Agenda Item
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Mayor and Aldermen regarding items that may or may not appear on the Agenda. Please note speakers should first give their name and address. You are reminded that these proceedings are broadcast on live TV and you should speak clearly and directly into the microphone. All comments are limited to a total of five minutes per individual. If you wish to ask a question and want a response, that will become a part of the five-minute limit.
Good evening. My name is Emilee van Norden and I've been a resident of the City of Frederick since 2005. I'd like to encourage the Mayor and Aldermen to lead on the issue of genocide in Palestine and Gaza. I understand it's not popular and it's a fraught subject, likely to result in extremely difficult conversations. But this your job and your opportunity. 35,000 Palestinian people have died since October; half were women and children. No country can claim self defense in the face of such blatant crimes against humanity. As local leaders, you can be an example to us, showing that one can be completely opposed to genocide without being anti-semetic and that doing so isn't a difficult needle the thread - as some would like you to believe. Please consider taking a stand rather than remaining silent. Thank you.