Orland Park board adopts ceasefire, humanitarian-relief resolution after emotional public comments

The Village of Orland Park President and Board of Trustees voted to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the unconditional release of hostages, the board announced at its meeting. The measure directs copies of the resolution to the U.S. president and the village’s congressional representatives.

Public commenters with familial and community ties to Gaza pressed the board to act. "This resolution is not about a conflict overseas. It is about us here at home," said Yousef Zagar, who identified himself as raised in Orland Park. "To pass this resolution is to say clearly that Orland Park has compassion for human life, and that we stand in solidarity with our residents who are grieving."

Dr. Sawsan Jaber, a local physician, described the humanitarian situation and framed the vote as an act of solidarity: "Every morning, Palestinians all over the diaspora scroll through what has been called the most live streamed genocide in history" and called for Orland Park to take a stand "to make sure that our voices here in the country backing this genocide are not silent." Johar Hamden, another resident speaker, said the resolution "isn't about taking sides in a conflict. It's about taking side of human dignity and compassion."

Trustee Leafland moved to adopt version 2 of the resolution, described in the meeting materials as a "resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and lasting peace." The board discussed the role of local government in national and international matters; Trustee Lawrence noted the village previously supported humanitarian efforts for Ukraine and said voting on a resolution uses minimal village resources. Trustee Healy said he would vote no on the measure and explained he prefers local responses and direct donations; Healy added he planned to make personal donations to both Jewish- and Arab-focused relief organizations.

The roll call recorded Ayes from Trustee Leafland, Trustee Lawler and Trustee Lawrence; Trustee Healy cast a No vote. The roll call also recorded Ayes from Trustee Malani and Mayor Dodge; votes from any other trustees present were not specified in the transcript. The meeting clerk read the full resolution before the vote; the resolution text calls for immediate, unconditional delivery of food, water and medical supplies, the immediate release of hostages and that copies of the resolution be sent to the president and Orland Park’s federal representatives.

The measure’s adoption drew applause and also board members’ statements urging local unity and continued dialogue. The resolution is symbolic — the text asks national and international authorities to act — and the board did not direct village staff to allocate local funds as part of this vote. The resolution does, however, direct that copies be forwarded to federal officials and was entered into the village record as passed.