CLEVELAND — Supporters of Palestinians have been packing city council meetings across the country including in cities like Cleveland, Akron and Columbus, using the public comment portion of these meetings to ask city leaders to issue a declaration of compassion for the civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas war.

What You Need To Know

  • Palestinians and their supporters in the U.S. have been using city council public comment periods in meetings across the country to speak out against city leaders who have shared support for Israel, asking them to extend that compassion to their Palestinian constituents

  • In Ohio, Palestinians and their supporters have shared their perspectives to city leaders in cities like Cleveland, Columbus and Akron

  • Organizers in Cleveland said they will continue returning to speak until council leaders release a statement of support for Palestinians in Cleveland

Many are upset that Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin released statements of solidarity with Israel after the Hamas attack that left 1,400 people dead, but did not issue similar support for Palestinians.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7. 

In the past four Cleveland City Council meetings, Palestinians and their supporters have shared their perspectives to city leaders in public comment, some speaking about family members who have died in the conflict.

They say their community is hurting. 

Organizers said they will continue returning to speak until council leaders release a statement of support for Palestinians in Cleveland. 

One speaker, Rasmia Alnadi, said she doesn’t know what else she can say to the council in order to see action. 

“What new information can I provide to you that could potentially put forth action?" Alnadi said. "What have my brothers and sisters so confidently and admirably presented you that I could supplement? Am I to reiterate the danger of the rhetoric being used to dehumanize my people?”

On Monday night’s city council meetings in Akron and Columbus, residents demonstrated their support for Palestinians as well. Some Cleveland officials haven't commented on why they have not issued statements of support for Palestinians.

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