A Town of Needham Human Rights Committee meeting that included a public comment period on Gaza ended with the panel voting to reaffirm the committee’s Nov. 16, 2023 statement and not to issue a new, separate declaration.

Public commenters urged a stronger response. Sarah Donegan, a Needham resident and member of Needham for Palestine, told the committee, “I encourage you all to make a statement … to condemn Israel’s genocide in Palestine,” and cited casualty figures she attributed to Israeli data. Saket Khan, another resident, said that materials about Oct. 7 do not justify later violence: “there is nothing that occurred on October 7 that could justify or excuse the genocide that has taken place thereafter.” Barry Hawk, who said he has been active with Needham for Palestine, described ongoing civilian deaths, saying the conflict has become “a slow genocide.” These speakers and others asked the committee to act or to be on record.

Committee members debated the request at length, raising procedural and substantive concerns. One committee member said, “we don't have agreement in this room about whether or not it's genocide,” noting disagreement among analysts and legal experts and cautioning that adopting that term would be difficult for the committee to do by consensus. Several members said the committee’s role centers on education, community outreach and response, and that drafting a new town-level statement would require substantial outreach and time.

After discussion, a committee member moved that “the statement that we made 11/16/2023 still stands” and that “at this time, there will be no further comments, no further written comments.” Carrie Nolan seconded the motion. The transcript records named recorded votes including Cynthia (no), Gemma (stated she had not yet been sworn in/stayed), Tina (yes), Jennifer (no) and Marlene Schultz (yes); the chair announced that the motion passed. The transcript does not provide a complete numeric roll call tally beyond these named entries.

The public participation protocol read at the meeting clarified that speakers have up to five minutes and that the committee will take matters under advisement and report back to individuals who filed complaints. Committee members discussed alternatives to a new statement, including organizing community dialogues and educational events and coordinating with local organizations such as the Clergy Association.

The meeting closed after the vote. Members also reminded attendees about an upcoming remembrance event and suggested posting information on the Town of Needham website.