Maine's Portland unanimously passes 'Israel' divestment resolution
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The mayor says the vote is intended "to send a signal" to "Israel" to end the war on Gaza.
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The streets of downtown Portland, Maine, seen on October 26, 2023 (Getty Images via AFP)
The city council of Portland, Maine, unanimously voted to divest from companies doing business with "Israel", making it the fourth US city to pass such a resolution since the beginning of the Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The resolution, which followed a lively public comment session with more supporters than opponents, calls for "divesting the City of Portland from all entities complicit in the current and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and occupation of Palestine."
The legislation includes a list of numerous companies from which the city will divest once the law is in effect. It is worth noting that Mayor Mark Dion has stated that he plans to sign the resolution.
Dion, a former sheriff and current council member, stated after the public comments, “I try to align what I believe and try to figure out what is right and just. And I’m going to vote to support this.”
He went on to say that while he understands "Israel’s desire for retribution,” he feels that “our role collectively is to grab their shoulder and say, ‘It’s enough. It’s simply enough.’ And pull them away. And that’s sometimes the greatest act of friendship you can do for someone you hold dear, as I hold my friends in the Jewish community.”
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Portland isn't the largest city by population to support this type of resolution; California cities Richmond and Hayward, which passed similar measures earlier this year, are larger. However, Portland, as the first East Coast city to endorse an "Israel" divestment measure, is notable for being the largest city in its state and the heart of its Jewish community to take such a step.
Earlier this year, Portland’s council passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire.
The Portland resolution includes a “Divestment List” featuring dozens of companies, from major businesses like General Electric, Intel, Boeing, Caterpillar, and Volvo to Israeli organizations, such as Israel Bonds and the Bank of Jerusalem, as well as weapons manufacturers like Northrop Grumman. The local federation noted that at least 7,000 Portland residents are employed by these listed companies.
During the public comment session, local Jews mainly supported the resolution. The first speaker was a Jewish resident of Portland who supported the resolution, described "Israel’s" actions in Gaza as a “genocide", and argued against the existence of a "Jewish state".
This is happening as the Israeli genocide nears a year, killing at least 40,800 Palestinians mainly women and children.
