Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Marc J. Zucker issued the following statement in support of City Council Resolution 230706.
“As an association of thousands of lawyers who stand for mutual respect, security and the rule of law, and who promote constructive solutions to intractable problems locally, nationally and globally, we support City Council Resolution No. 230706, condemning the horrific and brutal acts of terrorism by Hamas, which have caused tremendous human suffering and death through barbaric acts that violate international law,” Zucker said.
Specifically, the resolution states, in pertinent part:
WHEREAS, This Council of the City of Philadelphia unequivocally condemns the attacks by Hamas and any harm that falls upon innocent civilians in Israel, in Palestine, and in the occupied territories. This body is committed to promoting peace, justice, and security for all people, regardless of their nationality or religion; and
WHEREAS, Just before 7:00 a.m. local time, a rocket attack perpetrated by the terrorist organization, Hamas, began to hit major cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Within the hour, Hamas fighters poured into Israeli territory. They ferociously targeted civilians, kidnapping, killing, and leaving a trail of terror. To date, thousands on both sides have been either killed or wounded; and
WHEREAS, The Hamas attacks have targeted both Israeli Jews and Arabs, undermining the peaceful coexistence and harmony that must undergird any resolution to the ongoing political conflict; and
WHEREAS, Violence and terrorism can never be justified as means to achieve political goals. Dialogue, negotiation, and peaceful resolutions are the only viable paths towards lasting peace and stability; and
WHEREAS, The Council recognizes the importance of supporting the State of Israel, a democratic nation that shares our values of freedom, democracy, and human rights, in its efforts to protect its citizens from acts of terrorism and ensure their safety and security; and
WHEREAS, The Council acknowledges the suffering and loss experienced by innocent Palestinians in the ongoing conflict, and believes that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement that respects the rights and national aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians; and
WHEREAS, The Council affirms the inalienable human rights enshrined in our nation's constitution. It strongly believes that by ensuring these rights for all, a peaceful and just resolution to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict can be achieved; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby condemns the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel and calls for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Zucker observed, “The resolution appropriately assigns blame where it belongs – on the unilateral and inhumane acts of a terrorist organization, which has set in motion a series of events that are causing pain and anguish not only to the Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel that is beyond comprehension but also consequential pain and anguish for the residents of Gaza. We stand in unity with Israel and with all of those who are suffering due to these senseless acts of terrorism and express our appreciation to Councilpersons Kenyatta Johnson and Mike Driscoll for introducing this resolution.
