Alderman Silverstein’s Resolution

Yesterday the Chicago City Council approved a resolution condemning Hamas’s attack on Israel last weekend and in support of Israel. Demonstrators disrupted the City Council meeting. Tara Molina and Charlie De Mar report at CBS Chicago:

CHICAGO (CBS) — The Chicago City Council on Friday approved a resolution declaring solidarity with Israel, and condemning a brutal attack by Hamas over the weekend, after pro-Palestinian protesters angrily disrupted the proceedings.

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th), the council’s only Jewish member, introduced the symbolic Israel Solidarity Resolution to show support for Israel, after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack from the Gaza Strip over the weekend, killing hundreds, and taking many more hostage.

“I urge my colleagues to be on the right side of history, and to take a stand against Hamas’ evil. The United States of America stands with Israel. President Biden and Vice President Harris stand with Israel,” Silverstein said.

During a special City Council meeting to debate Silverstein’s resolution, pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators repeatedly shouted at each other, interrupting aldermen on the council floor. Basically, I think it’s benign.

The cited article includes a photographic reproduction of the text of the resolution. I have been unable to find a plain text version online including at the City Council’s website.

I believe the resolution would have been improved by striking the clause “stand in support of Israel”. I believe that people have a right to demonstrate for or against the activities of the City Council outside City Hall. I believe that disrupting city council meetings is undemocratic on its face. I have stronger feelings than that but I’ll keep them to myself.

I believe that those who objected to the resolution should write a resolution of their own and reach out to their alderman to sponsor it. That’s the proper course of action. Every City Council resolution cannot be about everything.