Burr Ridge, Illinois passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on April 8, 2024

A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE AND SUSTAINABLE CEASEFIRE AND HUMANITARIAN AID IN GAZA AND THE RELEASE OF HOSTAGES AND THOSE UNJUSTLY HELD

WHEREAS, we the corporate authorities of the Village of Burr Ridge, Illinois, mourn all those innocent and unarmed Israeli and U.S. citizens and others massacred during Hamas’ heinous terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, near the Gaza-Israeli border; and

WHEREAS, the corporate authorities also abhor the decimation of the lives of thousands of innocent Palestinians in Gaza who have been killed or sustained severe and permanent injuries, including innumerable women and children, caused by Israel’s retaliation against Hamas; and

WHEREAS, we lament the reported resulting tragedy that approximately forty percent of all those killed in Gaza over the past six months were Palestinian children, including infants; and

WHEREAS, we note that on November 6, 2023, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke of a crisis of humanity and the destruction of so many innocent lives occurring in Gaza, and thereafter many other United Nation officials, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the head of the World Health Organization, signed a collective call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; and

WHEREAS, we have learned that on March 26, 2024, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, III stated it was the goal of the United States to make Israel and the region safer and more secure, protect Palestinian civilians from harm as a moral necessity and a strategic imperative, noting especially that Gaza is suffering a humanitarian catastrophe that is getting worse; and

WHEREAS, we reflect upon the Easter message from Pope Francis questioning why there is all this death in Gaza and pleading for an immediate cease fire, access to humanitarian aid and release of the Hamas-held hostages; and

WHEREAS, we emphasize that domestic and international groups representing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, including Rabbis for Human Rights, Jewish Voice for Peace, Social Workers for Peace and Welfare, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, the World Health Organization, the Norwegian Refugee Council, the International Red Cross, MedGlobal Organization, eighteen UN agencies, and members of the US government have each called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; and

WHEREAS, we understand there is vital need for expeditious delivery of uninterrupted supplies, and equitable distribution of humanitarian aid, including food, water, shelter, and medical care and supplies to and for the displaced Palestinians in Gaza; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the innocent and terrorized Israeli and US hostages who are confined in Gaza, as well as any Palestinians who have been unjustly held in Israel who remain imperiled by the ongoing hostilities between Hamas and Israel; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Burr Ridge and its residents condemn and stand resolute against all acts of terrorism, and all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, the massacre of innocent peoples, and every form of hatred amongst humanity.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FIRMLY RESOLVED that the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Burr Ridge stand in consensus with our Village residents, and the many communities, residents, and organizations calling loudly for an immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the expeditious delivery and equitable distribution of humanitarian aid, including food, water, shelter, medical care and supplies to the displaced Palestinians in Gaza, for the immediate release of Israeli and U.S. hostages Hamas continues to hold, along with the immediate release of all Palestinians unjustly held in Israel, and for the prompt commencement of meaningful talks to make this troubled region safer and more secure for all habitants to live there in peace.

PASSED by the Corporate Authorities of the Village of Burr Ridge, Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois on the 8th day of April 2024, and approved by the following roll call vote:

APPROVED this 8th day of April 2024 by the Mayor of the Village of Burr Ridge.