Coralville passes county's second resolution asking for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war

The Coralville city council approved the county's second resolution asking for peace in the Israel-Hamas war at its Tuesday meeting.

Councilors voted to approve the resolution, 3-1, after a lengthy discussion over local government passing such a resolution. Councilmember Rich Vogelzang, who was sworn in on the council on Tuesday, voted against passage of the resolution as well as the efforts by two of his fellow councilors to amend the resolution.

Unlike in Iowa City, Coralville Mayor Meghan Foster is not a voting member of the council but can comment on resolutions and other items before the council. Councilor Royce Peterson was traveling for work and did not attend the regular meeting.

More: Iowa City City Council approves resolution supporting ceasefire in Palestine, Israel

Coralville's call for a ceasefire

The language of the resolution, which was amended heavily before a vote, expressly condemns "acts of terrorism in the region and world," all kinds of violence that "led to the loss of innocent civilian lives in Israel and Gaza," and "antisemitism, Islamaphobia and bigotry toward Palestinians, Arabs and Israelis in all forms."

It also calls on world leaders to "assist in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza" and backed the goal of fostering "peace, justice and equal rights for all inhabitants of the region."

Coralville's Jan. 9 council meeting was postponed as winter storms pounded Johnson County, dumping nearly two feet throughout the area.

The resolution was not on the original agenda.

Councilors debate 'symbolic' gesture

Much of the feedback that Foster received from residents questioned why Coralville was considering a foreign policy-centered resolution. She said that by a "conservative estimate" of five-to-one, people questioned whether it was the city's responsibility.

Vogelzang sided with the concerned citizens, voting against the resolution, noting how not one person with the city is a foreign policy expert. He did say he sympathized with the pain of the residents who spoke but questioned why the city had chosen to target the Israel-Hamas war specifically.

"The Middle East conflicts are the headliners in the news today, as they have been for the last few months," Vogelzang said. "But what about the people in Ukraine? What about the events going there? What about Sudan? What about Nigeria? What about Somalia?"

More: An Iowa prof. recalls Israeli soldiers occupying her childhood home. Now, she's asking for peace.

Vogelzang said failing to "acknowledge the hurt felt by others within the community might make this resolution feel hollow and purely symbolic." He worried Coralville could set a precedent that he felt was not in the city's best interest.

"The difference between this and other conflicts in the world is that we are funding it," Mike Knudson responded.

The room erupted in a chorus of snaps and claps after Knudso spoke. Many people inside the council chambers waved small Palestinian flags throughout the council discussion.

"This is a very small step, but if it's extrapolated throughout the country, it could have some effect on our leaders," Knudson said.

Iowa City and Coralville are thought to be the only two cities in the state to approve such a resolution, which has found its way in front of city councils in some cities throughout the country, including in Oakland.

Finalizing the resolution

Coralville councilors Hai Huynh and Laurie Goodrich both adjusted the resolution's original language, with Huynh incorporating several public suggestions.

Goodrich said she would not go as far as Huynh did in her proposal, but she asked to change some language before voting 'yes' on the amended resolution.

"While this is a symbolic gesture, this says that we are a community, we hear you and we want your voices to be heard," Huynh said.

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Community again shows out, speaks out in support of peace

Several members of the Palestinian community and a few from the local Jews for Peace organization packed the standing-room-only Coralville City Council chambers Tuesday, similar to what transpired on Jan. 2 in Iowa City when the council asked for a ceasefire.

Several speakers shared their experiences during the comment period, which doubled to 30 minutes, as Palestinians and Jewish community members encouraged the council to support the amended resolution.

Audrey Messinger, with the area Jews for Peace organization, shared an anecdote about empty shoes. She said they are a symbol used during the conflict by protesters worldwide.

"Empty shoes haunt us because they represent each person who used to fill them, who were supposed to fill them," Messenger said. "Each one of these shoes belonged to a person with their own unique perspective, their own thoughts, feelings and their own dreams. Each pair of shoes represents an individual person and each person represents their own individual world."

Osama Saba, a Palestinian-American and long-time Coralville resident, outlined many of the proposed amendments. Many of Saba's family continue to live in Gaza and the West Bank, he told the council.

"I urge you to accept the amendments and not just the resolution as it's proposed as to say, 'We're checking a box,'" Saba said. "This is simply the moral thing to do."

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Coralville passes county's 2nd peace resolution for Israel-Hamas war