Grief and scorn hung heavy in the air of Durham’s city council chambers Tuesday as residents urged councilors to consider, or not consider, introducing a resolution to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Most residents spoke in favor of a resolution. Some, accusing Israel of genocide, told council members to think about Durham’s future legacy. “History will remember where we stood in this moment,” one speaker said.

Others drew ties to local issues. Because tax dollars are needed in Durham to fund a $25 minimum wage for city workers and an amply-staffed HEART program, speakers said, the council should pass a resolution that not only calls for a ceasefire but an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. (Mayor Leonardo Williams later clarified that “there is no budget line item in Durham that is funding any war around the world.”)

Several residents also refuted the contention that municipalities shouldn’t weigh in on foreign policy. “There’s a precedent,” one speaker said. “In the 1980s, Durham’s city council passed a resolution opposing apartheid in South Africa.”

Multiple Jewish residents said a ceasefire resolution would make them feel safer in Durham, though a rabbi, one of the three people who spoke against introducing a resolution, disagreed.

“Don’t make us feel like we have no place in this city [just] because we love Israel,” he said.

A number of speakers asked the council to introduce a resolution drafted by the local labor union UE 150. Williams said council members would not consider approving a resolution they didn’t write themselves but was open to the idea of working with residents to create an “inclusive and holistic” resolution that addresses the conflict in some way.

“I find it very difficult to remain silent on this issue,” Williams said.

Williams proposed setting aside a four-hour block of time in the near future for residents to provide more input.

In November, Carrboro adopted a resolution calling on the town’s congressional delegation to back a ceasefire. Rep. Valerie Foushee, who represents all of Orange and Durham counties, quietly obliged two weeks later.

Follow Staff Writer Lena Geller on Twitter or send an email to [email protected]. Comment on this story at [email protected].

Support independent local journalism. 

Join the INDY Press Club to help us keep fearless watchdog reporting and essential arts and culture coverage viable in the Triangle.

Lena Geller is a reporter for INDY, covering food, housing, and politics. She joined the staff in 2018 and previously ran a custom cake business.