More than 50 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have called for a permanent cease-fire to end the death and destruction in Gaza and to forge a path for the long-term resolution of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. So, too, have three U.S. senators.

They have recognized the importance of condemning the horrors associated with the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and the Israeli bombing campaign that has targeted Gaza. They want to see the release of all hostages. And they believe, correctly we think, that this crisis will not be resolved without a cease-fire.

While we know that many of these officials have been moved to speak up by the call of conscience, we recognize that encouragement from constituents can move members to make bolder and more public stands. That’s why it matters when city councils endorse ceasefire resolutions, as Madison council members proposed to do this week. And that’s why we hope councils, village boards, town boards and county boards across Wisconsin will join local government bodies across the country in urging federal officials to support a humane and necessary cease-fire.

Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan is already a cease-fire proponent. But Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, and Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, need to know where Wisconsinites stand, and resolutions passed at the grassroots level deliver an important message on behalf of peace and justice.