General
Susana Barrios
From:Erin <tehrin@gmail.com>
Sent: 10:40 AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Submitted for Public Comment: Please Support Ceasefire
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Dear Members of the City Council:
I am an Anaheim resident, but wish to remain anonymous due to fear of the current political climate. I ask that you
respect this request as my intent is foremost centered in compassion.
Please address the concerns of citizens by proposing a resolution for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the ongoing
conflict between Israel and Gaza.
This conflict has led to a surge in hate crimes against both the Jewish and Muslim communities in Orange County. It is
crucial to protect these communities, as hate crimes have increased by 7% overall in 2022, with over half targeting Jews.
Furthermore, there has been a 216% increase in Islamophobia and a 400% increase in Antisemitism reported since
October.
It is a tragedy that 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were attacked and killed, with over 230 taken hostage by Hamas on
October 7th. Additionally, over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 10,000 children, due to IDF
bombardment, resulting in 1.7 million displaced persons within Gaza. Reports suggest that Israel Defense Forces are
using AI to target individuals and calculate if civilian casualties from a missle strike are acceptable, removing a human
aspect of decisions made in war.
The collapse of the health structure in Gaza is causing disease to become a leading cause of death, according to the
WHO. By prolonging this war and neglecting basic infrastructure needed to support life in Gaza and the West Bank (i.e.,
shelter, clean water, food, medical care, etc.), Isreal and we, the United States as an ally of Isreal, risk fueling future
extremism and terrorism.
It is essential to acknowledge that American Jews and Muslims have led protests for human rights and peace, and it is
necessary to differentiate between religion and politics or government actions. It is crucial to recognize that this conflict
is between two military entities, with the majority of casualties being civilians and children. Our Jewish and Muslim
communities are being impacted by this violence.
I strongly urge you to support an immediate and indefinite ceasefire by passing a resolution or making an official
statement.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours truly,
An Anaheim Resident
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