Montclair Town Council Takes Stance On Israel-Palestine: VIDEO

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Town Council unanimously voted in favor of a resolution involving Israel and Palestine at a recent meeting.

Last week, the council approved a symbolic resolution that "expresses solidarity with the people of Israel and the innocent civilians in Gaza" – while also "condemning the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas."

Montclair Councilwoman Lori Price Abrams read the resolution to her peers. Watch footage from the Oct. 24 meeting below (video is cued to the discussion and vote).

It reads:

A resolution of the township of Montclair expressing solidarity with the people of Israel and the innocent civilians in Gaza, and condemning the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas:

Whereas on October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out of horrifying massacre in Israel indiscriminately and brutally killing over 1,400 innocent civilians in a single day,

And whereas Hamas took nearly 200 innocent civilian hostages, including men, women and children back into Gaza to use as bargaining chips,

And whereas many citizens of Israel and in Gaza desire peace, security and regional stability through diplomatic efforts,

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the council of the Township of Montclair that:

ONE – We condemn the acts of terrorism and aggression perpetrated by Hamas and believe there is no justification for terrorism.

TWO – We affirm that antisemitism and Islamophobia are always unacceptable and the horrific loss of Israeli and innocent Gazan lives is a collective tragedy.

THREE – We stand in solidarity with all those in the Jewish and Muslim communities around the world, which have been experiencing increases in hate crimes, and with the Israeli and Palestinian communities that desire peace, security and the eradication of bigotry in all its ugly forms. And we stand in solidarity with all the families in our Montclair community, Jewish, Muslim, American or foreign-born – for which these are sharply painful times – all of whom deserve the love and support of their neighbors.

More than 1,400 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched their coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. It’s estimated that nearly 200 Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza as hostages. Read More: Hamas Attacks Deadliest Day For Jews Since The Holocaust, Biden Says

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities said last week that more than 7,000 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory air strikes – including nearly 3,000 children. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from advocates, some of whom have called Israel’s order for Palestinians to evacuate to the southern part of the Gaza Strip an “impossible” task. Read More: Pro-Palestine Protesters March In Essex County: 'Lift The Siege On Gaza'

The war has seen widely divergent reactions in Essex County from elected officials, community leaders, and people with loved ones on both sides of the conflict.

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• See Related: Newark Mayor: Don't Use Israel-Hamas War To Fan Flames Of Hate
• See Related: Israel-Palestine: East Orange Mayor Says 'Peace' Should Be The Goal
• See Related: Israel-Palestine: Essex Commissioners Condemn Hatred, Plead For Peace
• See Related: Senate Candidate From Montclair Calls For Ceasefire In Israel-Gaza War
  

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