MELROSE — Dozens of people turned out Monday to successfully urge the City Council to pass a resolution requesting a cease fire in the on-going war in Gaza.
Representing One Community, Open to All, six City Councilors present at the regularly-scheduled meeting this week did not hesitate backing the call for peace, even if it involves a region that is 5,500 miles away and has little to do with regular city business. Israel has retaliated against deadly October 7 terrorist attacks in the region by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and the conflict rages.
Many of those speaking at the City Council meeting were in favor of sending the resolution to the city’s Washington delegation. Several speakers opposed it.
Part of the resolution states:
“WHEREAS, The ongoing military campaign and blockade of Gaza has caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, including the displacement of approximately 1.9 million people (85% of Gaza’s population, 15% of Israel’s population), the near total destruction of the healthcare system and civilian infrastructure, with the World Health Organization reporting that all Gazan hospitals have been destroyed or seriously damaged, and nearly 2.2 million people at ‘imminent risk of famine,’ according to the United Nations, many of whom are using animal feed to make bread; and,
“WHEREAS, Members of the Melrose community, including Palestinians, Israelis, Muslims,Jews, and others, are experiencing trauma, grief, shock and fear, compounded by increased incidents of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian racism, both nationally and locally; and,
“NOW, THEREFORE…
“BE IT RESOLVED, That We, the Melrose City Council, affirm the right of all Palestinian civilians and Israeli civilians to live in peace and that We support an enduring ceasefire and/or any means to support long-lasting peace, the provision of life-saving humanitarian aid in Gaza, and the release of all hostages, and,
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
“That the Melrose City Council recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself within the bounds of international law, and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th and that the Melrose City Council condemns antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, anti-Israeli, anti-Arab, Islamophobic and all xenophobic rhetoric attacks; and,
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
“That the Melrose City Council urges the Biden Administration, Senate and Congress to work towards and enduring ceasefire on this eleventh day of March, 2024.”
One speaker at Monday’s meeting questioned the appropriateness of the Melrose City Council involving itself in international matters and why this particular conflict is being singled out for resolution when there are numerous other active armed conflicts worldwide, many of which have higher civilian casualty rates. “The disproportionate focus on Israel raises concerns about underlying biases. As the only Jewish state in the world, Israel often faces heightened scrutiny and criticism,” the speaker explained.
She continued, “With so many pressing issues closer to home that demand our attention and resources, I wonder if our efforts would be better focused on matters directly related to the governance and well-being of our beloved town.
“In light of these concerns, I implore you to carefully consider the broader implications of this resolution and its potential impact on our community. I respectfully request that you vote against it and instead both prioritize issues that directly affect the livelihoods of our residents and promote an inclusive environment for all of our diverse Melrose residents.”
Ward 3 Councilor Robb Stewart, Ward 4 Councilor Mark D. Garipay and Ward 6 Councilor Cal M. Finocchiaro did not vote in favor of the placing the resolution on file like other members did. They felt the body’s efforts should be concentrated on more local issues, which are many.
