We, the undersigned Waterbury, Vermont residents, businesses, and community organizations, implore you to adopt the below resolution in support of an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate end to unconditional military aid to the State of Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces, and an end to the occupation of Palestine. We urge you to use your platforms to amplify this call for a ceasefire to our representatives in the Vermont Legislature, our Congressional Delegation, and to President Biden.

The Israeli Government’s response to the October 7th attack has killed more than 35,000 people in Gaza and created a humanitarian crisis that now threatens all Palestinians in Gaza with starvation. 1.7 million Palestinians were forced to flee their homes to seek safety in Rafah, an area half the size of Waterbury, and now face the threat of an Israeli ground invasion.

The situation in Gaza is dire and the time for action is now. Waterbury stands firmly against Islamophobia and antisemitism in all forms and mourns the loss of so many lives to the violence in Gaza. We call on you as our elected officials to demand peace. 

Ceasefire Resolution

WHEREAS: The Town of Waterbury, Vermont’s Declaration of Inclusion states, “Waterbury condemns racism and welcomes all people, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, or disability, and will protect these classes to the fullest extent of the law. As a town, we formally condemn discrimination in all of its forms and commit to fair and equal treatment of everyone in our community. Waterbury has and will continue to be a place where individuals can live freely and express their opinion.”; and

WHEREAS: The October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas resulted in 1,139 Israelis killed and more than 240 people taken hostage; and

WHEREAS: The Israeli Government responded with indiscriminate military force, killing more than 37,000 Palestinians, including 15,000 children, with an additional 10,000 Palestinians missing; and

WHEREAS: Of the 240 people taken hostage by Hamas, 120 hostages remain in Gaza and approximately 40 of the remaining hostages are believed to be dead; and

WHEREAS: The Israeli Government currently holds at least 9,000 Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza prisoner as administrative detainees, and at least 36 Palestinian prisoners have died in Israeli custody; and

WHEREAS The Israeli Defense Forces have killed more than 100 journalists, more than 101 United Nations staff members, and 7 members of the World Central Kitchen Relief Team; and

WHEREAS: The scale of the bombing has damaged or destroyed more than 60% of Gaza’s homes, 260 places of worship, 88% of schools, and more than 16 hospitals; and

WHEREAS: The Israeli Defense Forces have killed civilians not only in the Gaza Strip, but also the West Bank, southern Lebanon, and Syria; and

WHEREAS: This ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of people without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, heat, shelter, and proper medical care; and

WHEREAS: The International Court of Justice has found that it is plausible that the State of Israel is committing a genocide against the Palestinian People; and

WHEREAS: This conflict is not only impacting the international community but is also causing significant trauma, fear, and grief amongst Waterbury community members, including both Palestinian and Jewish residents; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Town of Waterbury go on record expressing its support for an immediate, permanent ceasefire between Hamas and the State of Israel; the release of all hostages, prisoners, and administrative detainees held by Hamas and the State of Israel; an immediate end to any further unqualified military assistance to the State of Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces; the urgent implementation of humanitarian aid and reparations for Palestinians, the right to return for all Palestinians, and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Town Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the offices of The President of the United States, Joseph Biden, Senator Bernard Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, Congresswoman Becca Balint; and be it further

ORDERED: That the Town of Waterbury go on record standing against antisemitism and Islamophobia and calling upon all Waterbury residents to respect the rights of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, and to strive to treat one another with empathy, grace, and understanding.

 

Thank you for your efforts to advance the cause of peace, safety, and liberty for all peoples of the region.