**Outrage: Portland's Anti-Israel Divestment Sparks Boycott Calls from Jewish Leaders**
In a shocking display of anti-Semitism masquerading as political action, the City Council of Portland, Maine, has unanimously approved a divestment plan targeting Israel, prompting over 100 Jewish leaders to call for a citywide boycott.
This decision, made on September 4, 2023, aims to sever financial ties with 85 companies operating in Israel, siding with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement during a time of severe conflict in the region.
The leaders of the Jewish community have voiced their staunch disapproval, characterizing the council's move as reprehensible.
They issued a clarion call in a paid advertisement published by the Portland Press Herald, urging their members and all fair-minded citizens to avoid spending their money in Portland until the city council reverses its decision.
The ad claimed, “Hatred rises where BDS is present," highlighting the inherent dangers of promoting anti-Israel sentiments amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and rampant violence.
It further emphasized that such actions only serve to fuel the escalating wave of anti-Semitism that has, unfortunately, become pervasive throughout the United States.
Despite the council's rationale for the divestment, which cited Israel’s military actions against Hamas as justification, multiple local Jewish organizations condemned the vote as a “one-sided” attack.
Notably, Portland's own Mayor, Mark Dion, who initially supported the divestment, has since publicly reversed his stance, admitting his earlier vote was a “betrayal” of the Jewish community he now pledges to support.
Dion's change of heart follows a period of personal reflection and dialogue with constituents who expressed deep concern over the implications of the council's actions.
Mayor Dion stated, “Upon personal reflection and following many private conversations I have had with our Jewish neighbors, I have come to the conclusion that my vote on the divestment was wrong.”
Democratic leaders in other locations should take heed of the fallout from this ill-advised decision.
The trend of aligning with controversial movements like BDS is not only damaging to community relations but also poses a serious risk to public safety in cities across America.
With rising tensions and violence directed at Jewish communities already troublingly evident, the Portland episode serves as a cautionary tale against the prioritization of radical ideological agendas over consensus and unity.
The lack of understanding of the ramifications of such divisive actions could very well lead to increased hostilities and societal fractures.
As calls for boycotts and pushback grow louder, Portland may find itself grappling not just with community dissent but also with the economic repercussions of its misguided policies.
In a time when solidarity with our allies should be paramount, the actions taken by the Portland City Council serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of choosing divisive politics over principled leadership.
Sources:
justthenews.comamericanthinker.comrairfoundation.com