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Poll results

In a unanimous resolution opposing the war in Gaza, the Portland City Council last week said the city will divest funds from many companies doing business in Israel.

The resolution directs the city manager to eliminate any current holdings — and forego future investment — in "all entities complicit in the current and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and occupation of Palestine.”

The resolution refers to a “divestment list” with dozens of corporations. They include technology companies, financial institutions, manufacturers and defense contractors such as General Dynamics, the parent company of Bath Iron Works.

Portland currently does not hold investments in any companies on the list, but has in the past, the city's finance director told the council.

The council's action has drawn massive outpourings of both criticism and support. They reflect the sharp divide in public opinion about Israel's invasion of Gaza — which has killed more than 40,000 people, and was sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in which Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people in Israel and took some 250 hostages.

Some members of the business community also have responded to the Portland City Council's action.

Quincy Hentzel, CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, criticized the council for its "choice to pursue a path that fosters division rather than unity."

In a written statement, she said, "Rather than focusing on pressing local issues, the Council chose to engage in a matter that has little bearing on municipal governance and, worse, risks deepening divides within our community. This proclamation does nothing to address the immediate challenges that Portland faces."

Do you support Portland's decision to divest funds from businesses in Israel, because of the Gaza War?
Yes (58%, 7727 VOTES)
No (42%, 5661 VOTES)
Undecided (0%, 21 VOTES)
Poll Description

In a unanimous resolution opposing the war in Gaza, the Portland City Council last week said the city will divest funds from many companies doing business in Israel.

The resolution directs the city manager to eliminate any current holdings — and forego future investment — in "all entities complicit in the current and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and occupation of Palestine.”

The resolution refers to a “divestment list” with dozens of corporations. They include technology companies, financial institutions, manufacturers and defense contractors such as General Dynamics, the parent company of Bath Iron Works.

Portland currently does not hold investments in any companies on the list, but has in the past, the city's finance director told the council.

The council's action has drawn massive outpourings of both criticism and support. They reflect the sharp divide in public opinion about Israel's invasion of Gaza — which has killed more than 40,000 people, and was sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in which Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people in Israel and took some 250 hostages.

Some members of the business community also have responded to the Portland City Council's action.

Quincy Hentzel, CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, criticized the council for its "choice to pursue a path that fosters division rather than unity."

In a written statement, she said, "Rather than focusing on pressing local issues, the Council chose to engage in a matter that has little bearing on municipal governance and, worse, risks deepening divides within our community. This proclamation does nothing to address the immediate challenges that Portland faces."

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  • 27 Comments
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27 Comments

  • Janet Wilson
    September 10, 2024

    Hamas could have decided long ago to release their remaining hostages if they want the war to stop. The U.S. should support Israel, one of our best allies, who did not begin this fight.

  • September 10, 2024

    It takes courage to stand up on the right side of history. Our businesses don’t have to be stained by the blood of innocents in Palestine!! I lift my hat to all those who worked and supported such a courageous and heroic decision!!

  • September 10, 2024

    To claim this is antisemitism is beyond tone deaf and propaganda. Children are currently undergoing because of bomb craters. That were supposedly safe areas with tents. Innocent people are dying of thirst. And this is the solution. Not continuing to pay your tax dollars to FUND GENOCIDE. FREE PALESTINE TILL ITS BACKWARDS

  • Sherrie Mathieson
    September 10, 2024

    HAMAS embeds itself in hospitals, schools and homes of Palestinians. Why? Because it causes Palestinian civilian casualties--and HAMAS wants that. Why? Because then we have THIS type of predictable reaction. It's a PR war against Israel. Ignorance prevails about this. Heartstrings are tugged (yet interestingly NOT against Russia who does this with impunity and NOT in the same circumstances because Ukraine soldiers do NOT imbed themselves amongst Ukrainians!). IDF soldiers DIE because they are trying to be so careful--yet the task is to eradicate HAMAS (really Iran is behind it ALL).

  • September 10, 2024

    truly cannot believe these racist, hateful, ignorant comments. as though a place that does not reflect the western imperial model of civilization is not worthy of life and freedom. the civilians, the mothers and children and men of palestine deserve to live freely, not in an apartheid state, not under occupation. as long as there is occupation, hamas will exist. portlands decision to financially divest from the illegal state of israel is courageous and makes us on the right of history— we will no longer contribute to the most documented genocide in human history. never again means never again for anyone. anti zionism is not antisemitism, how many times do we have to say it?