This issue is personal to many Frederick County and City residents - some of our community members have lost dozens of family members in the indiscriminate violence occurring in the Israel-Palestine war. Wanton violence in the war has already claimed the lives of over 40,000 innocent women and children, as does it claim the lives of many hostages still held within Gaza. 

U.S. taxpayer dollars, including those from our hard-earned incomes in Frederick County and City, are being utilized to promulgate this scandalous loss of innocent lives. Every bomb that our Congress and President have sent is a step backwards from a lasting peace.

We, the residents of Frederick County and City, believe that a permanent ceasefire is paramount for the safe return of all hostages to Israel and detainees to Palestine. Experts, diplomats, and human rights organizations from across the globe insist that dialogue - **not violence** - is the only way to resolve this decades old tragedy.

Therefore, we call on the Frederick County and City officials to take a stand for peace and pass the Ceasefire Resolution pertaining to the war in Israel and Palestine. This action will reflect our commitment to human rights, justice, and peace. 

We cannot allow the continued funding of violence against civilians with our tax dollars. Frederick County and City can join the cohort of American jurisdictions that have shown their solidarity with those affected by violence on both sides to endorse dialogue, foster understanding, and promote peace. Please sign this petition to make our collective voice heard.

Resolution: Permanent Ceasefire Now 

Whereas, 

• Frederick Citizens, through our tax dollars, contribute to the perpetration of genocide,
• Palestinians and Israelis contribute to the wealth, workforce, and culture of Frederick, Maryland,
• Residents of Frederick have friends and relatives living and volunteering in Israel and Palestine,
• The nightly sights of the slaughter of infants, children, women, and men traumatize Frederick Citizens, and
• Our silence is tantamount to complicity in genocidal acts,

We join other jurisdictions nationwide to demand 

• Commencement of an immediate, total, and permanent ceasefire throughout Palestine, 
• Safe return of all hostages* from both sides of the conflict,
• An end to genocide in Palestine, and the cessation of all military funds, weapons, and military assistance to Israel, 
• The restoration of full funding to UNRWA,
• The upholding of human rights and the provision of unrestricted access for humanitarian aid distribution to Gaza, and throughout Palestine, and
• Support for self-governance and lasting peace throughout Palestine.

* includes hostages, captives, abductees, and charged and uncharged detainees in conformance with international laws and norms.