The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded Howard County for becoming the first Maryland county to support a ceasefire despite a county resolution CR22-2024 introduced earlier this week that fell short of enough votes to pass on its first iteration.
In a letter to President Biden shared with CAIR by the County Council, County Executive Calvin Ball wrote in part:
“As our top United States officials continue efforts to broker peace in the Middle East, we strongly implore you to negotiate a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war and the immediate release of all remaining hostages and political prisoners. More than 1,200 Israelis and more than 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have been killed in this conflict since October 7th, 2023.
“More than half of these deaths were women and children. It is our duty as elected leaders and as Americans to stand up to call for this brutal cycle of violence and human suffering to end. We must begin the process of rebuilding. We call for peace now.”
“By supporting a ceasefire, Howard County is joining at least 66 members of congress, dozens of U.S. cities and counties and nearly 70 percent of Americans in calling for an end to the injustices, violence and bloodshed,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Amidst unspeakable horrors and injustices, Gaza has taught the world profound lessons in courage over the last 125 days. Seeking a ceasefire to protect all innocent lives is our moral duty.”
Hundreds of community members and allies attended a peaceful rally Monday evening in support of a ceasefire and packed the hearing chamber carrying ‘ceasefire now’ signs, mouths taped and hands covered in red paint to resemble blood. Thousands have emailed and made calls to councilmembers urging passage of the resolution.
The work to also pass a county resolution is continuing, with plans to re-introduce the legislation later this month if a ceasefire is not in effect by then. Amendments to the resolution were drafted last weekend by a working group of advocates and have already been proposed and accepted by Councilmember Walsh.
Recently, the International Court of Justice, the United Nations’ highest court, and a U.S. federal court both declared plausible genocide against civilians in Gaza by Israel.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes UN Court Ruling on Gaza Genocide Charge Against Israel
Advocacy in recent weeks has gained widespread attention across Maryland following the introduction of a statewide ceasefire resolution introduced by Delegate Gabriel Acevero and cosponsored by eight state lawmakers in the Maryland General Assembly in mid-January.
Over 30,000 letters have been sent by Marylanders to state lawmakers through an action alert sponsored by CAIR urging the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee to pass HJ0002 Ceasefire Resolution out of committee and onto the House floor for a vote.
SEE: Action Alert: Help PASS Ceasefire Resolution in Maryland General Assembly
House Joint Resolution 0002
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hj0002?ys=2024RS
The past 125 days of bombing and attacks have led to almost 30,000 Palestinians killed – both Muslims and Christians, and led to the forced displacement of nearly 2 million people from their homes in Gaza.
CAIR recently welcomed U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s (D-Md.) call for a ceasefire.
Since Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza began, it has destroyed entire residential neighborhoods and critical infrastructure. Human rights organizations and advocates worldwide have stated that Israel is depriving Gazans of food, water, electricity, and medicine while also indiscriminately dropping bombs on homes, hospitals, bakeries, schools, mosques, churches, and even refugee camps in Gaza, which amount to war crimes.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, zchaudry@cair.com