JUF NEWS
May 1, 2015

Illinois is poised to become the first state to adopt legislation countering the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Conceived by Governor Bruce Rauner, strategized in cooperation with JUF, sponsored by State Sen. Ira Silverstein and State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, and co-sponsored by House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, among others, the bill passed the Illinois Senate last week 49-0 (seven voted “present” and three did not vote). The Illinois House is expected to vote on this coming week, and adding your voice in support is critical. Take action now. Modeled on earlier state legislation that divested from South Africa, Darfur and Iran, SB 1761 requires the state’s five pension funds to divest from companies that boycott Israel. An Illinois Investment Policy Board will ensure compliance with the state’s three operative divestment laws (Darfur, Iran and Israel). READ MORE