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A resolution supporting an end to violence between Israel and Palestine.
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WHEREAS, Nashville and Davidson County is home to many faiths, nationalities, and ethnicities, and the current conflict in the Middle East has a tangible and personal impact to many Nashvillians; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council recognizes that all human life is precious, and the harming and killing of civilians, no matter their faith or ethnicity, is a horrific act warranting condemnation; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk if a ceasefire in Gaza is not achieved and humanitarian aid is not delivered without delay; and
WHEREAS, on October 7, 2023, Hamas perpetrated an attack against civilians in Israel, resulting in the death of almost 1,200 people and the injury of more than 5,400 people, as well as the detainment of more than 250 hostages, many of whom are still in captivity; and
WHEREAS, since October 7, 2023, the Israeli Government retaliated for these attacks by bombing Gaza. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed including nearly 8,000 children and 5,000 women. Almost all of the Palestinian population of Gaza has been displaced, putting almost two million people at risk of death from starvation, unsanitary conditions, and lack of healthcare; and
WHEREAS, the continued conflict in Gaza between Hamas and Israel has led to grief and anguish for many Nashvillians who have loved ones in Palestine and Israel, and who witness the horrific death and human suffering. Communities around the world, including Nashville and Davidson County, await the release of the hostages and an ending to the loss of innocent lives; and
WHEREAS, there has been a disturbing rise in both antisemitism and Islamophobia across the United States, with the Anti-Defamation League recording 3,291 antisemitic incidents and the Council on American-Islamic Relations receiving 3,578 reports of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian discrimination in the three months following October 7; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council condemns all forms of Islamophobia, antisemitism, racism, and bigotry in Nashville and Davidson County and welcomes people from all backgrounds and beliefs; and
WHEREAS, in early May, the Israeli Government and Hamas came close to a ceasefire which would have released Israeli hostages and begun a pathway to peace in Gaza and Israel; and
WHEREAS, now, there are renewed discussions and proposals under consideration; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council supports all efforts to bring both Hamas and the Israeli Government to the table to resume negotiations for a permanent ceasefire that will end the violence between Israel and Palestine, release the remaining hostages, and begin to heal our hurting communities here in Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council goes on record as supporting an end to violence between Israel and Palestine.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council further goes on record as supporting all of Nashville’s Palestinian, Israeli, Muslim, and Jewish residents and condemns antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric and attacks.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.