At the forefront of the discussion was a unified call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of both Palestinian and Israeli hostages. The speakers expressed deep concerns over the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian populations, particularly children. They criticized the military occupation of Palestinian territories and the role of the United States in supplying military aid to Israel, which they argued contributes to the perpetuation of the conflict.

One speaker, representing the Palestinian American Community Center, urged the Asbury Park City Council to “stand on the right side of history” by joining the fight for Palestinian rights. They highlighted the ongoing violence in Gaza and the historical context of land theft in Palestine, drawing parallels with America’s history of colonization and occupation. Another speaker from a Muslim community further distinguished the opposition to the Israeli government’s actions from animosity towards Jewish individuals, stating, “This is against the genocide that is happening in Palestine and it’s not something new.”

The discussion also touched upon broader issues of genocide and systemic violence beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A speaker showed solidarity with people resisting genocides worldwide, citing regions including Gaza, Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, and China, and emphasized the erosion of international systems designed to prevent such atrocities. They also voiced support for the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, encouraging critical thinking and ethical choices based on Jewish values and family history.

Personal experiences and perspectives enriched the dialogue. A speaker shared their experiences living in Palestine and Jordan, discussing the tactic of “pink washing” used to distract from Israeli actions, and calling for the protection of queer and transgender communities. Additionally, they highlighted the issue of hate crimes within the United States, linking domestic and international struggles for human rights.

Technology’s role in modern warfare and its impact on civilian populations was critically assessed by another attendee who criticized the United States and Israel as major arms dealers. They underscored the need to raise awareness about the consequences of these issues on everyday people and to continue supporting Palestinians in their struggle.

The meeting also featured a speaker who advocated for Palestine’s right to exist and called for a ceasefire. They encouraged involvement in the uncommitted movement and underscored the interconnectedness of global issues. The speaker called for community unity, education, and activism, sharing a poem by Rafat Alareer to illustrate the human cost of the conflict. They also criticized the lack of media coverage and urged for the amplification of Palestinian voices in the media.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the importance of ongoing activism and the power of community efforts. The speaker ended with a call to action, asking residents to email council members to pass a ceasefire resolution and to exert more pressure on the media for fair coverage.