Ceasefire Statement

January 17, 2024

CHICAGO – 20th District State Senate candidate Graciela Guzmán issues the following statement in support of the calls for a ceasefire in Gaza by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and State Representative Will Guzzardi; and in support of Ald. Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez’s resolution calling on the President to take action to ensure a lasting peace in the region.

“Above all, I want to acknowledge the grief and frustration that we’re all feeling given the recent violence in the Middle East. So many of us and our communities still grapple with so much loss. I want us all to hold space for that pain and to sit with it – to let it help us foster understanding and a spirit of reconciliation and peace.

We must not cease to condemn the cruel attacks on October 7, the hateful targeting of Jews in Israel and around the world, and we must not stop calling for the immediate return of hostages by Hamas.

We also cannot stand by silently as the tally of Palestinian homes burned, and innocent lives lost rises and rises – all in service of what goals?

Every day this violence continues leads to more and more scars that will persist for generations, further harming the prospects of a lasting peace.

Alongside those reflections, we must acknowledge this country’s role in helping facilitate peace and we must keep pushing our government to act. This is why I support Alderwoman Rodríguez Sánchez’s Ceasefire Resolution and call on others to do the same.

Alderwoman Rodríguez Sánchez’s resolution clearly acknowledges the tragic loss of life, it clearly condemns the targeting of civilians and it acknowledges the immediate need for a ceasefire, not just for its own sake, but for the countless lives it will save by allowing critical humanitarian aid to reach areas where it is needed the most.

I am hopeful that we can come together to support this resolution and continue the fight for peace and justice for all those affected.”

Resolution Text: https://chicago.councilmatic.org/legislation/r2023-0005730/