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Committee Report: The Standing Committee on Community Engagement and Inclusion to whom was referred Paper 271 Series of 2024 having considered the same make the following report: Committee recommends the paper out favorably as amended to the full Council and read as follows:
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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 supports the work of President Biden and the UN Security Council to broker a bilateral, lasting ceasefire in Gaza;
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.