During a recent Oakland County government meeting, community members passionately urged elected officials to support a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speakers emphasized the moral obligation of leaders to prioritize humanity over political interests, drawing parallels to historical injustices such as slavery and civil rights violations.

Suhir Ghanem highlighted the plight of vulnerable children in Gaza, comparing their suffering to that of children in Oakland County, and called for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis. She criticized the silence of Oakland County officials, noting that neighboring counties had already passed similar resolutions months ago.

Farah Ashtiani, speaking as a concerned citizen, underscored the need for the U.S. to uphold its values of democracy and human rights, arguing that the current support for military actions contradicts these principles. She urged the commissioners to take a stand for peace and humanity, emphasizing that a resolution for ceasefire is not a political stance but a humanitarian one.

Kazi Afzal and Eric Shelly echoed these sentiments, stressing that the resolution represents a collective call for peace from a diverse community united against discrimination and violence. They pointed out that the majority of Americans support a ceasefire, and the resolution would reaffirm Oakland County's commitment to safety and inclusion for all residents.

Farah Khan delivered a heartfelt plea, recounting the tragic loss of lives in Gaza and urging the commissioners to act decisively against what she described as complicity in ongoing atrocities. Rania Masri further illustrated the dire situation in Gaza, citing reports of war crimes and the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

The meeting concluded with a call for the commissioners to prioritize the resolution, reflecting the community's desire for Oakland County to stand firmly on the side of peace and justice. The speakers collectively urged their leaders to act swiftly, emphasizing that history will judge them by their actions in this critical moment.