate ceasefire and call for Oakland to take actions to support Palestinians and Gaza. Never Again for Anyone.
Oakland must take a stand against genocide!
I support Oakland in joining the pleas from around the world to end this unforgivable humanitarian crisis of the genocide of the Palestinian people. We must stand for a permanent ceasefire, and to free Gaza.
The current "Ceasefire pause" is insufficient to address the violent crimes the Israeli government has committed against the Palestinian people. As a resident of Oakland, I urge you to support a ceasefire resolution that call for a permanent ceasefire and political solution to this violence. The Palestinian and Israel people deserve peace. The Palestinian people deserve self-determination and right to return. A permanent ceasefire is the only solution that will lead to peace and we must end the violence happening in Gaza that is made possible by use of American tax dollars. Your stance on this issue will be critical in my support for you in future elections and I hope to stand with you on the right side of history.
Israel has the right and responsibility to defend itself against evil. Hamas has said they will do this again and again. I support the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live peacefully. I also support the right of Israel to defend itself against terrorists. On Oct 7, Hamas terrorists entered Israel and butchered, beheaded, raped, and killed more than 1000 civilians, took over two hundred hostages (INCLUDING BABIES AND CHILDREN), and started a war.
Hamas is committing war crimes with every rocket it shoots at civilians, with every innocent civilian it uses as a human shield, with every weapon it hides in schools, mosques, and hospitals, with every civilian it killed on Oct 7th, and with every hostage it took (and still has).
End Hamas war crimes. Have Hamas surrender. Free the Palestinian people FROM Hamas. There's no love embedded in a ceasefire. As soon as Hamas surrenders, there will be a ceasefire.
Generally speaking, local governments should focus on their local issues. But if you do want to take a stand, wake up, and put out a statement calling for the immediate return of innocent Israeli hostages as well as those of other nationalities along with the immediate surrender of Hamas, a death cult and terrorist group sworn to the destruction of Israel -- read their charter. Educate yourself before getting involved.
1) Oakland has many issues that the council needs to prioritize over this issue, including handling Crime, Homelessness, loss of major retail, our Schools and neglected infrastructure.
2) This issue is divisive- I would rather Council focus on resolutions that build bridges and understanding through education and discourse.
3) There is a ceasefire in place now. The language is not current and the resolution is no longer valid.
I support this ceasefire immediately. This is a genocide and we need to stop. 70% of deaths are women and children. 30% of the population is displaced. These civilian deaths are a travesty and we cannot spend more money on this genocide. We have blood on our hands.
For the resolution to truly support life, peace, safety and dignity it is crucial to amend it with a condemnation of Hamas and support President Biden's message that Hamas must be removed from power in Gaza. Hamas is a terrorist organization that declared in its mission, and proved in its action, that its goals are to massacre Jews, destroy Israel and eliminate any chance for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
A call for ceasefire without in parallel calling for Hamas removal, de facto leaves Hamas in power and as such, promotes anchoring the source of hate and war in the region.
I support the cease fire. If a school shooter were in a school we wouldn’t bomb the entire school and destroy the children and staff. I support the cease fire.
I unequivocally support a call for an immediate ceasefire. I am a Jew and active voter. The unconscionable violence incited by Israel for decades is now in plain light for the world to witness. I thank any elected official standing up for basic human decency and calling for an immediate ceasefire.
This is a painful and heartbreaking time for Jews and Palestinians. Your words have real life consequences in terms of the safety and wellbeing of your constituents. Please do your best to follow the lead of the Israelis and Palestinians (Standing Together; Women Wage Peace; etc.) who recognize that both peoples are connected to this land and need a path forward that honors the life, dignity, and safety of all who live there. So many of us get news from social media platforms that profit from binary thinking and pushing us to choose a side. Please choose both peoples. To start with, consider editing to the resolution title as follows: RESOLUTION AFFIRMING OAKLAND’S LOVE LIFE COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL AND WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE RETURN OF ALL HOSTAGES AND A BILATERAL CEASEFIRE.
In the words of Rabbi Emily Cohen, "To this [either/or] rhetoric, I say: I will not lose my compassion for all: Israeli and Palestinian, Arab and Jew. I have found myself for these last weeks living in the 'and,' and I want to invite you to live there with me...Fully acknowledging the 'and' is challenging — more challenging, in many ways, than picking a side and letting empathy for the other go. And it’s the only way forward. We have to live with these ands. We have to build a better world with these ands."
- From a longtime Oakland resident and parent with Israeli and Palestinian friends and family
I support this ceasefire and I implore the city of Oakland to pass this resolution. Oakland historically defended and fought for the civil liberation of black and brown population in America. Pass this resolution of a permanent ceasefire to stop the genocide of the children, women and men that have been under a militarized imperialistic regime since 1948. Listen to the people and call for a permanent ceasefire
As a resident of Oakland, I am urging you to support the ceasefire resolution and stand on the right side of history against this atrocious violence.
Ceasefire now! Let's do all we can to stop the genocide in Gaza.
I am a long time resident of Oakland, currently a homeowner in district 3, and my child has attended several OUSD schools, I urge you to vote in support and pass the resolution for the immediate ceasefire in Gaza. As a members of a US governing body, you have a responsibility as our elected local officials to break your silence and stand on the right side of history by supporting this critical resolution and call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza including immediate humanitarian aid and access for Gaza; restoration of electricity, food, and water; and release of the hostages. US tax dollars are funding this ongoing genocide, I urge you to stop our complicity by ending US military funding to Israel, our tax dollars should fund what our local communities really need—healthcare, housing, education, community-led safety resources, and environmental protection.
I urge you to take a stance against the dehumanizing and inflammatory rhetoric advocating for further violence in Gaza, which has been allowed to spread without restraint. This rhetoric, perpetuated by elected officials, media, and community members has unfortunately led to a concerning surge in hate crimes against Arab and Muslim Americans in Oakland and across the nation. Approving this resolution would not only send a powerful message against such divisive language but also contribute to creating a sense of safety for me, my family, and our community.