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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."

  • 13409 Votes
  • 27 Comments
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27 Comments

  • September 9, 2024

    This Jew/Israel Hating decision is despicable!

  • September 9, 2024

    Just let Israel finish what Hamas started. It is wise to eliminate Hamas and let the Palestinian people live without fear of Hamas in the future. Hamas has shown no concern for the real citizens of Palestine. The Israelis are just doing what the people of Palestine would not do for themselves. Let's hope they develop a backbone and chose to defend themselves so that Israel doesn't have to do it for them.

    But hitting hospitals and schools with bombs is wrong. The IDF should have fought in the tunnels and flushed Hamas out that way.

  • September 9, 2024

    Divestment=Antisemitism

  • September 9, 2024

    Give up your cell phone...it was invented in Israel.

  • September 9, 2024

    Stand with civilization, stand with Israel.