Cleveland Heights, Ohio passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on April 1, 2024

A Resolution denouncing rising hate and discrimination in Cleveland Heights and around the world and calling for a peaceful solution for Palestinians and Israelis.

WHEREAS, the City of Cleveland Heights has already expressed sympathy for the Israeli people who were brutally attacked by terrorists on October 7, 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Cleveland Heights City Council also wishes to express sympathy for the innocent civilians suffering due to the war in Gaza; condemns violence of any kind; and affirms Cleveland Heights’ status as an “All Are Welcome” city for those of the Jewish, Islamic, Christian, and all other communities; and

WHEREAS, this Council encourages residents to offer support and sincere condolences to the family and friends of Heights High School graduate Baraa Abu Elaish and to all other members of the Israeli and Palestinian communities of Cleveland Heights who have lost loved ones due to this tragic conflict; and

WHEREAS, this body condemns all forms of hate and believes that all people— regardless of their gender, nationality, or religion—have the right to learn, work, worship, and live free from intimidation, harassment or fear of violence; and

WHEREAS, violence and terrorism can never be justified as means to achieve political goals. Dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful resolutions are the only viable paths towards lasting peace and stability; and

WHEREAS, the Council calls for the facilitation of humanitarian aid directly to the people of Gaza and maintenance of humanitarian corridors to protect displaced residents of Gaza and acknowledges the hardships of all internally displaced Israelis.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, that:

SECTION 1. This Council expresses its unwavering support and sympathy for all; Jewish, Islamic, Christian and all other members of the Cleveland Heights community who have been impacted by the atrocities of this war.

SECTION 2. This Council supports all efforts to resolve this tragic conflict including the unconditional, immediate return of all hostages held in Gaza, a negotiated ceasefire and the delivering of humanitarian aid to all who are suffering.

SECTION 3. This Council condemns all forms of hate including racism, hatred against the Muslim community, and hatred against the Jewish community and expresses its firm belief that all people have the right to learn, work, worship, gather, advocate, mourn, and celebrate free from intimidation, harassment, and fear of violence.

SECTION 4. It is found and determined that all formal actions and deliberations of Council and its committees relating to the passage of this legislation that resulted in formal action were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements of Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.

SECTION 5. Notice of the passage of this Resolution shall be given by publishing the title and abstract of its contents, prepared by the Director of Law, once in one newspaper of general circulation in the City of Cleveland Heights.

SECTION 6. The Clerk of Council is directed to transmit copies of this Resolution to President Joe Biden and Ohio’s Senators and Congressional Representatives.

SECTION 7. This Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest time allowed by law.