Alder Nasra Wehelie releases statement regarding Gaza ceasefire resolution

Thank you to the Madison Common Council for coming out as a truly progressive city and unanimously voting for a resolution calling for immediate Ceasefire in Gaza as well as a resolution condemning Islamophobia and Antisemitism. These resolutions are an effort to add our voices to the growing number of municipalities, including Oakland, Seattle, and Detroit, where councils like our own followed their humanitarian calling and demanded an end to the violence in Gaza. I want to also thank Representative Mark Pocan for signing on with 59 other members of US Congress to call for a ceasefire. I strongly urge the Biden Administration and Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson to listen to the growing number of communities calling for an immediate ceasefire and work to end this horrific killing of civilians in Gaza. 

Since October 7th, over 1,100 Israelis, including children, and 16,000 Palestinians have been killed. The statistics are incredibly disturbing as over 6,000 children have been killed in Gaza, millions have been displaced and thousands are still missing under the rubble. With the cold winter approaching, this death toll is expected to increase due to starvation and illness and lack of humanitarian aid. The collective punishment of a civilian population is against international law and we cannot allow innocent civilians in Gaza to be collateral damage in Israel’s bombings. As a mother and a community member who worked with youth, the imagery of children in Gaza has been nothing short of horrifying.

During our Tuesday meeting, we received over 200 emails and 600 registrants in support of the resolution and their messages were overwhelmingly concerned with the fact that our tax dollars are used by Israel to kill innocent civilians in Gaza. We heard the heartbreaking testimonies of our own community members who have lost countless family members since the bombings started. As a council member and community leader, my condolences are with all of those who have experienced loss during this time. 

Madison is a city that prides itself on being progressive and standing up for justice. It is important that we continue using our voice as policy makers to put pressure on our current administration to stop the bombing of civilians in Gaza. We must stand together for justice, no matter the circumstance. I urge all Madisonians to look deep within our humanity and do our part, no matter how small, to call for an end to the bombing of Gaza and to work towards a future of peace.