The Battle for Divestment from Israeli Securities in Somerville


 

Publication Date: September 2005

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Seva Brodsky

Research Area: Banking and finance; Culture and religion; Politics

Keywords: Community Relations; Communal Organizations; Political Behavior; Israel Advocacy

Type: Report

Coverage: Massachusetts

Abstract:

In the summer of 2003, the city of Somerville, in the metropolitan Boston area, became a battleground for a proposed municipal divestment campaign against Israel. The municipality set to divest from Israeli government bonds and any companies engaged with Israel in military business. The Jewish community of the metropolitan Boston area quickly mobilized to fight this divestment campaign. This article shares the story of this process of communal organization, its positive conclusion, aftermath, and lessons to be drawn from the experience.