DETROIT – The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Friday became the most prominent religious group in the United States to endorse divestment as a protest against Israeli policies toward Palestinians, voting to sell church stock in three companies whose products Israel uses in the occupied territories. The General Assembly voted by a razor-thin margin -- 310-303 -- to sell stock in Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola Solutions. Two years ago, the General Assembly rejected a similar divestment proposal by two votes. The American Jewish Committee, a policy and advocacy group based in New York, said the vote was driven by hatred of Israel. But Heath Rada, moderator for the church meeting, said immediately after the vote that in no way is this a reflection of our lack of love for our Jewish brothers and sisters. The decision is expected to reverberate well beyond the church. It comes amid discouragement over failed peace talks that have left activists desperate for some way to affect change and as the broader movement known as BDS -- or boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel -- has gained some momentum in the U.S., Israels closest and most important ally.
Posted on: Sun, 22 Jun 2014 12:47:53 +0000
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