California Senate condemns Gaza violence in bipartisan resolution
CONDEMNING GAZA VIOLENCE
A measure reaffirming California’s commitment to universal human rights sparked significant discussion Friday on the floor from 25 senators. Introduced by Sen. Aisha Wahab, D-Hayward, SCR 105 also called for an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the immediate release of all hostages. “I rise today not as a representative of a caucus, religion or identity, but simply as a human,” Wahab said.
The measure was created in collaboration with the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and went through 19 different versions, according to Sen. Henry Stern, D-Los Angeles, who said he would be boarding a flight to Israel on Saturday. Co-author Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said he hopes for a peace movement out of “this catastrophe,” requiring people and governments that are committed to peace.
SCR 105 ultimately passed with bipartisan support but not without sharp criticism from members who felt it failed to adequately address the events of Oct. 7. Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, said he felt the resolution was not “on an equal footing.” “I’ll remind this body that Israel was attacked on October 7,” he said. “And this resolution doesn’t have it being equal in terms of who’s at fault. Israel has been wanting peace, they’ve been giving up land for peace. They’ve had peace on the table.”
On the other hand, supporters including Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, highlighted the moral imperative to act, citing United Nations warnings that over half a million people in Gaza are on the brink of famine. “Our voice here in California may feel far from the devastation, but our voice matters,” Cervantes said. “Many of our own friends, neighbors, constituents, live with deep fear and grief as their loved ones suffer abroad.” T
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