Morgan Hill City Hall in Morgan Hill, Calif., on Feb. 7, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
Amid an outpouring of residents speaking up on the Israel-Hamas war, the Morgan Hill City Council on Wednesday decided against drafting any kind of resolution on the conflict, adding to the list of cities that have wrestled with an issue that has heavily divided communities.
Over a hundred residents crowded into a standing-room-only chamber, carrying signs that read “Let Gaza Live” and “Ceasefire Now” while others waved images of kidnapped children or flyers stating, “We will not forget the horrors.”
“It is important we acknowledge the pain, the suffering, fear and isolation of our neighbors who have been impacted by the war in Israel and in Palestine … So everyone knows they are supported and valued in their home,” said Councilmember Yvonne Martinez-Beltran, who brought the item up for discussion. “Many of our neighbors feel unheard, unsafe, or afraid.”
Many community members spoke up to highlight the ongoing death and the continued threat of starvation within Gaza. “I’ve been here for almost 50 years. I’ve always experienced kindness, friendship and decency from this community,” said Morgan Hill resident Nuzi Alavi. “I know that our community will not stay silent while almost two million people die of starvation. Only a cease-fire and humanitarian aid can put an end to it. I’m appealing to the humanity within you.”
Several community members focused on the atrocities committed by Hamas during and after the Oct. 7 attacks. While many argued that the issue fell outside of the council’s purview. “The council should not be taking positions that will have the effect of growing hatred and risking the security of our community,” said Peter Mandel, Morgan Hill resident and former president of Congregation Emeth. “The council has no role in foreign affairs.”
Others lamented the division they perceived in their community. “When we arrived tonight many of us warmly greeted one another, some even exchanged hugs. Then we entered the room and the divide began and tension filled the room,” said Debbie Israel, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Emeth. “I’m praying for peace every day, not only in the Middle East, but here in this community. Why would we risk the peace and harmony we shared here by bringing this divisive resolution into our community?”
Several council members echoed this concern.
“We are a divided community over this issue,” said Mayor Mark Turner. “I cannot see based on what I’ve witnessed here tonight, that if we signed that document — whether it’s a cease-fire or a peace agreement — that suddenly there will be happiness and hugs among all of you.”
“I see that horrendous fighting between Hamas and Israel, as well as the killing of innocent people on both sides,” said Councilmember Rene Spring. However, he focused on his concerns on the conflict in the community. “You are so mean to each other. This is not Morgan Hill. So knock it off. We need to find a way again to come together.”
He later suggested lighting a candle for peace or donating to victims of the war as a potential action.
“I am absolutely convinced that a resolution … will not do anything to keep our citizens safe. In fact, it will be the opposite. I was not elected to put our citizens in harm’s way. I was not elected to look at issues outside of Morgan Hill,” said Councilmember Gino Borgioli. “This is a no win situation … So I am totally opposed.”
“You elected me to stand with you and I do. I cannot support putting something down on paper in writing that will divide us even more,” said Councilmember Marilyn Librers. “Please understand, I feel from the deepest part of my soul how very sorry I am for all of you no matter what side you stand on.”
However, Martinez-Beltran rejected the idea that there was no way to move forward with a peace resolution. “We are to just sit down and just let everybody mourn in pain and be upset and say horrible things? That’s the solution? I don’t believe that,” she said. “This is your home where you live. We sat together and we prayed together and we celebrate together. We can come up with something.”
She also noted that she had spent hours working with faith leaders to draft a statement on peace, but the statement and background materials were not included in the agenda. Martinez-Beltran later asked the city council to discuss whether the exclusion of her background materials was a violation of city rules.
In the end, the council voted 3-1 against taking on the matter further, with Martinez-Beltran in support and Spring abstaining.
Originally published at Luis Melecio-Zambrano