In one of the most contentious days of city council in recent memory, supporters of Israel and Palestine argued the merits of Resolution 230706, co-introduced by Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson and Mike Driscoll.
Introduced last week, the resolution “condemns the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and call(s) for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestine conflict.”
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Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Council President Darrell Clarke acknowledged the “unprecedented” number of speakers registered for the public comment of the meeting. Typically, those wishing to comment on legislation have three minutes to do so; if there are a large number of speakers, remarks will be limited to two minutes. Yesterday, however, Clarke allowed 90 seconds due to the sheer volume of those interested in commenting.
When public comment began, tensions rose considerably, causing Clarke to ask for the cooperation of those assembled as multiple speakers were interrupted by applause and boos. Those against the resolution were the louder contingent, and many were escorted out of council by police and sheriff deputies; in some cases, forcefully.
Those who opposed the resolution did so on multiple grounds, including claims that Israel had initiated the conflict when the nation was founded, and by asking when council had ever issued a resolution when Palestinians had been subjected to abuse.
Supporters categorized Hamas, the organization responsible for the attacks, as a terrorist organization worthy of reprisals. Currently, Israel is preparing ground operations in Gaza.
After numerous attempts to instill calm, Clarke was forced to curtail public comment. Those who had not spoken could have their comments included in the record by sending them to the Office of the Clerk.
Following the meeting, Clarke said it was the first time he had to stop public comment, but understood the heightened emotions on both sides of the issue.
“The fact that this happened in the midst of a war in the Middle East (that) could easily expand to a much larger area and the tension associated with something that’s been going on for, frankly, speaking, decades brought the level of tension that we had in the council chamber today,” Clarke said.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson explained the resolution as council’s hope a non-violent solution could be found, while still condemning the acts of Hamas.
“Hamas has engaged in despicable acts of terror that intentionally targeted civilian populations in Israel, both Jewish and Arab, killing hundreds of civilians, and taking hundreds more as hostages, including women and children. These actions surely deserves condemnation.” Johnson said. “Just as importantly, this resolution recognizes that violence cannot form the basis for a just and lasting peace.”
Councilmember Curtis Jones called the session “probably the most difficult day of my tenure here over the last five administrations.”
The resolution passed unanimously.
Jones Introduces Youth Sports Hearing Resolution
Councilmember Curtis Jones introduced a resolution “authorizing the Joint Committees on Education and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs to hold public hearings to examine the cost and liabilities for the School District and the Department of Parks and Recreation to ease the barriers of access to youth sports.”
The resolution calls the lack of sports facilities for Philadelphia’s youth a wealth inequity issue, citing the fees often charged to participate in club sports.
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Additionally, a lack of decent facilities also hinders youth participation. Using the Parkside Saints as an example, the resolution decries the makeshift fields on which children are forced to play. Several Saints players have been injured due to poor field conditions.
Parking Authority Here To Stay
On behalf of the Mayoral Administration, Councilmember Mark Squilla introduced a bill extending the life of the Philadelphia Parking Authority by 50 years.
Currently, the Authority’s term of existence ends December 8th, 2037.
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The legislation cites planning issues as the reason for the extension, as the authority needs to “prudently plan for continued participation in long terms contracts, lease agreements, necessary design and construction objectives, and adequately fulfill debt service obligations in furtherance of a its public mission.”
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