Op Ed: How the Israeli and Palestinian Conflict Impacts Ohio’s Local Government 

By TMO Staff 

In October, the Palestine and Israel region’s already existing conflict was exacerbated leading to a direct war between the two countries. The conflict has existed for decades and has claimed millions of lives, and displaced several people from their homeland.

The United States of America has always shown solidarity and support to only the Israeli side of the war.

“The safety of American citizens—whether at home or abroad—is my top priority as President. While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas. I have directed my team to work with their Israeli counterparts on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the United States government to consult with and advise Israeli counterparts on hostage recovery efforts,” President Joe Biden said in a public statement. 

In Ohio, lawmakers also have taken a stance to only support Israel. The legislature passed a resolution portraying their unwavering support to the people suffering in the Israeli region.  However, State Representative Munira Yasin Abdullahi is the first Muslim woman and Somali to serve in Ohio’s legislature. And, has been open about both sides suffering due to the escalating tensions. She was the only lawmaker in the Ohio House of Representatives to vote “No” on the resolution.

“I will be voting No on the resolution today. I unfortunately will not be allowed to speak on my reasonings. This vote does not imply that I do not stand and pray for Jewish lives lost. But, I cannot stand with a resolution that ignores the cost and plight of the Palestinian people,” State Rep. Munira Yasin Abdullahi (D) Columbus said.

Abdullahi says every life is important and it was a hard decision to make. She says, no one wants to vote against a resolution that condemns violence. However, in her eyes, this resolution fell short of condemning the damage done to the Palestinian side of the issue. 

“I still strongly pray for the Jewish lives lost and mourn with my Jewish friends and neighbors as they live through this devastating moment,” Abdullahi said. 

Abdullahi described how the Palestinian children are emotionally, and physically suffering at the moment as well. 

“The Palestinian children also deserve someone to stand up for them and condemn their murder. Those babies who right now are denied water, electricity, and medicine, deserve to have someone stand up for them and condemn their abuse. An abuse they have suffered for over 75 years. With over 6,000 Palestinian lives lost since 2008 and thousands more injured and displaced,” Abdullahi said. 

Meanwhile, the Ohio House Democrats released this statement regarding the ongoing conflict: