As concerned citizens of Surrey, BC, we are deeply troubled by the ongoing conflict in Palestine. Even though we live across the world from where these atrocities are being committed, we cannot sit quietly while our tax dollars potentially contribute to this crisis. It is distressing that our city's elected officials have remained silent on this issue rather than calling for a ceasefire.

Recently, our mayor blocked a peaceful protest at City Hall and prevented citizens from attending council meetings - even one at a time - to voice their concerns about this issue. This not only stifles free speech but also impacts the social well-being of minority citizens in Surrey who are directly affected by these events.

Surrey is home to many diverse communities including those with ties to Palestine. Their peace of mind and sense of security are deeply impacted by the events unfolding overseas. 

We believe that it is crucial for our local government representatives to take an active stand against violence and advocate for peace on behalf of all residents. We urge you, as elected officials representing us in Surrey, BC, Canada, to call for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and to vote on the following items in a formal motion.

• a permanent and all encompassing arms embargo with Israel, including closing the loopholes currently present with military goods and technology
• support of South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ
• -ensure Canadians trapped in Gaza can reach safety in Canada and to lift the arbitrary cap of 1,000 temporary resident visa applications
• provide humanitarian and financial aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank
• support the prosecution of all crimes and violations of internaltional law committed in the region
• advocate for an end to a decades long occupation of Palestinian territories
• officially recognize the state of Palestine
• Acknowledge that multiple human rights organizations have determined that Israel is practicing apartheid. These organizations include Human Rights Watch, Amnesty international, and B'Tselem (based out of Jerusalem)
• end Canada's support for US/UK bombings of Yemen for their support for Palestine

Please sign this petition if you agree that it’s time our city leaders took action on issues affecting both global peace and the right of local citizens to participate in democracy. We ask them to vote on these items so the citizens of Surrey are aware of the official position of our council and elected officials come election time.