DORAL.- Christi Fraga, Mayor of Doral presented the definitive Resolution 24-120 called “Peace and security for all innocent civilians in Israel and Palestine.” “During the Doral City Council meeting on May 8, 2024, I sponsored Resolution 24-120 entitled ‘Peace and security for all innocent civilians in Israel and Palestine. As the title reflects, my actions were well-intentioned. However, However, the process I followed and the final wording of the resolution, which was adopted unanimously by my City Council colleagues, was naive on my part, fundamentally flawed and has led to unintended consequences and a misunderstanding of my true position on this issue. international and local issue” Fraga clarified and added: “I am very sorry for all the turmoil it has caused in our city and state.”
The city of Doral became a pioneer in taking a significant position in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. In a move unprecedented in South Florida, the municipality issued a resolution demanding, like this new version, “the immediate and permanent end of all hostilities.” Although the resolution specifically omitted the phrase “ceasefire,” supporters contend it offered a glimmer of hope for residents burdened by witnessing prolonged violence and could set an example for other local jurisdictions.
The goal then was not to undermine the city’s commitment to Israel’s self-defense, but rather to end hostilities entirely. However, the interpretation of the resolution generated some controversy, which is why the correction occurs. It is necessary to emphasize that, for the majority, the disagreement over terminology is secondary, since what is crucial is the content and purpose of the resolution.
At the press conference, the mayor emphasized that “the terrorist organization Hamas began this war on October 7, 2023, which has caused thousands of civilian deaths and enormous suffering, and has revealed some divisions in the United States. To be clear, Israel has the right to defend its citizens and its existence. The war and the collateral damage suffered by Gazans can now end as soon as possible. while Hamas releases all the hostages and surrenders unconditionally. This is a matter of common sense, not partisanship. “It’s a case of good versus evil.”
Statistically, at the beginning of hostilities, the aforementioned brutal and unprecedented attack by Hamas, which killed some 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took another 250 hostages.
“Unlike my political opponents, when I make a mistake, I take responsibility, I own it, I learn from it and I atone for it. To remedy the resolution our City Council adopted last week, I am sponsoring a replacement Resolution 24-120 for consideration at the next scheduled special City Council meeting that accurately portrays the current war in the Middle East and the sentiment of City of Doral. “I urge my colleagues to adopt this resolution unanimously,” Fraga urged.
“I want to thank Consul General of Israel Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Miami Beach City Commissioner David Suarez, the Jewish Federation of Greater Miami, the Jewish Community Relations Council and many others who have helped us reach this corrective action by sharing revealing facts and data: the mayor stressed.
