During a recent government meeting, a poignant moment was dedicated to acknowledging a vigil organized by the Champaign Urbana Muslim Action Committee, aimed at commemorating the victims of the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The speaker highlighted the staggering death toll, reporting that over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 14,000 children under the age of 14. These figures, sourced from the British medical journal The Lancet, reflect only those individuals whose bodies have been recovered and identified, with estimates suggesting the actual death toll could be as high as 180,000.

The speaker expressed deep personal connections to the tragedy, recounting conversations with local Palestinians who have lost numerous family members, emphasizing the emotional toll on the community. They urged fellow officials to reflect on their values and the implications of their tax dollars potentially supporting these ongoing atrocities. The speaker concluded with a heartfelt message of solidarity for the Palestinian community, expressing a desire to join them in mourning during the vigil.