Ypsilanti, Michigan CEASEFIRE resolution passed on December 5, 2023

Resolution No. 2023-222 REVISED December 5, 2023

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL AND WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN GAZA AND THE RELEASE OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS

WHEREAS, the City of Ypsilanti advocates for the dignity and safety of all residents in every community, regardless of religion, race, or nationality; and,

WHEREAS, local community members have expressed fear due to rises in anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism against Palestinians, and repression of opposition, along with suffering from mental and emotional health issues due to a feeling of helplessness while witnessing a war and humanitarian crisis unfold, and we believe that these tensions will be subdued with a permanent ceasefire; and,

WHEREAS, we condemn the loss of innocent lives in Israel and Palestine where over one thousand people in Israel and an escalating number of more than fifteen thousand Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in a matter of weeks, of whom over five thousand are children; and,

WHEREAS, we celebrate the release of some Israeli and Palestinian hostages and political prisoners, though we recognize that there are still children and women being held captive without being charged with any crime not only from Gaza but also in the West Bank; and,

WHEREAS, Gaza is still in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with each passing day, with the only remaining hospitals running out of fuel and medical supplies, and over 1.5 million Palestinians facing displacement, homelessness, and starvation; and,

WHEREAS, international organizations like Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the International Rescue Committee, and many others have made a call for a ceasefire in order to prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in accordance with international humanitarian law; and,

WHEREAS, according to the United States Campaign for Palestinian Rights, Ypsilanti residents’ federal taxes contributes $305,056 to Israel's weapons, which could instead fund, for example, 36 households with public housing for a year, 106 children receiving free or low-cost healthcare, 3 elementary school teachers, or cancel loan debt for 8 students; and,

WHEREAS, the federal government holds immense diplomatic power to save Israeli and Palestinian lives, and local governments play a role in our democracy to urge needed legislative and policy changes at all levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, the City of Ypsilanti urges the Michigan delegation, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, to support H. Res. 786 calling for an immediate de-escalation and permanent cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine put forward by fellow Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and others; and be it,

FURTHER RESOLVED that we call for an end to funding wars and military activity across the globe so we can focus our shared resources on addressing issues experienced by our residents in Ypsilanti.

OFFERED BY: Council Member Desirae Simmons

SUPPORTED BY: Council Member Me’Chelle King

YES: 4 (D. Simmons, M. King, N. Brown, E. Sweet) NO: 2 (R. Tooson, S. Wilcoxen) ABSENT: 1 (J. Symanns)

VOTE: Carried I do hereby certify that the above resolution is a true and correct copy of Resolution 2023-222 REVISED as passed by the Ypsilanti City Council at their meeting held on December 5, 2023.