Resolution 2024-02: A Call for Peace
The Democratic Party of Clackamas County
Resolution 2024-02: A Call for Peace Approved 2.15.24
WHEREAS the Democratic Party of Clackamas County (DPCC) acts to advance peace, justice, and freedom for all peoples; and
WHEREAS we are heartbroken over the deaths, suffering, and captivity of innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians (hostages and administrative detainees) and all others caught up in the current conflict between Israel and Hamas; and
WHEREAS every country has a right to defend itself, but the intentional or indiscriminate harming of innocents is unacceptable; and
WHEREAS Israel has a right to hold Hamas accountable for the assault on civilians in Israel on October 7, 2023, yet negotiations with Hamas for the return of the remaining hostages must continue until all are free; and
WHEREAS a terrible tragedy is unfolding in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, as civilians caught between Israeli and opposing forces have been bombed, displaced from their homes, and have had their infrastructure destroyed; and
WHEREAS humanitarian efforts to aid affected civilians in Gaza have been paralyzed by the ongoing war, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid for innocents; and
WHEREAS this conflict has a devastating and divisive impact on Jewish and Palestinian communities both in the Middle East and elsewhere, including here in Oregon and Clackamas County, and has fueled increasing Islamophobia and Antisemitism; and
WHEREAS all people should have a right to a free and independent state, self-governed by duly-elected leaders; and
WHEREAS the United States, as a long-standing ally and supporter of Israel, has the opportunity to influence actions of Israel’s government.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE ARE RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. We call upon our Oregon State elected officials in the United States House of Representatives and the Senate to endorse, sponsor, or co-sponsor resolution in support of a bilateral ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Section 2. We call upon the Biden Administration to facilitate the release of all hostages and all administrative detainees.
Section 3. We call upon the Biden administration to immediately call for and facilitate deescalation, an indefinite bilateral cease-fire and a lasting peaceful solution.
Section 4. We call upon the Biden administration to promptly send and facilitate humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and support UN and other NGO relief efforts.
Section 5. We call upon our fellow DPCC members to take responsibility, individually and collectively, to educate and intervene when we encounter anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.
Resolution drafted by James Farley, Clackamas County and submitted by Committee.
Upon passage this resolution will be sent to US Senators Merkley and Wyden; our US Representatives Blumanauer, Bonamici, and Chavez-DeRemer; President Biden; Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader Jefferies.