Title
Resolve: Whereas, the Malden City Council recognizes and affirms that all life is precious;
Whereas, the Malden City Council denounces violence and terrorism, and affirms the safety, dignity, freedom and humanity of all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or nationality;
Whereas, we recognize the grief and suffering from the Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, and the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza;
Whereas, Malden is home to a diverse community, including those with familial and relational ties to Israelis and Palestinians;
Whereas, we are committed to fostering an environment in which people from all faith backgrounds are safe, celebrated and respected;
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Malden City Council calls on our federal representatives to support a bilateral, lasting ceasefire in Gaza such as the one recently approved by the UN Security Council to promote a pathway to peace;
Be it further resolved, that the Malden City Council stands in allyship with our Jewish and Israeli community against antisemitism, and with our Muslim, Arab and Palestinian communities as allies against Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism;
Be it further resolved, that Malden is a community of safety for all, and that we reject any and all types of hate speech, intimidation, bullying and violence against any and all individuals;
And finally, be it further resolved, that we the Malden City Council will work to build bridges and create dialogue among those in our city who are suffering in grief and trauma, and will build on our rich history to support a future where we value our thriving and active community across faiths and cultures.
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Original Language:
Resolve: Whereas, all life is precious, the Malden City Council calls on Massachusetts State and Federal elected leaders and residents alike to protect life, especially our babies and children, stand against violence, and advocate for the safety, dignity, freedom and collective humanity of all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or nationality.
Whereas, Malden is home to a diverse community, we denounce Islamophobia and Antisemitism, and we are committed to fostering an environment in which people from all faith backgrounds are celebrated and respected.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Malden City Council calls for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine, the freeing of all hostages from Hamas and the freeing of all the administrative detainees held by Israel, lifting all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale to meet the full needs of the population of Gaza, and begin a collective undertaking of repair of damage impacting all regions and the advancement of safety and dignity for all Israelis and Palestinians.