During a recent city council meeting in New Orleans, discussions centered around food insecurity and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, with several speakers urging the council to take a stand against what they described as systemic injustices.

Josh Teitelbaum, a prominent advocate, called for the council to endorse the New Orleans Food Policy Action Council (Food PAC), emphasizing the need for equitable access to food. He criticized the state legislature's positions, which he deemed discriminatory, and urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution regarding the situation in Palestine. Teitelbaum highlighted the moral imperative to address the starvation tactics employed against Palestinians, drawing parallels to global injustices.

Other speakers echoed these sentiments, with Terry Frick and Devorah Levy Perlman both condemning the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. Frick pointed out the hypocrisy of using aid organizations for local political gain while remaining silent on the deaths of aid workers in conflict zones. Perlman, identifying as a member of the Jewish community, asserted that many Jewish individuals support the Palestinian cause and criticized the council for its perceived inaction.

Luke Felty, a food access specialist, acknowledged the critical state of food insecurity in New Orleans, particularly among low-income residents. He praised Food PAC's efforts to promote systemic change and equitable food access.

The meeting highlighted a growing urgency among community members to address both local food justice issues and international humanitarian crises, with calls for the council to take a more active role in advocating for a ceasefire and supporting affected populations. The discussions reflect a broader movement within the city to connect local policies with global human rights issues, emphasizing the interconnectedness of food security and social justice.