Ken Trainor’s permanent ceasefire resolution is kind-hearted, well-meaning, and naïve [A different ceasefire resolution to consider, Viewpoints, April 24].
It’s an improvement over the resolution previously submitted to the Oak Park Village Board, particularly because it acknowledges that Hamas uses civilians as human shields.
But there are two main problems: First, a permanent ceasefire at this point leaves Hamas in power, terrorists whose charter calls for the obliteration of Israel and who cannot be trusted. (Remember that it broke the ceasefire in place until Oct. 7.) Ken’s idea that it would then voluntarily surrender following a permanent ceasefire is unrealistic because it gives the advantage to Hamas.
No wonder it insists on a permanent ceasefire as a condition of releasing all hostages. They are a key bargaining chip. We all want to see a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages, but both can only be achieved through negotiations, which are taking place now. (1) An immediate temporary ceasefire to allow desperately needed humanitarian assistance is different, and something I support.
Second, a village ceasefire resolution would be divisive and unnecessary. It’s true that Oak Parkers pay income taxes that fund federal expenditures of all kinds, including assistance to Israel. But the village itself is not funding such assistance. The taxpayers of Oak Park who are so inclined can best call for a permanent ceasefire in a petition, as they are doing. Ken is certainly correct that our government should condition military assistance on its responsible use. It is doing just that with an Israeli unit operating in the West Bank, and I hope this continues. (2)
Ceasefire resolution supporters are fond of citing how many towns have passed such resolutions. But the vast majority of municipalities have not passed ceasefire resolutions, often withstanding considerable pressure to do so. This includes our neighbor, Evanston. (3) As one letter writer put it last week, that deserves a profile in courage.
Ceasefire resolution supporters often say that they’re Jewish. But it is important to remember that some 80% of Jewish-Americans care deeply about Israel as it is now, a Jewish state. (4) I believe almost all of us also care deeply about the welfare of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. We join all of good will in hoping a sustainable way is found to peace and found soon.
(2) https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-military-aid-west-bank-abuses-515acf20ddfffd1b2838bcf55c9a7c73
(4) https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/05/21/u-s-jews-have-widely-differing-views-on-israel/
Judith Alexander
Oak Park
