In a unanimous show of concern, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has made a clear call for peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict, demanding an immediate halt to the hostilities in Gaza. Fueled by a unanimous 5 to 0 vote, the Board is pushing for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unobstructed access for aid organizations to deliver essentials such as food and medical supplies to Gazan civilians, according to a news release from Multnomah County.
The decision came on the heels of a charged meeting where passions and hopes for peace took center stage, leading to a densely packed room of emotionally charged testimonies, with 35 verbal contributions and another 28 in writing. Commissioner Lori Stegmann, who proposed the amendment, remarked, "I know that some will say this resolution doesn’t go far enough while others will say it has gone too far and by adopting this ceasefire resolution, we are demanding that those in power stop the insane and inhumane actions that are occurring in this war."
Chair Jessica Vega Pederson expressed her belief that the resolution was a necessary and measured compromise, reflecting the collective values and aims of the Board. The resolution is not just about a distant ceasefire; it is rather a foundational step towards fostering peace within their borders.
The resolution reflects not only the Board’s stance but also the voices of Multnomah community members, who've been actively engaging with the Board for months regarding the issue. "We have heard from so many in our community about how this situation is impacting each of you and of its importance to you," Vega Pederson said, appreciating both commissioners and the public for their perseverance and involvement in advocating for peace. "Thank you for showing up, thank you for taking part in our democracy, thank you for using your voices," she added, extolling their collective commitment and effort.
The push for a ceasefire is now channeling toward the national level, with the resolution being dispatched to prominent figures including U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and extending up to President Joe Biden, in a bid to amplify Multnomah County's plea for peace on a larger scale.
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