Res. No. 992 Title Resolution calling on New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevy and Rutgers University president, Richard L. McCormick to withdraw their support of and authorization for the use of Rutgers University as the host site for the Third North American Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement, to be sponsored by New Jersey Solidarity - Activists for the Liberation of Palestine, October 10 - 12, 2003. Body By Council Members Nelson, Comrie, Fidler, Gerson, Koppell, Weprin and Gennaro Whereas, On October 10-12, 2003, the Third North American Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement (the "Conference"), will take place at Rutgers University; and Whereas, The New Jersey Solidarity - Activists for the Liberation of Palestine (the "Organizers") is the prime organizer of the Conference; and Whereas, New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevy and Rutgers University president, Richard L. McCormick have refused to withdraw their support for the use of Rutgers University as host site for the Conference; and Whereas, As stated in the Organizers' mission statement, the Organizers "...unconditionally support Palestinians' human right to resist occupation and oppression by any means necessary;" and Whereas, According to a July 11, 2003 press release issued by the Organizers, the Organizers "seek divestment from the apartheid state of Israel, and an end to the direct and indirect economic assistance which enables that state to maintain its structure of oppression and occupation;" and Whereas, In so declaring, the Organizers advocate for the destruction of the State of Israel and support the violence and bloodshed that has brought so much death and destruction to Israel and the Middle East; and Whereas, It is inappropriate to permit that a publicly funded institution such as Rutgers University be utilized to promote violence or the destruction of Israel; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevy and Rutgers University president, Richard L. McCormick to withdraw their support of and authorization for the use of Rutgers University as the host site for the Third North American Conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement, to be sponsored by New Jersey Solidarity - Activists for the Liberation of Palestine, October 10 - 12, 2003. LCG LS#2886 8/12/2003 |1013| |1013|