Sponsored by the Maine Coalition for Palestine and the Maine chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP), the newly approved resolution contains a “divestment list” of more than 85 companies, from U.S.-based Chevron, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing to Israel-based Elbit Systems. The list also includes public entities such as Israel Bonds and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries.

The Maine Coalition for Palestine said Wednesday’s vote makes Portland the fourth U.S. city to adopt an Israel divestment resolution. Two California cities — Hayward and Richmond — and Hamtramck, Michigan passed similar divestment resolutions earlier this year.

“Americans overwhelmingly want a cease-fire and an arms embargo,” the group continued. “Divestment sends a clear message that current U.S. policy towards Palestinians is morally unacceptable and does not serve the interests of our country. We urge everyone to join this effort in their own communities. Our tax money should not be spent killing women and children in Palestine.”

  • Flying Squid
    link
    1710 days ago

    Wow. I honestly did not expect an American city of that size to do BDS!