ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Emotions ran high during Wednesday’s Common Council meeting in Ithaca.

Alderperson David Shapiro walked out, after an exchange with Mayor Robert Cantelmo.

“This is out of order right now,” Shapiro said. “We should not be conducting business in here, while there’s racist things being placed in front of us.”

Shapiro was pointing to a sign that said – from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free – according to Ithaca Voice reporter Judy Lucas. He rejoined the meeting after about 30 minutes.

Later in the session, officials approved a resolution that calls for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, and an end to U.S. military funding to Israel.

The resolution passed in a 9-2 vote. Shapiro and Alderperson Pierre Saint-Perez voted against it.