'This was a challenging task': Democrats back humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza
Arizona Democrats on Saturday approved a resolution calling for a lasting humanitarian cease-fire in what it called the crisis in Israel and Palestine — a carefully worded document hammered out over hours of discussion between factions with conflicting views.
The measure also called for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages seized by Hamas on Oct. 7; the protection of civilians in both Israel and Gaza; the delivery of adequate humanitarian aid to Gaza; and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Democratic Committee members approved the proposed resolution 301-111.
Democratic Party Chair Yolanda Bejarano presided over the annual meeting, the first in-person gathering of the state committee members in four years. The major agenda item was the resolution. Bejarano is one year into her two-year term, so there was no need for a leadership vote.
The resolution recognized that "both Israeli and Palestinian lives are in grave danger every day the current conflict continues, and far too many Palestinians’ and Israelis’ lives have already been lost. All parties must carry their share of the responsibility and be held accountable."
Jeanne Lunn served as mediator after two clashing proposals were submitted to the party earlier this month. Six people, three from each side, met for more than 12 hours over four days to create a compromise resolution, Lunn told the assembled Democrats.
"This was a challenging task," she said, in an understatement.
Members of that group urged support, emphasizing everyone had to give a little to reach a consensus.
"Israeli and Palestinian lives are equally precious," said Kai Newkirk, who urged a unanimous vote on the measure. The conflict in Israel and Gaza is splitting the Democratic Party, he said, a tacit acknowledgment that young people, especially, object to President Joe Biden's strong support for Israel.
Newkirk said the compromise and its call for a lasting humanitarian cease-fire is an effort to unite Democrats toward their goal of re-electing Biden. A cease-fire is the path toward a lasting settlement to the conflict, he added.
However, dissenters criticized the resolution as meaningless and an ill-advised attempt to bridge a divide that cannot be easily united.
"It will do nothing to bring peace," said Mary Keerins, a Tucson Democrat who noted the non-binding resolution is more a message than any kind of directive to Washington politicians.
The party should be focusing on alternative energy efforts, climate change and women's reproductive rights, among other issues, if it wants to attract younger voters, she said.
Personally, Keerins said the resolution didn't give strong enough support to Israel. But trying to forge a compromise position on such strongly held views about the Middle East is a thankless task, she said.
Paul Weich, another of the six negotiators, reminded the audience that the state party's goal isn't to bring peace to the Middle East.
"We're here to bring peace to the Arizona Democratic Party," he said.
Saturday's action makes Arizona the second state Democratic party to call for a humanitarian cease-fire. Texas Democrats approved a similar measure in December.
Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on Threads as well as on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @maryjpitzl.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Democrats give strong support for cease-fire in Gaza
