In Cincinnati, a Gaza ceasefire resolution divides an all-Democratic council

Cincinnati's all-Democratic city council this week found itself split over a possible resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, a reflection of the broader divide facing the Democratic party.

Cincinnati City Councilwoman Meeka Owens, in an impassioned speech at Wednesday's council meeting, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying the issue wasn't political but "an issue for all humans."

"We face moments when we must call things out and focus on our internal thoughts. My heart is incredibly heavy," said Owens. "For several weeks now, we as an elected body have been silent from this dais ...We were not elected to be silent in the face of the pain of our constituents."

She urged other council members to join her in calling for a humanitarian ceasefire.

None did.

'We were not elected to sit here and be comfortable'

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched a series of attacks in Israel, firing thousands of rockets and storming communities near the Gaza Strip. At least 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds more were kidnapped. Israel has responded by invading and bombing the densely populated Palestinian enclave, killing tens of thousands of civilians, many women and children.

Dozens of cities have passed resolutions calling for a cease-fire, among them Chicago, Detroit and Akron. In late January, Cleveland City Council's only Jewish member, Rebecca Maurer, called for a ceasefire, but the council did not pass it, according to Cleveland Axios.

Cincinnati's council, though officially nonpartisan, is made up entirely of Democrats.

Owens was seeking a council-passed resolution on the issue. She noted the city's nine-member council had passed a resolution condemning Russia for invading Ukraine. And they passed a resolution condemning the initial attack on Israel.

She also noted her request comes in the middle of Black History Month, a time to reflect on the work of civil rights champions.

"We were not elected to sit here and be comfortable, we are asked to sit here and be strong in times of challenge," Owens said.

Her speech prompted applause from the packed council chamber room. Some members of the public brought posters depicting children killed in conflict that said "Peace for Gaza."

Looking for a 'balanced and unifying' resolution

Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and council members Mark Jeffreys, Reggie Harris and Seth Wash said they were listening, but any resolution would need to represent the voices of all Cincinnatians.

"I understand the hurt," Kearney said. "Everyone here wants to stop the killings. Everyone here wants to release the hostages. Everyone wants humanitarian aid. It's the words used. It's the way it's said. It's the way we come together so everyone feels heard and everyone feels respected. That is the hard part.

"We need to come together as one Cincinnati," Kearney said.

Jeffreys, who is Jewish, said he prays for peace.

He read a statement on behalf of himself, Harris and Walsh.

"After several weeks of conversations with different stakeholders in the Cincinnati area, we do not believe that we as a Cincinnati City Council can put forward a balanced and unifying resolution on the war in Gaza. Instead, we are asking representatives from both communities impacted by the conflict to discuss a path forward where both communities can have their voices heard," Jeffreys said.

Dena Cranley pleads with council

A humanitarian ceasefire in the war in Gaza wasn't on council's agenda Wednesday. But after an impassioned speech by former Cincinnati first lady Dena Cranley and more than a dozen others during council's public comment session on behalf of a ceasefire resolution, Mayor Aftab Pureval brought the idea to the floor of council.

He said he wanted to give council members a chance to comment. He refrained from commenting on the resolution.

Cranley, who is married to former Mayor John Cranley, is a descendant of Jordanian immigrants. She is an orthodox Christian.

Cranley has met with various council members in recent days seeking the passage of a resolution.

She said what's happening in Gaza "should keep us all up at night."

The resolution, as suggested by Cranley, reads: "Expressing sympathy for the ongoing human suffering caused by the current conflict in the Middle East, condemning violence against civilians of any kind, affirming Cincinnati's status as a welcoming community for those of the Jewish and Islamic religions, and any other religion, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, a swift end to the war and encouraging Cincinnati residents to offer support and sincere condolences to members of our community affected by the ongoing violence and loss of life."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Councilwoman Meeka Owens calls for ceasefire in Gaza