By BJL/Jay Bernstein
Posted on 02/07/24
Ellicot City, MD - Feb. 7, 2024 - On Monday, February 5, 2024, the Howard County Council voted 3-1 to defeat Resolution CR22-2024 introduced by Council President Liz Walsh. Citing the "armed violence" that has claimed Palestinian and Israeli lives since October 7, the Resolution demanded that the Biden administration "immediately call for and facilitate a cease-fire in Gaza," claiming that "hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk if a cease fire is not achieved."
The Resolution outrageously failed to mention the hostages being held by Hamas, or to call for their release as part of any cease fire. It's reference to "armed violence" claiming the lives of Palestinians and Israelis equates the deliberate massacre of 1200 civilians by Hamas, which has been celebrated throughout the Arab world, to civilians regrettably killed in Israel's campaign to destroy a terrorist organization which embeds itself within the civilian population. Finally, it's claim that "hundreds of thousands of lives are at imminent risk if a cease fire is not achieved," is oblivious to and completely fails to consider the millions of Israeli and Palestinian lives which are at risk if a cease fire is implemented which leaves Hamas’ leadership, weaponry and tunnels intact.
Prior to the vote, Council Chair Deb Jung rightly pointed out that the Resolution was not one that should be taken up by local government, saying, “Everybody on this council cares deeply about this ongoing conflict, and the pain and suffering of all the parties that are involved. But this isn’t what the County Council is designed to do. We need to make sure we are paying attention to what County Council members are supposed to be paying attention to.” In addition to Ms. Jung, Council members Opel Jones and David Yungmann voted against the Resolution.
Outside the Council chambers, members of the Jewish community and other supporters of Israel confronted and challenged a large and verbally agressive group of pro-Palestinian protestors holding signs demanding a cease fire and defaming Israel. Waving American and Israeli flags, and chanting "Am Yisrael Chai," supporters of Israel made sure that the only voices in the public arena (and the only point of view noted by media coverage of the vote) were not lies and libels about the Jewish State.
The sponsor and lone supporter of the Resolution, Council President Liz Walsh, has repeatedly denounced Israel on social media for committing "genocide" and "collective punishment of the Palestinian people," and has committed to resubmitting the Resolution to the Council. This has prompted an on-line campaign demanding her resignation. The petition denounces Ms. Walsh for posting "post divisive and inflammatory remarks on social media," overstepping the boundaries of her job position, and neglecting her duties as Council member. To sign the petition, go to: www.change.org/p/liz-walsh-must-resign-from-the howard-county-council