As they promised two weeks ago, community leaders and residents came to Plainfield Village Hall Monday to ask why the board had not adopted a resolution calling for an immediate cease fire in Gaza.

The Plainfield Village Board meeting April 15 residents spoke about the 31,000 people reported killed in the Israel-Hamas war according to the Gaza Health Ministry. On Oct. 7, 2023, 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 764 civilians, were killed and 248 people were taken hostage during the initial attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, prompting the war.

The board did not act on the resolution because it was never put on the agenda.

Plainfield ranks 77th out of 100 cities in Illinois in terms of Arab population.  Only 1.19 percent of the village’s population as of the last census fits into that category.  Romeoville ranked 41st with 2.13 percent.  Approximately 19 percent of residents in Orland Hills identify as an Arab heritage, placing them first in the state.

During the public comments portion of the Plainfield Village Board meeting, Sherry Steele of Plainfield United Methodist Church said she wants to foster a community where diversity is celebrated.

“Even if you cannot make a resolution, support some sort of resolution to protect innocent lives,” said Steele.” on Monday. “We cannot turn a blind eye.”

Village trustee Cally Larson said Plainfield does not have the authority to issue a resolution that requires a policy to follow through and make a global or national change.

“Everybody has their faith and religion,” said Larson. “As an elected official, I left my religion at the door. Our job is to look out for everyone in the community.”

Trustee Tom Ruane agreed with Larson that as an elected official, he is not sitting on the board to set moral ground and call for a cease fire.

“I don’t want you to think your pleas are falling on deaf ears, but your pleas are falling on people who cannot do anything,” said Ruane.

Last month, Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis proclaimed solidarity with the people of Gaza and called for a permanent cease fire in the Palestinian city. He signed a proclamation urging the U.S. government to call for a cease fire, which prompted others in the community to ask the entire board to adopt the resolution and make their opinions heard. Only Argoudelis signed the proclamation.

 On Monday the village attorney said there is legal authority for the village to pass a resolution to express a sentiment of the board. But Argoudelis said he did not put a resolution on the agenda because he did not want to make a unilateral decision without support of at least three of the trustees.

“Plainfield is a beautiful diverse community,” said Argoudelis. “You are always welcome to speak your minds.”

Many who commented also asked village trustees to take a stance following the murder of a Plainfield boy they say was racially motivated. In October, the ongoing war in the Middle East between Hamas and Israel likely prompted the murder of a 6-year-old in unincorporated Plainfield. Joseph Czuba, who is awaiting trial, is accused of allegedly stabbing Wadea Al-Fayoume, 6, and his mother in the 16200 block of south Lincoln Highway (Route 30) because they are Muslims, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office. The child was stabbed 26 times and later died at a local hospital. His mother, Hanaan Shahin, 32, recovered from her injuries.

In mid-February, the Village of Bolingbrook and later Orland Park became few towns in Illinois aside from Chicago to adopt a Gaza cease-fire resolution.