Medford Divests: Votes To Stop Investing In Certain Companies

MEDFORD, MA — The City Council voted to pass an ordinance that divests city funds from any companies it believes supplies weapons, derive revenue from prisons or fossil fuels, or contribute to human rights violations such as genocide during its latest meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

The motion passed by a vote of five in favor against one opposed, with Councilor George Scarpelli being the sole vote against. Councilor Anna Callahan was not present for the meeting and therefore did not vote.

While it is not specifically stated in the motion, the Values-Aligned Local Investments Ordinance was primarily inspired by the ongoing events in Gaza between Israel and Palestine.

“This policy is foundationally aligned with my Jewish faith and with the imperative to repair the world,” Council Vice President Kit Collins said. “I feel offended and saddened to know that there are people with whom I share a Jewish identity who see me as illegitimate or claiming a Jewish identity that is not mine because I do not share their politics or ideology about Zionism and the state of Israel.”

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that President Donald Trump and his administration would withhold Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for communities that boycott Israeli companies.

“When a bully and a tyrant comes after you, you don’t give in,” Council President Isaac Bears said about Trump. “Everyone who has given in has lost more and lost ground and made the next attack more likely.”

The Department of Homeland Security has since denied those reports and claims there is no condition tied to Israel when it comes to receiving disaster relief funding.

Medford is the third municipality in the country to execute this type of divestiture along with Portland, Maine and Dearborn, Michigan.

The Department of Homeland Security has since denied those reports.

Dozens of residents stepped to the podium to voice their opinions before the council voted, with many expressing support and some expressing disagreement.

According to the ordinance text, funds must be divested by Dec. 31 of this year.