RESOLUTION TO RELEASE STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF A CEASEFIRE
WHEREAS For over 100 days, the escalating violence has led to the deaths of Palestinians and Israelis alike; and
WHEREAS, Over 150 Labor Unions across the continent have joined the groundswell of global solidarity and have released or signed onto statements calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza 3;4; and
WHEREAS The Animation Guild, as a member of AFL-CIO, abides by its constitution, including Article II Objectives and Principles, section 8:
“To give constructive aid in promoting the cause of peace and freedom in the world and to aid, assist and cooperate with free and democratic labor movements throughout the world…”;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we direct our Union to release the below statement, on all Union social media in coordination with Union communication and legal, and notify all appropriate press contacts within one week of this statement’s release; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that The Animation Guild sign on to “The US Labor Movement Calls for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine” petition.
STATEMENT FOR RELEASE:
We come together, members of IATSE Local 839, The Animation Guild, to express our deep concern and sorrow over the loss of lives in Palestine, Israel and Gaza. We are calling upon President Joe Biden and Congress to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We condemn all acts of violence and hate crimes against any individual regardless of their religious or ethnic background, be they Muslim, Jewish, Christian, or anyone else. We stand united in our call for an end to the violence that has caused immense suffering and loss of life.
The Animation Guild, Local 839 of IATSE, calls for the following:
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire;
- The release of all hostages, both Israeli and Palestinian, including those that are currently held without a due judicial process under the protection of international law;
- An immediate initiative to restore the infrastructure including water, fuel, food, power, and other humanitarian aid into Gaza;
- For our representatives in the United States government to honor its mission as a member of the United Nations and adhere to international humanitarian law and ICJ rulings, to prevent further loss of life;
- To denounce the censorship and penalization of those who speak in solidarity with Israel or Palestine5;
- To demand that all parties move toward a peaceful resolution that promotes a just and lasting conclusion to the current situation in the region.
The Animation Guild stands in solidarity with millions globally, united in our call for an immediate ceasefire. We must make our collective voices heard. Together, we can stand for peace, justice, and a brighter future.
Solidarity forever,
The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839
- Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. “Statistics on the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip (07 October – 19 January 2024).” Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, 19 January 2024, https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/6103/Statistics-on-the-Israeli-attack-on-the-Gaza-Strip-%2807-October—19-January-2024%29. Accessed 23 January 2024.
- Knutson, Jacob. “U.S. aid to Israel: How much money the U.S. gives per year — and why.” Axios, 4 November 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/11/04/us-israel-aid-military-funding-chart. Accessed 23 January 2024.
- CLC. “CLC Statement on Israel-Palestine.” Canadian Labour Congress, 5 June 2017, https://canadianlabour.ca/news-news-archive-clc-statement-israel-palestine/. Accessed 23 January 2024.
- Weiss, Laura. “Labor unions make unprecedented calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.” Prism Reports, 22 January 2024, https://prismreports.org/2024/01/22/labor-unions-unprecedented-calls-ceasefire-gaza/. Accessed 23 January 2024.
Ruberg, Sara. “Cut from projects, dropped by agents: How the Israel-Hamas war is dividing Hollywood.” NBC News, 2 December 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/business/israel-hamas-war-dividing-hollywood-rcna124189. Accessed 23 January 2024.