Anti-Israel protesters came to City Hall again on Wednesday, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
More than a dozen individuals registered to speak on the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling on Dallas City Council members to condemn Israel’s actions. Multiple speakers were not City of Dallas residents but rather came from neighboring cities.
“If you had even a shred of humanity, you would introduce a ceasefire resolution because it’s the bare minimum at this point,” said Nashwa Bawab, per The Dallas Morning News.
“If you do not pass a ceasefire resolution, people like you will be remembered for generations to come as being on the wrong side of history,” said Stephanie Drenka of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society. “I say that with full confidence because people like me will be the ones to write it,” she said.
Mayor Eric Johnson called for attendees to be respectful of City Hall’s rules, but the activists continued to make loud outbursts during the meeting. Protesters had to be escorted out of the council chambers by police after continuing to be disruptive and shouting at elected officials.
Protesters chanted, “Free Free Palestine!” and “Ceasefire now!”
Council Member Cara Mendelsohn called attention to the anti-Israel activists on social media.
“It’s another pro-Palestinian day at city council,” she said. “These folks don’t stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. They call their fellow protesters’ comrades.’”
“Today, we haven’t heard a single speaker call for the 139 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists to be returned,” she continued. “Haven’t heard anything about the 9 Americans being held hostage, 19 women or 2 toddlers still being held hostage. Today is day #96.”
As previously covered by The Dallas Express, anti-Israel protesters also disrupted the Dallas City Council’s previous meeting on December 13.
Shortly after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, the council unanimously adopted a resolution stating “that the City of Dallas unequivocally condemns Hamas for this deplorable and unprovoked attack on Israel,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Council Member Adam Bazaldua has since called for the city council to adopt a resolution condemning violence against the “innocent civilians in Gaza.”
“I’ve got some new language to consider and have been working to get the support on the council before bringing it forward,” he told the DMN.