Israel-Palestine: Essex Commissioners Condemn Hatred, Plead For Peace

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — “The vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians are simply ordinary people who wish to live with peace and dignity.” This sentiment – shared by Essex County Board of Commissioner President Wayne Richardson – was echoed by his peers in a joint resolution passed this week.

On Wednesday, the commissioner board unanimously passed a resolution that condemns Hamas’ recent attacks in Israel, supports the defense of Israel, denounces anti-Semitic and anti-Arab sentiments, and calls for a “swift end to the Israel-Hamas conflict for the sake of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”

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

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 at least 3,785 people have been killed in Gaza as of Thursday 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 More: Israel-Hamas: Essex County Divided As Death Toll Grows (UPDATED)
• Read More: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care

“The chaos that is going on in this world is incredibly upsetting,” said commissioner Patricia Sebold, who introduced Wednesday’s resolution.

“I introduced this resolution to make clear our support for all those impacted by this violence, and to help bring our community together in calling for peace,” Sebold said. “It is so important that here in Essex County we all join our voices as one to say this sort of brutality and hatred have no place in a modern, compassionate society.”

“Our hearts are with Israeli families who have seen this violence firsthand, especially those who remain kidnapped and are still suffering this very moment,” Sebold added.

• See Related: People Fleeing Israel Arrive At Newark Airport After Harrowing Journey
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Richardson said the recent violence has brought worldwide attention to the “ongoing historic conflict between Israel and Gaza.”

“The vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians are simply ordinary people who wish to live with peace and dignity – which they are all entitled to equally,” Richardson said.

“We are proud of our diversity in Essex County – Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists, and all sorts of beliefs working and living together productively,” he added. “It has made us stronger and has helped democracy flourish. The conflict we are witnessing stands opposed to this harmony.”

Read the board’s resolution below.

WHEREAS, the attacks by extremist organization Hamas against civilians in Israel in October 2023 were horrific. There can be no justification for such brutal non-combatant loss of life; and

WHEREAS, every sovereign nation holds the right to defend its residents against violence coming from within and outside of its borders, in accordance with international law. It is a government's duty to ensure the communities it serves can exist and thrive peacefully; and

WHEREAS, the Hamas organization does not represent the best interests of the Palestinian people. The group's continued use of Palestinian infrastructure and individuals as "human shields" is utterly deplorable; and

WHEREAS, the prolonged escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict is severely harmful to both the Israeli and Palestinian communities; and

WHEREAS, following the October 2023 attacks, there has been a marked increase in antisemitic and anti-Arab incidents and rhetoric in the United States and throughout the world. Hate groups are attempting to take advantage of the conflict and foment more hatred against Jewish and Arab communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Essex County Board of County Commissioners that the Board condemns in the strongest possible terms the senseless violence perpetrated by the extremist organization Hamas against civilians in Israel; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board denounces all anti-Semitic and anti-Arab hate speech and violence. Such hate has no home in Essex County, New Jersey, or the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board affirms the need and right for Israel to take reasonable action to defend its residents from violence and terrorism, in accordance with the rules of war, formally known as International Humanitarian Law (Tnt), with reference to the United Nations and Geneva Convention; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board supports a swift end to the Israel-Hamas conflict so Israeli and Palestinian communities can live and prosper peacefully; and be it further

RESOLVED, the Clerk of the Board is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Essex County municipal clerks.

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