The city of Northampton now faces a lawsuit for its resolution that calls for divestment from companies allegedly complicit in violations of international law and human rights in Israel and Palestine. Good.
It is a resolution that exceeds the City Council’s legal authority as it ignores fiduciary responsibility, inappropriately injects itself into foreign affairs and divides a community. It is driven by activists who mistakenly accuse Israel of “apartheid” and “genocide.”
The council’s explanation for this resolution is that it’s about “taking a stand” for humanitarian values, with Israel as the single target. Let me ask:
Is this resolution about taking a stand against the right of Israel to defend itself from Hamas terrorists that committed one of the worst atrocities of the 21st century on October 7, 2023?
Is it about taking a stand against war? If so, there are any number of conflicts to choose from. Why single out Israel? Why order the city treasurer to divest or shun Israel bonds from city financial holdings?
Is it about taking a stand against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza? What about Hamas? After all they are the ones who, having perpetrated unspeakable atrocities against innocent Israeli citizens, hide behind Gazan civilians as human shields. Gaza has been a humanitarian crisis since Hamas brutalized its way into power 20 years ago when Israel turned over the Gaza strip to the Palestinians in a gesture of peace. Hamas built terror tunnels under schools, hospitals and apartment buildings where they hid and tortured hostages while the Gazans that they’ve oppressed for two decades die for its genocidal mission of wiping Israel off the map.
I also wonder how Northampton city employees feel about their pension and health care funds being targeted by this resolution. Did city councilors ask what they think? Shouldn’t taxpayers and city employees have a say in whether politicians should be allowed to control city funds according to political agendas?
Finally, do City Council members consider how divisive this resolution is in Northampton? Are they aware that some people in this community have been advised by the police, concerned about the rise in antisemitic assaults raging across the country, to not put out yard signs showing support for Israel?
It seems doubtful that Northampton city councilors approved this resolution after looking deeply into the complex historical and political realities that underlie this latest Israeli/Palestinian conflict or examined their motives for approving it, beyond siding with a select crowd.
Yes. There is extreme humanitarian suffering in Gaza and in Israel. We all want this suffering to stop. There is also extreme disinformation surrounding this conflict.
If City Council members want to do the right thing, they should overturn this resolution, focus on actions that benefit Northampton citizens, and stop using city funds for resolutions that are biased, divisive and help no one.
Angela Zimm lives in Northampton.