NYC Council Members Spark Controversy with “Ceasefire” T-Shirts Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

NYC Council Members Spark Controversy with “Ceasefire” T-Shirts Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Edited by: Fern Sidman

A group of New York City councilmembers ignited controversy during a Wednesday council meeting by wearing matching t-shirts that called for a “ceasefire” in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as was reported by the Post. The display of solidarity among these council members, including Jennifer Gutiérrez, Shahana Hanif, Tiffany Cabán, and Charles Barron, drew attention and mixed reactions from observers. The Post report said that the move reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the involvement of far left council members in advocating for a ceasefire.

Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez, representing Brooklyn, took to social media to express her support for the ceasefire initiative. Sharing a photo with eight colleagues, she stated, “Proud to stand in solidarity with some of my @nyccouncil colleagues today at the Stated Meeting calling for an immediate and permanent #ceasefire,” the Post report said.The visible demonstration of support for a ceasefire was part of the councilmembers’ efforts to address the conflict.

Others interpreted the move as their way of expressing their support for the Hamas terrorists that slaughtered over 1200 Israelis and other during the October 7^th raid in southern Israel. The aforementioned council members have yet to condemn terrorism and show their support for Israel’s right to defend herself and for their efforts to free the hostages taken into Hamas captivity.

While the show of solidarity did not immediately spark outrage during the council meeting, the dissenting voice emerged toward the end. Brooklyn Councilman Kalman Yeger questioned the councilmembers’ previous silence on atrocities committed by Hamas. As was noted in the Post report, Yeger highlighted the absence of similar initiatives during the times when daily missile attacks from Hamas targeted Israel, suggesting a selective focus on the conflict. He pointedly remarked about the lack of attention to broader issues, using strong language to emphasize his point.

The councilmembers’ “Ceasefire” t-shirts also faced swift backlash on social media platforms. According to the Post report, tormer state Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal criticized the display, particularly taking issue with the term “progressives” advocating for a ceasefire while referencing allegations against Hamas. Rosenthal’s comments underscored the polarized nature of discussions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the challenges in finding common ground.

This incident is not the first time that some council members have sparked controversy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Post report said that Charles Barron, a former member of the Black Panther Party, previously went on an anti-Israel rant during a meeting in October, advocating for a “Free Palestine.” These incidents contribute to a pattern of heightened tensions and differing perspectives within the council when it comes to matters related to the Middle East conflict.

The controversy adds to previous incidents where council members have expressed strong stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict, showcasing the challenges in finding consensus within the council on such complex and polarizing global issues.