Coconut Creek City Commission {Bryan Boggiano}
By Bryan Boggiano
The Coconut Creek City Commission strongly denounced Hamas’s attacks on Israel, standing with the Israeli people and raising concerns about the rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, and violence worldwide.
The meeting began with a moment of silence to recognize the victims of Hamas’s attacks on Israel, which began on Oct. 7. Since then, official stats state at least 1,400 civilians in Israel have been killed and more than 4,000 have been injured. At least 200 are being held hostage in Gaza.
Hamas’s attacks in Israel led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 3,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than 12,000 have been wounded, and more than one million became displaced.
In response, all members of the commission delivered remarks.
Commissioner Jeffrey Wasserman recounted how families celebrating Shabat the day before the attacks are now missing loved ones.
“Please think of everybody over there, and if you’re not [observing Shabbat], please continue to reflect and think about the people that this is reflecting on both sides–the innocent civilians on both sides,” he said. “I hope everybody can just go home to their families and live and have good lives.”
Commissioner John Brodie drew on his experience serving in the military, saying he does not think he has been more horrified than what he saw. He said his heart goes out to the people affected in Israel and the United States.
“As a combat veteran, there are lines you don’t cross, and every single one of those lines have been crossed,” he said.
Commissioner Jackie Railey said everybody is worried about what will happen next, saying everybody must keep all of the innocent victims in their thoughts and prayers, not just in Israel but from wars around the world.
She labeled Hamas as extremists and terrorists, saying their actions not only affect innocent Israelis but also innocent Palestinians who do not want war.
“These are the extremists that are bringing this upon their own,” Railey said.
Vice Mayor Sandy Welch urged everybody to work and pray for peace. At the same time, Mayor Joshua Rydell recounted how images from the attacks affect people worldwide and how some South Floridians have lost family. He urged the city to stand with Israel.
“We all have to denounce terror; we all have to denounce hate,” Rydell said.
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