I write to you, as a member of the Denver Jewish Community, deeply saddened, hurt, and gravely concerned about the proposed proclamation titled “A Proclamation Affirming Denver’s Commitment to Human Rights and Support for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.” While I would like to believe the proposed proclamation was born out of concern for human life, from my perspective, it is, at best ill-conceived, misinformed, and dangerous, both to Denverites and beyond. Justifying Hamas’ civilian-shield strategy emboldens terrorists and increases antisemitism. I join the thousands of citizens of Denver in protesting this proposed proclamation and urge you to do everything in your power to ensure it does not pass. This proposed proclamation condemns hate attacks on all demographics, and as is well documented, a large majority of hate crimes are antisemitic in nature and against Jews. The increase in attacks and antisemitic incidents against Jews has increased by over 300% since the unprovoked, well-planned October 7th brutal massacre, rape, and abduction by Hamas against innocent Israelis and Israel subsequent effort to defend itself and support its moral obligation to eradicate the terrorist Hamas organization. I am deeply concerned that the proposed proclamation undermines the safety and well-being of Jews in Denver. This proposed proclamation assumes the number of casualties in Gaza provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry is correct, even though the Gaza Health Ministry has been accused of both exaggerating the number of casualties and including the deaths of terrorist militants. While every innocent death is a tragedy of immense proportions, it can't be confused with misrepresentations of reality. This proposed proclamation acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hamas and rightfully condemns it, but at the same time, it rationalizes the massacre and denies Israel's moral obligation both to its citizens and the citizens of Gaza to eradicate Hamas. For there to be any hope of reconciliation and prosperity for Israelis and Gazans, Hamas’ capabilities must be destroyed. To refer to the rape, abduction, torture, and burning of men, women, and babies as a "crisis [that] takes place within a long history" seems to me to be a form of moral equivalency and an attempt to justify the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Hamas has attacked Israeli civilians and hides behind its own people, exacting a very steep human toll. Hamas must return the hostages it continues to hold, surrender and disband so that Gazans and Israelis can begin to think about a future, and that’s what the world should be demanding. Calling for a ceasefire with Hamas is dehumanizing to its many victims, as well as unachievable. Hamas has violated humanitarian pauses, has the stated intent and capability to attack again and again, and has been clear that they don't want peace. Indeed, the longstanding policy of the US is not to negotiate with terrorists for obvious reasons and indeed, Hamas has proven the policy correct. The pathway to lasting peace begins unquestionably by eradicating Hamas. This proposed proclamation cites the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the lack of hospitals and other essential services as grounds for a ceasefire, implying that the answer is for Israel to cease dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities. It is well documented that Hamas uses human shields, the scope and cruelty of which are being discovered daily. Hamas has fired at its own hospitals, has prevented civilians from getting care, has neglected basic infrastructure for civilians in Gaza, and stolen billions in funds intended to aid those it claims to govern, using the money to instead perpetuate terror, murder and mayhem. It is a fact that Israel cares more about humanitarian rights and the sanctity of life in Gaza than Hamas does, and, at times, Israel prioritizes minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza over the lives of its own soldiers. There is no army in modern or perhaps all of history that takes such care to avoid civilian deaths as Israel does. Israel has sent millions of texts, leaflets, and calls to warn Gazans of impending attacks. Israel stands for life; Hamas stands for death. The charter of Hamas calls for the destruction of Jews while Israeli doctors treat and care for all Palestinians, including terrorists. This proposed proclamation calling for a ceasefire on the basis of human rights is advocating for anything but that. Israel's mission to eradicate Hamas is the closest path to upholding human rights, protecting Gazans from their own leadership, and ensuring the security and safety of Jews in Israel and around the world, including tens of thousands of Coloradans. This proposed proclamation uses weight of public opinion being in favor of a ceasefire as a basis for the proposed proclamation. I read this argument in disbelief; have we come down to the leadership of our great city being led by the news? I mourn the loss of fair judgment and of the support of basic human rights, and I fear the repercussions upon the Jews of Denver if such a resolution is allowed to pass. It is well known that Hamas is waging a psychological war of brutality, fearmongering, and distortion of reality. This proposed proclamation, I am afraid, will further the goals of Hamas by supporting terrorism, furthering hate, and allowing human rights violations to be perpetuated by Hamas; in short, doing everything to go against what this proclamation proposes. I call on you to urgently, and unequivocally reject this proposed proclamation.

I write to you, as a member of the Denver Jewish Community, deeply saddened, hurt, and gravely concerned about the proposed proclamation titled “A Proclamation Affirming Denver’s Commitment to Human Rights and Support for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.” While I would like to believe the proposed proclamation was born out of concern for human life, from my perspective, it is, at best ill-conceived, misinformed, and dangerous, both to Denverites and beyond. Justifying Hamas’ civilian-shield strategy emboldens terrorists and increases antisemitism. I join the thousands of citizens of Denver in protesting this proposed proclamation and urge you to do everything in your power to ensure it does not pass. This proposed proclamation condemns hate attacks on all demographics, and as is well documented, a large majority of hate crimes are antisemitic in nature and against Jews. The increase in attacks and antisemitic incidents against Jews has increased by over 300% since the unprovoked, well-planned October 7th brutal massacre, rape, and abduction by Hamas against innocent Israelis and Israel subsequent effort to defend itself and support its moral obligation to eradicate the terrorist Hamas organization. I am deeply concerned that the proposed proclamation undermines the safety and well-being of Jews in Denver. This proposed proclamation assumes the number of casualties in Gaza provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry is correct, even though the Gaza Health Ministry has been accused of both exaggerating the number of casualties and including the deaths of terrorist militants. While every innocent death is a tragedy of immense proportions, it can't be confused with misrepresentations of reality. This proposed proclamation acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hamas and rightfully condemns it, but at the same time, it rationalizes the massacre and denies Israel's moral obligation both to its citizens and the citizens of Gaza to eradicate Hamas. For there to be any hope of reconciliation and prosperity for Israelis and Gazans, Hamas’ capabilities must be destroyed. To refer to the rape, abduction, torture, and burning of men, women, and babies as a "crisis [that] takes place within a long history" seems to me to be a form of moral equivalency and an attempt to justify the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Hamas has attacked Israeli civilians and hides behind its own people, exacting a very steep human toll. Hamas must return the hostages it continues to hold, surrender and disband so that Gazans and Israelis can begin to think about a future, and that’s what the world should be demanding. Calling for a ceasefire with Hamas is dehumanizing to its many victims, as well as unachievable. Hamas has violated humanitarian pauses, has the stated intent and capability to attack again and again, and has been clear that they don't want peace. Indeed, the longstanding policy of the US is not to negotiate with terrorists for obvious reasons and indeed, Hamas has proven the policy correct. The pathway to lasting peace begins unquestionably by eradicating Hamas. This proposed proclamation cites the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the lack of hospitals and other essential services as grounds for a ceasefire, implying that the answer is for Israel to cease dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities. It is well documented that Hamas uses human shields, the scope and cruelty of which are being discovered daily. Hamas has fired at its own hospitals, has prevented civilians from getting care, has neglected basic infrastructure for civilians in Gaza, and stolen billions in funds intended to aid those it claims to govern, using the money to instead perpetuate terror, murder and mayhem. It is a fact that Israel cares more about humanitarian rights and the sanctity of life in Gaza than Hamas does, and, at times, Israel prioritizes minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza over the lives of its own soldiers. There is no army in modern or perhaps all of history that takes such care to avoid civilian deaths as Israel does. Israel has sent millions of texts, leaflets, and calls to warn Gazans of impending attacks. Israel stands for life; Hamas stands for death. The charter of Hamas calls for the destruction of Jews while Israeli doctors treat and care for all Palestinians, including terrorists. This proposed proclamation calling for a ceasefire on the basis of human rights is advocating for anything but that. Israel's mission to eradicate Hamas is the closest path to upholding human rights, protecting Gazans from their own leadership, and ensuring the security and safety of Jews in Israel and around the world, including tens of thousands of Coloradans. This proposed proclamation uses weight of public opinion being in favor of a ceasefire as a basis for the proposed proclamation. I read this argument in disbelief; have we come down to the leadership of our great city being led by the news? I mourn the loss of fair judgment and of the support of basic human rights, and I fear the repercussions upon the Jews of Denver if such a resolution is allowed to pass. It is well known that Hamas is waging a psychological war of brutality, fearmongering, and distortion of reality. This proposed proclamation, I am afraid, will further the goals of Hamas by supporting terrorism, furthering hate, and allowing human rights violations to be perpetuated by Hamas; in short, doing everything to go against what this proclamation proposes. I call on you to urgently, and unequivocally reject this proposed proclamation.

I write to you, as a member of the Denver Jewish Community, deeply saddened, hurt, and gravely concerned about the proposed proclamation titled “A Proclamation Affirming Denver’s Commitment to Human Rights and Support for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.” While I would like to believe the proposed proclamation was born out of concern for human life, from my perspective, it is, at best ill-conceived, misinformed, and dangerous, both to Denverites and beyond. Justifying Hamas’ civilian-shield strategy emboldens terrorists and increases antisemitism. I join the thousands of citizens of Denver in protesting this proposed proclamation and urge you to do everything in your power to ensure it does not pass. This proposed proclamation condemns hate attacks on all demographics, and as is well documented, a large majority of hate crimes are antisemitic in nature and against Jews. The increase in attacks and antisemitic incidents against Jews has increased by over 300% since the unprovoked, well-planned October 7th brutal massacre, rape, and abduction by Hamas against innocent Israelis and Israel subsequent effort to defend itself and support its moral obligation to eradicate the terrorist Hamas organization. I am deeply concerned that the proposed proclamation undermines the safety and well-being of Jews in Denver. This proposed proclamation assumes the number of casualties in Gaza provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry is correct, even though the Gaza Health Ministry has been accused of both exaggerating the number of casualties and including the deaths of terrorist militants. While every innocent death is a tragedy of immense proportions, it can't be confused with misrepresentations of reality. This proposed proclamation acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hamas and rightfully condemns it, but at the same time, it rationalizes the massacre and denies Israel's moral obligation both to its citizens and the citizens of Gaza to eradicate Hamas. For there to be any hope of reconciliation and prosperity for Israelis and Gazans, Hamas’ capabilities must be destroyed. To refer to the rape, abduction, torture, and burning of men, women, and babies as a "crisis [that] takes place within a long history" seems to me to be a form of moral equivalency and an attempt to justify the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Hamas has attacked Israeli civilians and hides behind its own people, exacting a very steep human toll. Hamas must return the hostages it continues to hold, surrender and disband so that Gazans and Israelis can begin to think about a future, and that’s what the world should be demanding. Calling for a ceasefire with Hamas is dehumanizing to its many victims, as well as unachievable. Hamas has violated humanitarian pauses, has the stated intent and capability to attack again and again, and has been clear that they don't want peace. Indeed, the longstanding policy of the US is not to negotiate with terrorists for obvious reasons and indeed, Hamas has proven the policy correct. The pathway to lasting peace begins unquestionably by eradicating Hamas. This proposed proclamation cites the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the lack of hospitals and other essential services as grounds for a ceasefire, implying that the answer is for Israel to cease dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities. It is well documented that Hamas uses human shields, the scope and cruelty of which are being discovered daily. Hamas has fired at its own hospitals, has prevented civilians from getting care, has neglected basic infrastructure for civilians in Gaza, and stolen billions in funds intended to aid those it claims to govern, using the money to instead perpetuate terror, murder and mayhem. It is a fact that Israel cares more about humanitarian rights and the sanctity of life in Gaza than Hamas does, and, at times, Israel prioritizes minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza over the lives of its own soldiers. There is no army in modern or perhaps all of history that takes such care to avoid civilian deaths as Israel does. Israel has sent millions of texts, leaflets, and calls to warn Gazans of impending attacks. Israel stands for life; Hamas stands for death. The charter of Hamas calls for the destruction of Jews while Israeli doctors treat and care for all Palestinians, including terrorists. This proposed proclamation calling for a ceasefire on the basis of human rights is advocating for anything but that. Israel's mission to eradicate Hamas is the closest path to upholding human rights, protecting Gazans from their own leadership, and ensuring the security and safety of Jews in Israel and around the world, including tens of thousands of Coloradans. This proposed proclamation uses weight of public opinion being in favor of a ceasefire as a basis for the proposed proclamation. I read this argument in disbelief; have we come down to the leadership of our great city being led by the news? I mourn the loss of fair judgment and of the support of basic human rights, and I fear the repercussions upon the Jews of Denver if such a resolution is allowed to pass. It is well known that Hamas is waging a psychological war of brutality, fearmongering, and distortion of reality. This proposed proclamation, I am afraid, will further the goals of Hamas by supporting terrorism, furthering hate, and allowing human rights violations to be perpetuated by Hamas; in short, doing everything to go against what this proclamation proposes. I call on you to urgently, and unequivocally reject this proposed proclamation.

I write to you, as a member of the Denver Jewish Community, deeply saddened, hurt, and gravely concerned about the proposed proclamation titled “A Proclamation Affirming Denver’s Commitment to Human Rights and Support for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.” While I would like to believe the proposed proclamation was born out of concern for human life, from my perspective, it is, at best ill-conceived, misinformed, and dangerous, both to Denverites and beyond. Justifying Hamas’ civilian-shield strategy emboldens terrorists and increases antisemitism. I join the thousands of citizens of Denver in protesting this proposed proclamation and urge you to do everything in your power to ensure it does not pass. This proposed proclamation condemns hate attacks on all demographics, and as is well documented, a large majority of hate crimes are antisemitic in nature and against Jews. The increase in attacks and antisemitic incidents against Jews has increased by over 300% since the unprovoked, well-planned October 7th brutal massacre, rape, and abduction by Hamas against innocent Israelis and Israel subsequent effort to defend itself and support its moral obligation to eradicate the terrorist Hamas organization. I am deeply concerned that the proposed proclamation undermines the safety and well-being of Jews in Denver. This proposed proclamation assumes the number of casualties in Gaza provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry is correct, even though the Gaza Health Ministry has been accused of both exaggerating the number of casualties and including the deaths of terrorist militants. While every innocent death is a tragedy of immense proportions, it can't be confused with misrepresentations of reality. This proposed proclamation acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hamas and rightfully condemns it, but at the same time, it rationalizes the massacre and denies Israel's moral obligation both to its citizens and the citizens of Gaza to eradicate Hamas. For there to be any hope of reconciliation and prosperity for Israelis and Gazans, Hamas’ capabilities must be destroyed. To refer to the rape, abduction, torture, and burning of men, women, and babies as a "crisis [that] takes place within a long history" seems to me to be a form of moral equivalency and an attempt to justify the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Hamas has attacked Israeli civilians and hides behind its own people, exacting a very steep human toll. Hamas must return the hostages it continues to hold, surrender and disband so that Gazans and Israelis can begin to think about a future, and that’s what the world should be demanding. Calling for a ceasefire with Hamas is dehumanizing to its many victims, as well as unachievable. Hamas has violated humanitarian pauses, has the stated intent and capability to attack again and again, and has been clear that they don't want peace. Indeed, the longstanding policy of the US is not to negotiate with terrorists for obvious reasons and indeed, Hamas has proven the policy correct. The pathway to lasting peace begins unquestionably by eradicating Hamas. This proposed proclamation cites the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the lack of hospitals and other essential services as grounds for a ceasefire, implying that the answer is for Israel to cease dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities. It is well documented that Hamas uses human shields, the scope and cruelty of which are being discovered daily. Hamas has fired at its own hospitals, has prevented civilians from getting care, has neglected basic infrastructure for civilians in Gaza, and stolen billions in funds intended to aid those it claims to govern, using the money to instead perpetuate terror, murder and mayhem. It is a fact that Israel cares more about humanitarian rights and the sanctity of life in Gaza than Hamas does, and, at times, Israel prioritizes minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza over the lives of its own soldiers. There is no army in modern or perhaps all of history that takes such care to avoid civilian deaths as Israel does. Israel has sent millions of texts, leaflets, and calls to warn Gazans of impending attacks. Israel stands for life; Hamas stands for death. The charter of Hamas calls for the destruction of Jews while Israeli doctors treat and care for all Palestinians, including terrorists. This proposed proclamation calling for a ceasefire on the basis of human rights is advocating for anything but that. Israel's mission to eradicate Hamas is the closest path to upholding human rights, protecting Gazans from their own leadership, and ensuring the security and safety of Jews in Israel and around the world, including tens of thousands of Coloradans. This proposed proclamation uses weight of public opinion being in favor of a ceasefire as a basis for the proposed proclamation. I read this argument in disbelief; have we come down to the leadership of our great city being led by the news? I mourn the loss of fair judgment and of the support of basic human rights, and I fear the repercussions upon the Jews of Denver if such a resolution is allowed to pass. It is well known that Hamas is waging a psychological war of brutality, fearmongering, and distortion of reality. This proposed proclamation, I am afraid, will further the goals of Hamas by supporting terrorism, furthering hate, and allowing human rights violations to be perpetuated by Hamas; in short, doing everything to go against what this proclamation proposes. I call on you to urgently, and unequivocally reject this proposed proclamation.

I write to you, as a member of the Denver Jewish Community, deeply saddened, hurt, and gravely concerned about the proposed proclamation titled “A Proclamation Affirming Denver’s Commitment to Human Rights and Support for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.” While I would like to believe the proposed proclamation was born out of concern for human life, from my perspective, it is, at best ill-conceived, misinformed, and dangerous, both to Denverites and beyond. Justifying Hamas’ civilian-shield strategy emboldens terrorists and increases antisemitism. I join the thousands of citizens of Denver in protesting this proposed proclamation and urge you to do everything in your power to ensure it does not pass. This proposed proclamation condemns hate attacks on all demographics, and as is well documented, a large majority of hate crimes are antisemitic in nature and against Jews. The increase in attacks and antisemitic incidents against Jews has increased by over 300% since the unprovoked, well-planned October 7th brutal massacre, rape, and abduction by Hamas against innocent Israelis and Israel subsequent effort to defend itself and support its moral obligation to eradicate the terrorist Hamas organization. I am deeply concerned that the proposed proclamation undermines the safety and well-being of Jews in Denver. This proposed proclamation assumes the number of casualties in Gaza provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry is correct, even though the Gaza Health Ministry has been accused of both exaggerating the number of casualties and including the deaths of terrorist militants. While every innocent death is a tragedy of immense proportions, it can't be confused with misrepresentations of reality. This proposed proclamation acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hamas and rightfully condemns it, but at the same time, it rationalizes the massacre and denies Israel's moral obligation both to its citizens and the citizens of Gaza to eradicate Hamas. For there to be any hope of reconciliation and prosperity for Israelis and Gazans, Hamas’ capabilities must be destroyed. To refer to the rape, abduction, torture, and burning of men, women, and babies as a "crisis [that] takes place within a long history" seems to me to be a form of moral equivalency and an attempt to justify the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Hamas has attacked Israeli civilians and hides behind its own people, exacting a very steep human toll. Hamas must return the hostages it continues to hold, surrender and disband so that Gazans and Israelis can begin to think about a future, and that’s what the world should be demanding. Calling for a ceasefire with Hamas is dehumanizing to its many victims, as well as unachievable. Hamas has violated humanitarian pauses, has the stated intent and capability to attack again and again, and has been clear that they don't want peace. Indeed, the longstanding policy of the US is not to negotiate with terrorists for obvious reasons and indeed, Hamas has proven the policy correct. The pathway to lasting peace begins unquestionably by eradicating Hamas. This proposed proclamation cites the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the lack of hospitals and other essential services as grounds for a ceasefire, implying that the answer is for Israel to cease dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities. It is well documented that Hamas uses human shields, the scope and cruelty of which are being discovered daily. Hamas has fired at its own hospitals, has prevented civilians from getting care, has neglected basic infrastructure for civilians in Gaza, and stolen billions in funds intended to aid those it claims to govern, using the money to instead perpetuate terror, murder and mayhem. It is a fact that Israel cares more about humanitarian rights and the sanctity of life in Gaza than Hamas does, and, at times, Israel prioritizes minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza over the lives of its own soldiers. There is no army in modern or perhaps all of history that takes such care to avoid civilian deaths as Israel does. Israel has sent millions of texts, leaflets, and calls to warn Gazans of impending attacks. Israel stands for life; Hamas stands for death. The charter of Hamas calls for the destruction of Jews while Israeli doctors treat and care for all Palestinians, including terrorists. This proposed proclamation calling for a ceasefire on the basis of human rights is advocating for anything but that. Israel's mission to eradicate Hamas is the closest path to upholding human rights, protecting Gazans from their own leadership, and ensuring the security and safety of Jews in Israel and around the world, including tens of thousands of Coloradans. This proposed proclamation uses weight of public opinion being in favor of a ceasefire as a basis for the proposed proclamation. I read this argument in disbelief; have we come down to the leadership of our great city being led by the news? I mourn the loss of fair judgment and of the support of basic human rights, and I fear the repercussions upon the Jews of Denver if such a resolution is allowed to pass. It is well known that Hamas is waging a psychological war of brutality, fearmongering, and distortion of reality. This proposed proclamation, I am afraid, will further the goals of Hamas by supporting terrorism, furthering hate, and allowing human rights violations to be perpetuated by Hamas; in short, doing everything to go against what this proclamation proposes. I call on you to urgently, and unequivocally reject this proposed proclamation.

I write to you, as a member of the Denver Jewish Community, deeply saddened, hurt, and gravely concerned about the proposed proclamation titled “A Proclamation Affirming Denver’s Commitment to Human Rights and Support for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.” While I would like to believe the proposed proclamation was born out of concern for human life, from my perspective, it is, at best ill-conceived, misinformed, and dangerous, both to Denverites and beyond. Justifying Hamas’ civilian-shield strategy emboldens terrorists and increases antisemitism. I join the thousands of citizens of Denver in protesting this proposed proclamation and urge you to do everything in your power to ensure it does not pass. This proposed proclamation condemns hate attacks on all demographics, and as is well documented, a large majority of hate crimes are antisemitic in nature and against Jews. The increase in attacks and antisemitic incidents against Jews has increased by over 300% since the unprovoked, well-planned October 7th brutal massacre, rape, and abduction by Hamas against innocent Israelis and Israel subsequent effort to defend itself and support its moral obligation to eradicate the terrorist Hamas organization. I am deeply concerned that the proposed proclamation undermines the safety and well-being of Jews in Denver. This proposed proclamation assumes the number of casualties in Gaza provided by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry is correct, even though the Gaza Health Ministry has been accused of both exaggerating the number of casualties and including the deaths of terrorist militants. While every innocent death is a tragedy of immense proportions, it can't be confused with misrepresentations of reality. This proposed proclamation acknowledges the atrocities committed by Hamas and rightfully condemns it, but at the same time, it rationalizes the massacre and denies Israel's moral obligation both to its citizens and the citizens of Gaza to eradicate Hamas. For there to be any hope of reconciliation and prosperity for Israelis and Gazans, Hamas’ capabilities must be destroyed. To refer to the rape, abduction, torture, and burning of men, women, and babies as a "crisis [that] takes place within a long history" seems to me to be a form of moral equivalency and an attempt to justify the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas. Hamas has attacked Israeli civilians and hides behind its own people, exacting a very steep human toll. Hamas must return the hostages it continues to hold, surrender and disband so that Gazans and Israelis can begin to think about a future, and that’s what the world should be demanding. Calling for a ceasefire with Hamas is dehumanizing to its many victims, as well as unachievable. Hamas has violated humanitarian pauses, has the stated intent and capability to attack again and again, and has been clear that they don't want peace. Indeed, the longstanding policy of the US is not to negotiate with terrorists for obvious reasons and indeed, Hamas has proven the policy correct. The pathway to lasting peace begins unquestionably by eradicating Hamas. This proposed proclamation cites the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the lack of hospitals and other essential services as grounds for a ceasefire, implying that the answer is for Israel to cease dismantling Hamas's infrastructure and capabilities. It is well documented that Hamas uses human shields, the scope and cruelty of which are being discovered daily. Hamas has fired at its own hospitals, has prevented civilians from getting care, has neglected basic infrastructure for civilians in Gaza, and stolen billions in funds intended to aid those it claims to govern, using the money to instead perpetuate terror, murder and mayhem. It is a fact that Israel cares more about humanitarian rights and the sanctity of life in Gaza than Hamas does, and, at times, Israel prioritizes minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza over the lives of its own soldiers. There is no army in modern or perhaps all of history that takes such care to avoid civilian deaths as Israel does. Israel has sent millions of texts, leaflets, and calls to warn Gazans of impending attacks. Israel stands for life; Hamas stands for death. The charter of Hamas calls for the destruction of Jews while Israeli doctors treat and care for all Palestinians, including terrorists. This proposed proclamation calling for a ceasefire on the basis of human rights is advocating for anything but that. Israel's mission to eradicate Hamas is the closest path to upholding human rights, protecting Gazans from their own leadership, and ensuring the security and safety of Jews in Israel and around the world, including tens of thousands of Coloradans. This proposed proclamation uses weight of public opinion being in favor of a ceasefire as a basis for the proposed proclamation. I read this argument in disbelief; have we come down to the leadership of our great city being led by the news? I mourn the loss of fair judgment and of the support of basic human rights, and I fear the repercussions upon the Jews of Denver if such a resolution is allowed to pass. It is well known that Hamas is waging a psychological war of brutality, fearmongering, and distortion of reality. This proposed proclamation, I am afraid, will further the goals of Hamas by supporting terrorism, furthering hate, and allowing human rights violations to be perpetuated by Hamas; in short, doing everything to go against what this proclamation proposes. I call on you to urgently, and unequivocally reject this proposed proclamation.