Activists demand ceasefire and divestment from Israel

During a recent Jacksonville City Council meeting, members of the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network (JPSN) passionately called for the repeal of a controversial resolution supporting Israel, which they labeled as a \"pro-genocide\" stance. The resolution, passed in October, has faced significant backlash from community members who argue it contradicts the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

Speakers at the meeting highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, citing reports of mass casualties and severe living conditions. Sarah Mahmoud, representing JPSN, emphasized that over 100 Palestinians were reportedly killed in a recent attack on a school, describing the aftermath as horrific. She urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution and divest city funds from Israeli bonds, framing the current U.S. support for Israel as complicit in what she termed genocide.

Other speakers echoed these sentiments, with Leah Grady and Lydia Bell stressing the need for the council to align its actions with international law and human rights. Grady pointed out that the International Court of Justice has indicated Israel's actions could be classified as apartheid, while Bell criticized the council for not adequately engaging with community concerns regarding local developments, including a proposed morgue in a residential area.

The meeting also saw discussions about broader issues, such as the allocation of city funds and the need for a \"people's budget\" that prioritizes community needs over increased police funding. Several speakers argued that the city should focus on addressing root causes of crime and investing in infrastructure and social services instead.

As the council faces mounting pressure from constituents, the calls for a ceasefire resolution and divestment from Israeli securities reflect a growing movement within the community advocating for a reevaluation of the city's stance on international conflicts and local governance priorities.