Israel-Palestine: East Orange Mayor Says ‘Peace’ Should Be The Goal

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Another elected official in Essex County has issued a statement in support of a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas war.

On Tuesday, East Orange Mayor Ted Green called for “compassion, love and unity” in the war-torn Middle Eastern nations – as well as in the United States and New Jersey.

“Every day, as we watch the devastation and rising death toll in Gaza and Israel, our hearts break for the thousands of innocent lives claimed as a result of this deep-rooted and complex conflict,” the mayor said. “These heinous acts of terrorism and the massacre of thousands of unarmed men, women and children are unconscionable. There is never justification for apartheid or genocide in our world.”

“Here in East Orange, we understand the destructive impact of systemic and institutionalized oppression of the vulnerable and powerless,” the mayor said. “We are a Sanctuary City and our arms are always open to those seeking refuge from hate. East Orange embraces ethnic diversity and our community proudly celebrates the cultural and religious differences among us — Muslims, Jews, Arabs and Christians all working together toward the common goal of peace and progress.”

Green continued:

“Democracy is the backbone of a government that respects and protects freedom, and we believe it is a fundamental right for all humankind. Today, and always, we stand and pray for every victim and all families torn apart by this horrific war. It is with a sense of urgency that my administration is imploring our international family to come together in solidarity against all crimes against humanity. Our prayers are that long-lasting peace will ultimately prevail.”

“This is not the time to choose sides, but rather the time to choose compassion, love and unity,” Green concluded. “This is the time for the traumatic cycle of human suffering to come to an end.”

The latest round of harrowing violence in the Gaza Strip has shocked the world, including people living thousands of miles away.

More than 1,400 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched their now-infamous coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. It’s estimated that nearly 200 Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza as hostages. Read More: Hamas Attacks Deadliest Day For Jews Since The Holocaust, Biden Says

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities say thousands of people have been killed in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory air strikes – also including civilians and children. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from advocates, some of whom have called Israel’s order for Palestinians to evacuate to the southern part of the Gaza Strip an “impossible” task.

Read some of our recent coverage in Essex County below (click headlines to read the article).

• See Related: Israel-Hamas: Essex County Divided As Death Toll Grows (UPDATED)
• See Related: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care
• See Related: People Fleeing Israel Arrive At Newark Airport After Harrowing Journey
• See Related: Don't Use Israel-Hamas War To Fan Flames Of Hate, NJ Mayor Says
• See Related: Show Compassion For Israel, Palestinian Families, NJ School Official Says
• See Related: Israel-Palestine: Essex Commissioners Condemn Hatred, Plead For Peace

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