Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval declared Wednesday the city won’t be taking a stance on a ceasefire in Gaza, saying such a move would only “divide and inflame” the city.
Pureval’s comments came after four and half hours of public comment filled with cheers, applause and occasional boos. Hundreds spoke either for or against a resolution calling for a ceasefire, the second week in a row in which Cincinnati’s nine-member council has heard from residents.
“Consensus language doesn’t exist for an issue that is among the most nuanced and complicated in international affairs,” said Pureval, who controls the agenda for the nine-member council.
“Without consensus, it would further divide us and inflame the situation,” Pureval said. “It’s disappointing and I’m sure for many it’s frustrating further dividing our beloved community.” He encouraged dialogue.
For Pureval, who is of Tibetan descent, the issue is intensely personal, he said.
“It has deeply affected my own family,” Pureval said. “Just a couple of generations ago my family was forced to run from their own homes.” Tibetans, he added, “have never stopped running.”