WORCESTER—The Worcester City Council’s Jan. 7 meeting revisited a contentious issue that had already sparked debate months earlier: a resolution calling for a permanent cease-fire in the Israeli-Gaza conflict. This time, the council chambers were filled to capacity with 148 attendees.
The resolution, brought forth by a multi-faith coalition including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim residents, calls on the U.S. federal government to demand an immediate and permanent cease-fire, the release of hostages and detainees on all sides, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the enforcement of U.S. laws that could halt weapon sales to Israel.
Organizers Patricia Kirkpatrick and Claire Schaeffer-Duffy had previously presented a citizen petition on behalf of the coalition, which included 1,500 signatures from Worcester residents supporting the resolution.
The council declined to hear the petition at its Oct. 22 meeting, citing Rule 11, which bars consideration of matters outside its jurisdiction or unrelated to city government. However, City Solicitor Mike Traynor stated last night that he had advised the city clerk the petition could be placed on the agenda, noting the precedent of the previous resolution.
Voices in support
Councilor Thu Nguyen began the Jan. 7 discussion by urging the council to act decisively.
“Every second, every minute, every hour we remain quiet, hundreds are murdered daily, and that’s on us,” Nguyen said.
Councilor Etel Haxhiaj emphasized the breadth of local support, referencing the petition and its 1,500 signatures.
“As Americans, we find ourselves complicit in war crimes that we abhor, and limited avenues for expressing our outrage and pain,” she said, drawing parallels to atrocities in her native Albania.
The multi-faith coalition’s request was rooted in both humanitarian and legal concerns. In addition to seeking an end to the violence and the resumption of aid to Gaza, the resolution invoked U.S. laws such as the Leahy Law of 1997, the Conventional Arms Transfer Policy, and the Arms Export Control Act. These laws, the coalition argued, should be enforced to prevent U.S. complicity.
Voices of concern
Other councilors expressed reservations, focusing on the council’s jurisdiction and the potential consequences of passing the resolution.
Councilor Morris Bergman contrasted the proposal with a prior October resolution, which condemned acts of violence but did not call for federal action. “If we pass this resolution tonight, we’re asking the U.S. government to do something [which] we’re not authorized to do,” he said.
Mayor Joe Petty echoed these concerns, saying the council’s ability to affect change in international conflicts was limited.
“My concern is the division in the city of Worcester and the council’s ability to make national change,” Petty said, while acknowledging the severity of the crisis in Gaza.
Testimony from residents
The meeting also saw impassioned testimony from residents, both in favor of and against the resolution. Many proponents, including Palestinian-American residents, framed the conflict as a genocide and described its devastating humanitarian toll.
Many residents spoke in favor of the resolution, arguing that Worcester taxpayer dollars fund Israeli military actions, making it a “Worcester problem.” Citing killings, destruction and sexual violence, many Palestinian-Americans shared personal connections to the conflict, describing it as a genocide.
Dr. Sheila Abdallah, a Worcester physician, highlighted the humanitarian toll.
“My colleagues in Gaza are operating on children without anesthesia, and some are bleeding out and dying on the floor because there are no bandages,” Abdallah said. “Multiplying more horror will never be right.”
Others opposed the resolution, citing concerns about anti-Semitism or the council’s role in international conflicts.
“Those who have been the loudest voices pushing this, both on the council and activists in the city, have also been those who have been engaged in propaganda against Israel over the last 15 months, of the severest kind,” said Steven Schimmell, who criticized the resolution for lacking condemnation of Hamas.
Resident Fred Nathan dismissed the resolution’s impact. “A resolution by the Worcester City Council is not going to matter a hill of beans,” he said.
Elizabeth Baker, another resident, questioned the precedent the resolution might set. “How do you justify weighing in on one small area in the Middle East, while ignoring Africa, Asia, and Europe?” Baker asked.
Proponents remained resolute, emphasizing what they consider a moral imperative for the council to take a stand. Abdallah encouraged others to speak out at every opportunity, saying, “Enough.”
Councilors agreed to file the resolution, and there will not be another vote on the item.
Steve Smith is a veteran reporter from Connecticut with 17 years of experience at The Hartford Courant. Now based in Worcester, he brings his passion for photojournalism to his work and spends much of his free time behind the camera. An award-winning photographer, Steve has covered major events including U.S. Men’s and Women’s Soccer, pro football, UCONN Huskies basketball, and the Miss America competition. He also serves as the official photographer for the Miss Massachusetts competition. In addition to journalism, Steve is a realtor, helping families find their perfect homes.
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