During a recent city council meeting, community members passionately urged local leaders to take a stand on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The discussions were marked by emotional testimonies and calls for action, including requests for a ceasefire and divestment from companies linked to the conflict.

One speaker, reflecting on a personal and traumatic Father's Day, shared harrowing imagery of fathers mourning their deceased sons in Gaza, emphasizing the emotional toll of the violence. This sentiment was echoed by others who recounted their experiences in the region, describing the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians and the urgent need for the U.S. to reconsider its financial support for what they termed an apartheid system.

Al Kagan, a former African Studies Librarian, recounted his visits to Israel and the West Bank, highlighting the stark contrasts in treatment between foreigners and Palestinians at checkpoints. He characterized the situation as a massacre of civilians, urging the council to divest from companies that support the ongoing violence.

Another resident, Sam Froylan, shared his firsthand observations of the apartheid system during a visit to the West Bank, emphasizing the dehumanization of Palestinians and the need for the council to publicly address these issues. He called for a shift in funding priorities, advocating for investment in local communities rather than supporting oppressive regimes abroad.

Faith Ryan, another community member, spoke about her connection to Palestinian culture through her father figure, Yousef, and the trauma faced by families in Gaza. She implored the council to recognize their power to effect change and to take ownership of their decisions regarding local and international policies.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for the council to engage in a study session on these pressing issues, reflecting a growing movement within the community to advocate for justice and humanitarian support in the face of ongoing violence.