During the Feb 20 meeting, Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek looked at everyone and said, “You have us all on video, on YouTube, here making a commitment to this.”

Kwiated was referring to Bethlehem City Council spending the following two weeks working on drafting a resolution which would echo the sentiments of expressed by residents on the unfolding events in Gaza.

Council President Michael Colon made the point of saying the agenda is published the Friday before the meetings.

On March 5, around 200 people gathered on Payrow Plaza before the start of council. Most felt betrayed by their elected officials not having kept their word about placing a motion in which Bethlehem City Council condemns the violence and calls for a cease fire in Gaza.

By the time the meeting started, Town Hall was filled beyond capacity with dozens of students and residents crowding the hallways as a few Bethlehem City Police officers ensured safety regulations were met.

Colon began by addressing the public about the promised motion. He explained much had changed since the last meeting, referring to higher level government officials taking a public stand, such as Congresswoman Susan Wild and U.S. President Joe Biden.

Colon read a letter to be sent to higher government officials, which reflected many of the concerns and views addressed to council at the Feb 20 meeting.

For those sitting in the room, the letter was not enough. Many voiced disappointments, spoke of broken promises and trust, and said council members are not doing their job in listening and acting on the concerns of those who voted for them.

The Lafayette student who made an impactful address on Feb 20 addressed council again. Feeling betrayed and unheard on his pleas for a call for peace and cease fire in Gaza, he said, “You affirmed that our lives don’t matter. But I’m here today because I will not give up, because I will not stop fighting for my life to matter.”

In reference to questions to try to understand why a motion or resolution cannot immediately be added to the agenda, Colon asked City Solicitor Stephanie Steward to explain the section on advertising such items of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act.

Steward started by addressing the public calls to suspend the rules and call for a resolution immediately.

“That is not possible,” she said.

According to Commonwealth Statutes, items, such as a resolution, must be posted on the public agenda before a meeting.

Someone from the public yelled out they would pass a resolution within Town Hall without the help of council. Colon called out, “Order,” and within moments, he and Bethlehem City Police Chief Kott ended the meeting and ensured everyone left the building safely.