On Jan. 31, 2024, Chicago’s city council approved a permanent ceasefire to the genocide in Gaza. The city council itself has no real geopolitical power, however, it is a symbolic vote to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Additionally, the tie-breaking vote was cast by the mayor himself, Brandon Johnson. The mayor has been on the receiving end of many protests from Palestinian activists stating that he and his administration need to call for a permanent ceasefire.
Media Bias
Furthermore, the media has chosen to make this conflict about Hamas, however, entirely ignoring the 20,000 plus Palestinians dead after only a few months. Chicago is home to many identities and portrays itself to be an inclusive city with a culture of diversity.
Additionally, respecting and honoring diversity also means listening to marginalized communities when they say that they are experiencing genocide. This was a huge symbolic victory for all who stand against genocide.
Ethnic Cleansing
Moreover, the truth of the matter is that Palestinians are being ethnically cleansed by the Israeli apartheid state. Hospitals have been bombed, civilians have been bombed, and entire families have been killed.
“The PA health ministry said on Tuesday about 70% of Gaza’s dead were women and children under 18, but it has released no breakdown of age categories since its Oct. 26 report,” according to Reuters. In conclusion, the genocide in Gaza must be stopped and this vote shows that the people of Chicago will always stand against genocide.
Mayor Johnson
Finally, Mayor Johnson was the vote that broke the tie that decided how Chicago would stand. Brandon Johnson chose to stand against genocide after being pressured by the great activists in Chicago.
Moreover, while Chicago may not have the military power to end the conflict itself, this vote symbolizes the solidarity present between the Palestinian causes and all of the marginalized identities in Chicago.
Written by Kenneth Mazerat
Sources
Star advertiser: Chicago approves cease-fire resolution in Israel-Hamas war by Sophia Tareen
Reuters: How many Palestinians have died in Gaza? Death toll explained by By Ali Sawafta and Maggie Fick
Aljazeera: Israel’s war on Gaza live: Deaths in Gaza near 27,000 with 66,000 wounded by
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of John Jackson’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Nadim Kobeissi’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
