A resolution calling for a Gaza ceasefire failed at a special meeting of the Jersey City Council late this afternoon that was called specifically to vote on this measure after it was withdrawn last week.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
City Clerk Sean Gallagher noted that the resolution was the sole agenda item for the meeting, which only lasted about a half hour.
Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh read it into the record.
” … We call on President Biden and Jersey City’s Congressional delegation to call for a permanent ceasefire which ensures the release of all hostages and the unrestricted flow of aide to Gaza, as well as the justice, safety, security, and healing for all Israelis and Palestinians through a restart in the peace process,” the resolution says.
“I grieve for our Israeli community and our Jewish community, and I grieve for our Palestinian community and our Muslim community,” Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey said.
She noted both are greatly pained by the war, which makes it difficult to come to terms with local legislation, also noting that the country is seeing a spike in both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
Prinz-Arey concluded that the resolution has deterred from addressing budgetary and constituent issues and therefore abstained.
“I would like to see a committee formed to bridge these gaps. I’m going to vote yes because I hope there’s peace,” Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano stated.
“Our diverse Jersey City community is a tapestry of beauty, pain, and raw emotion. Your voices have been heard. Our freedom of speech … allows us to express our opinions openly,” Saleh exclaimed, noting that both sides want a unifying text that condemns hate.
“As the son of diaspora Palestinian immigrations raised in the Heights with seven sisters, this journey is deeply personal to me .. We brought forth a resolution to condemn Hamas.”
He continued that the resolution before them is about celebrating their city by giving both the Jewish and Palestinian communities a voice, as well as condemning violence.
“It’s about emphasizing the moral consistency to condemn violence wherever it occurs. I am both and at once horrified by the innocent lives lost in Israel and the indiscriminate bombing in Gaza that is funded by our government. Despite our best intentions, the outcome will not be universally embraced because the issue is larger than the resolution,” Saleh admitted.
Ward E Councilman James Solomon opted to abstain since although he supports a ceasefire, it is an international issue that is not relevant to city business or governance.
“[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and Hamas are not listening to city councils in America,” he said, also expressing empathy for the Jewish and Muslim residents impacted.
“I really don’t care about re-election. I have took in everything that everyone has said. The resolution is saying Jersey City is despising of hate of all forms. The councilman has worked with both communities,” Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore noted.
“We have to do something. I’m going to vote yeah … We all do a disservice to the conversation if we don’t continue to work together.”
Councilwoman-at-Large Amy DeGise said she was in support of the language rejecting hate and violence, but said she still didn’t feel they found middle ground on the local legislation.
“We want nothing more than peace for all peace. We need to continue to work locally. Because we were not able to find middle ground … I am also going to abstain from this vote.”
Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera also abstained, saying he wanted to be respectful of all of the city’s diverse communities.
“This has been such a challenging resolution for us all. I’ve met with leaders on both sides. I said I will abstain until you guys can come together. There is still no unity. This resolution has torn our community apart,” stated Council President Joyce Watterman.
“It would be good if both sides can come together and televise that. We are against all forms of hatred. One side wants a resolution. The other side doesn’t like the word ‘ceasefire.’ This is such a delicate situation. No one walks out of this room a winner. In Jersey City, this is a place where you can feel safe. Nobody don’t have to clap.”
Boggiano, Gilmore, and Saleh voted for the measure, while Prinz-Arey, DeGise, Rivera, Solomon, and Watterman abstained, leading to a tally of 3-0(5). Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley was absent.
“Keep it civil please,” Saleh said to the assembled crowd.
The North Jersey Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) were not happy with the outcome, holding several rallies in recent weeks, including one with Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) this morning.
“Residents and those in office are introducing and winning ceasefire resolution to put pressure on those with the real job to end this conflict. Jersey Cities communities are some of the closest to the violence,” North Jersey DSA Co-Chair Isaac Jimenez declared.
He said many in the city want a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to go to Gaza.
“DSA stands unwavering in its support for a free Palestine. Thousands of New Jersey residents have shared our posts detailing how many dollars go from their communities to fund Israeli’s military.”
A meaningless gesture of a resolution and a display of cowardice by 5 politicians.