Daly City residents are calling for urgent action as the City Council prepares to vote on a resolution advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. During the recent council meeting, community members expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and its impact on mental health, urging local leaders to take a stand against what many described as genocide.

The meeting featured passionate testimonies from various speakers, including Jonathan Mittzer, director of external relations for JCRC Bay Area, who highlighted a significant rise in antisemitic incidents following the recent conflict. He called for training on Jewish identity and antisemitism for city officials, emphasizing the need for understanding and support within the community.

Conversely, other speakers, including Donna Talla and Savi Born, urged the council to align with neighboring cities that have already passed similar resolutions. They emphasized the importance of solidarity with Palestinian constituents and the need for the council to respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

Several speakers shared personal stories and statistics, illustrating the devastating toll of the conflict. One speaker noted that over 15,000 children have died in Gaza, equating the loss to entire classrooms of students. This sentiment was echoed by educators and community leaders who stressed the local impact of the violence on families and children in Daly City.

The council's upcoming vote on the ceasefire resolution is seen as a pivotal moment for the community, with many residents urging their elected officials to prioritize humanitarian concerns over political considerations. As the meeting concluded, the call for action resonated strongly, with community members expressing hope that Daly City would join the growing movement for peace and justice.