In a groundbreaking decision, the Portland City Council has passed a protest resolution to divest from Israel in response to the ongoing killing of Palestinians in Gaza. Sponsored by the Maine Coalition for Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace Maine chapter, the resolution aims to withhold city money and investments from companies complicit in Israel’s war crimes.
Portland is now the fourth city in the U.S. and the first on the East Coast to adopt such a resolution. The city manager will now be tasked with divesting from corporations known to provide weapons used in Gaza, operate in illegal settlements, or profit from the oppression of Palestinians. A divestment list includes 85 entities such as Boeing, Caterpillar, Chevron, and General Dynamics.
The decision comes as reports show over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since Hamas fighters killed 1,200 Israelis in 2023. The resolution is a bold stand against the ongoing violence and occupation in Palestine, with Portland joining other cities in taking a stand against human rights violations.
The Maine Coalition for Palestine applauds the city’s decision and hopes it will inspire other cities to take similar action. The resolution sends a clear message that American cities will not tolerate complicity in the violence and oppression occurring in Gaza, and will take a stand for justice and human rights.
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