Riverdale Park, Maryland passed a CEASEFIRE resolution on June 10, 2024

FOR THE PURPOSE OF expressing the Town of Riverdale Park’s urgent call for peace, an immediate ceasefire, and an end to all violence; to provide humanitarian aid; to recognize the sanctity of human life; to condemn hate-fueled words and actions; to be a message of hope amid the destruction, unprecedented loss, trauma, and death; and to provide and call for support for the many individuals and organizations working towards peace, justice, and reconciliation, while opposing those propagating hateful rhetoric of a nationalist, religious, or other form.

WHEREAS, far too many people have died in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank over the decades, and most recently since October 7, 2023. Deaths from this most recent conflict are reported to be in the tens of thousands with many of the deaths being among women and children; and

WHEREAS, there is a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza that is worsening with each passing day, with a lack of medical aid, food, clean water, electricity, and shelter, and with almost two million people facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization, United Nations, Save the Children, Human Rights Watch, the US Agency for International Development, the International Rescue Committee, Doctors Without Borders, more than 120 countries, and countless other organizations in Maryland and around the world have called for a permanent ceasefire to end the violence and suffering, and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Riverdale Park recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long and painful history and affirms that, for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed, the root causes of the crisis must be understood and addressed, this includes through diplomatic negotiations facilitated by other nations; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Riverdale Park is committed to ensuring that our residents and neighbors of all backgrounds, including those from Palestinian, Israeli, Arab, Persian, Jewish, and Muslim backgrounds, are affirmed of their worth and dignity; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Riverdale Park has publicly committed, in word and in action, to ideals that respect, value, and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person who they are, and the Town stands firmly against the rise of Antisemitic, Islamophobic, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic attacks in Maryland, the United States, and world-wide; and

WHEREAS, for residents, municipal government is their closest proximity to governing power; through which passage of a local resolution allows for an acknowledged, collective approach, in addition to others, towards advocacy and a redress of grievances before governing bodies with greater authority and jurisdiction; and

WHEREAS, the United States holds significant diplomatic power and influence globally and therefore, has the moral and ethical duty to do all that it can to save lives in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and the region; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Riverdale Park is stating, clearly and unequivocally, that our State and Federal leaders have a moral and ethical duty and responsibility to use their power to call for peace, an immediate ceasefire, and an end to all violence; to provide humanitarian aid; to recognize the sanctity of human life; to condemn hate-fueled words and actions; to bring messages of hope amid the destruction, unprecedented loss, trauma, and death; and to provide and call for support for the many individuals and organizations working towards peace, justice, and reconciliation, while opposing those propagating hateful rhetoric of a nationalist, religious, or other form;

Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Town of Riverdale Park joins other cities, towns, and counties across the United States in calling on our State and Federal elected leaders to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire by all involved parties, necessarily including the primary combatants; the immediate release of all hostages; the unrestricted and safeguarded entry of humanitarian assistance; the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies; and all actions needed to protect the sanctity of human lives and establish a clear pathway towards lasting peace, justice, and reconciliation; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be promulgated to the residents of the Town of Riverdale Park, and will further be sent to: municipal elected leaders in Prince George's County, the offices of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, County Council Chair Jolene Ivey, County Councilmember Eric Olson, State Senator Alonzo Washington, State Delegate Anne Healey, State Delegate Ashanti Martinez, State Delegate Nicole Williams, Governor of Maryland Wes Moore, U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and U.S. President Joe Biden, urging them to act.