title
CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Consideration of a Resolution Condemning the Recent Attacks on Israel and Standing in Solidarity with Israel and its People, and Expressing Deep Concern for the Innocent Civilians in Gaza; and (2) If Desired, Adoption of the Proposed Resolution and Direction to the City Manager to send a Letter with a Copy of the Adopted Resolution to President Joseph R. Biden, the Secretary of the United States Department of State, Anthony Blinken, and Culver City’s Elected Representatives.
body
Meeting Date: October 23, 2023
Contact Person/Dept.: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/17/2023)
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar, City Manager (10/17/2023)
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) consider a resolution condemning the recent attacks on Israel and standing in solidarity with Israel and its people, and expressing deep concern for the innocent civilians in Gaza; and (2) if desired, adopt the proposed Resolution and direct the City Manager to send a letter with a copy of the adopted Resolution to President Joseph R. Biden and the Secretary of the United States Department of State, Anthony Blinken, and Culver City’s elected representatives.
BACKGROUND
On October 7, 2023, which falls on a major Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, Hamas militants launched a surprise rocket attack on Israel, firing an estimated 2,200 rockets toward southern and central Israel. On October 9, 2023, Hamas fighters carried out a deadly infiltration into Israeli towns, kidnapping adults and children and holding them hostage, killing hundreds of people and leaving many more injured. Hamas is one of the two major political parties in the Palestinian territories and governs more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, Israel, Japan, Paraguay, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
DISCUSSION
On October 7, 2023 and since that time, President Joseph R. Biden along with other elected officials have issued statements condemning the recent terrorist attacks on Israel, and some cities have illuminated their City buildings blue in support of Israel. At the October 9, 2023 City Council Meeting, Mayor Vera received unanimous consensus to light up the Veterans Memorial Building tower in blue and white (colors of Israel), and Mayor Vera received unanimous consensus to bring back a resolution in support of Israel for consideration.
On October 10, 2023, the United States House of Representatives introduced H.Res.768 - Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. That same day, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents Culver City, said, “As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I co-sponsored this resolution to unequivocally condemn the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and its right to self-defense in accordance with international law.” As of October 11, 2023, there are 381 Co-Sponsors of H.Res.768.
City staff has prepared the attached City of Culver City Resolution “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Culver City Condemning the Recent Attacks on Israel and Standing in Solidarity with Israel and its People, and Expressing Deep Concern for the Innocent Civilians in Gaza” for the City Council’s consideration and adoption.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
If this item is approved, it would require staff time to prepare letters and transmit copies to the President, the Secretary of State, and Culver City’s representatives. The fiscal impact is minimal and falls under the City Manager’s Office Work Plan.
ATTACHMENTS
2023-10-23_ATT _Resolution Condemning the Recent Attacks on Israel
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Adopt the proposed resolution condemning the recent attacks on Israel and standing in solidarity with Israel and its people, and expressing deep concern for the innocent civilians in Gaza; and
2. Direct the City Manager to distribute a letter from the Mayor and a copy of the resolution to Culver City’s elected representatives.