Newburgh City Council passes humanitarian ceasefire resolution amid Israel-Hamas war
Board members first heard from dozens of speakers during a two-and-a-half hour meeting that attracted a large group of people from both in and outside of the city.
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The Newburgh City Council passed a resolution Monday night for a humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Board members first heard from dozens of speakers during a two-and-a-half hour meeting that attracted a large group of people from both in and outside of the city.
“If it can happen in Palestine, then it can happen here and affect my 8-year-old son,” said resident Sade Burkes. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
The resolution garnered mixed reaction from the people in attendance.
“I fear this resolution will do more harm than good without achieving any international goals,” said a city resident who identified herself only as Mariel. “I wonder, how does this resolution improve the lives of Palestinians and Israelis who live 6,000 miles from Newburgh?”
Michelle Kelson, the city’s corporation counsel, was asked by Mayor Torrance Harvey to read the resolution, but refused – saying that it was irrelevant to city government.
“I will not be reading that resolution tonight. It is not a legal issue, and I will take no position on the merits of that resolution,” said Kelson.
Harvey read the resolution aloud which also condemns Islamophobia and antisemitism.
The document will be sent to state and federal officials, as well as President Joe Biden.
WATCH THE MEETING: Newburgh City Council
