Remarks during Ceasefire resolution debate 12.7.2023

Mr. President and Colleagues

One of the many reasons why I love Baltimore is because it is a city of people from different walks of life.

Mr. President, I’m so sorry this is happening in our world today. I ask about our colleague from the 1st and 5th district’s families whenever I see them because I see the impact that this situation is having on them and their families. It is painful, it is scary. 

When I abstained the other day, I thought of the families from Palestine and Muslim families who recently received hate threats and graffiti on their homes in my district, who now feel unsafe. I also thought of the numerous Jewish families in my district who have also experienced threats of violence in the area and against them personally, and are feeling unsafe. I wondered what the unintended consequences of a vote like this would mean.  I could not take a stand for one set of constituents over another. 

Never did I ever anticipate the hate that would come my way as a result of abstaining.

Together, we are set to pass historic legislation that begins to eliminate the impact of our racist housing policies in our city. Together as a Council, we have worked to right past wrongs. Together as a council, we seek protection and services for all of our constituents. These are things I have worked on for over 30 years in Baltimore, and am honored to work on with all of you. Many of you work toward these common goals as well.

Together, we can take a stand against hate. I stand against Antisemitsm, I stand against Islamophobia, I stand against hate and violence. I condemn Hamas and their actions. Our resolution does the same, and also calls for a ceasefire to end the violence and death, and to try to find a peaceful resolution to a centuries old conflict. 

I ask that my colleagues take a stand with me and support this Resolution.