The November City of Champaign Township meeting was filled with the impassioned voices of keffiyeh-clad citizens rallying for a resolution on Israeli military divestment. This follows the outcome of the local Champaign County elections, which several citizens pointed to as the ignition point for their newfound involvement.
“In the wake of the recent election, I found myself wanting to be more active in the community,” said Urbana resident Matthew Rilloraza regarding his first time attending a city council meeting. “In feeling like I have no power over what happens to the country at large, I was hoping to find solace in the rationality of my local city council. Unfortunately, I am saddened by tonight and how the issues brought to you by my constituents were disregarded. Please bring the resolution to the agenda; ceasefire now.”
People from across Champaign County came to speak at the meeting, extending the public comment portion to over two hours long. This continues a months-long campaign of pro-Palestine resolution advocates occupying the monthly Champaign Township meetings.
“I’m sure (the Champaign City Council) is well aware of the referendum that passed in Urbana, with 70% of Urbana city residents supporting the ending of military funding to Israel,” said Champaign resident Dua Aldasouqi. “This is the will of the American people. We’ve met with you guys multiple times … and have drafted a resolution that we believe meets what you have told us.”
Councilwoman Kathy Shannon said while she appreciates the citizens’ “passion and care for the people of the world,” she believes the proposed resolution will fail to impact the nation’s foreign policy. She also said divestment will directly have a negative impact on the people of the city.
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“I am not willing to support financial divestment that would change the amount of money we have to spend on our homeless shelter,” Shannon said following the failure of a proposed property tax increase that would have helped fund the Champaign STRIDES homeless shelter. “These are the tradeoffs that we are facing … Other priorities are going to suffer.”
The City of Champaign Township will meet on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
