Portland, Maine has become the fourth city in the United States to pass a resolution that divests from Israel. This decision was met with both support and criticism from residents.
The resolution, which was approved by the city council in a narrow 6-3 vote, calls for the city to divest from any investments in companies that are complicit in human rights violations in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Advocates of the resolution argue that divestment is a necessary step to hold Israel accountable for its actions, particularly in light of recent violence in Gaza.
However, opponents of the resolution argue that it is unfair and one-sided, and that divestment from Israel could harm the city’s economy and its relationship with Israeli businesses. They also point out that similar efforts at divestment in other cities have faced legal challenges.
Portland now joins other cities in the U.S. that have passed similar resolutions, including Durham, North Carolina and the California cities of Berkeley and Davis. These actions are part of a larger movement known as Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), which seeks to put economic pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.
The passing of this resolution in Portland has sparked debate and discussion among residents, with some applauding the city council for taking a stand on human rights issues, while others expressing concern about the potential impact on the city’s economy and relationships with Israeli businesses. Only time will tell how this decision will affect Portland and its relationship with Israel.
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