Image Credit: knoxvilletn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
For the second time in the last few months, a resolution will be presented in the Knoxville City Council that if passed, will be sent to the Tennessee Congressional Delegation and White House demanding an Israeli ceasefire.
References to the activity in the middle east between the two countries is referenced in the document as “genocide” of Palestinians, due to the retaliation from Israel, which was in response to the attack that occurred on October 7th in Southern Israel near the Gaza strip.
The proposal, is once again initiated by council member Amelia Parker, whose first attempt at the passage of a similar resolution failed because it did not receive a “second” from any other city council members. Because there was no “second,” a vote on the resolution could not take place.
The resolution asks the federal government to work towards a permanent ceasefire and also references the city council’s “support and solidarity” with the people of Palestine.
Parker claims the measure was not about choosing a side but about supporting people who had been the victims of what she likened to a war crime.
At the meeting in November the failure of the resolution was met with discord and disruption as several people in attendance at the meeting chanted “Ceasefire now” and “Free Palestine.” Some protestors also got on the stage with Palestinian flags, causing the meeting to go into a recess.
Some community members argue that Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon’s March visit to Jerusalem is what led to the Israel-Hamas war becoming a focal point in the city. They believe that passing a resolution such as the one proposed would share a positive message of support.
Others argued that the resolution would cause more “divisiveness and hate” in the community. Many Knoxvillians feel that the issue is complicated and is not something that should be brought into city-centered discussions, asking instead why the city would consider becoming involved in something that was taking place thousands of miles away.
It is unclear if the resolution fails to pass a second time, whether the issue will again.
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.