Radical Divestment Push in Portland, Maine

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA) or its affiliates. 

On September 4th, the Portland City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for divestment from entities it deems complicit in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupation of Palestine. While this decision appears to be a statement of solidarity with oppressed peoples, it actually reflects a troubling and dangerous trend within segments of Portland’s far-left, where radicalized voices have hijacked discussions about Israel and what it means to be a Zionist Jew.

As a lifelong democrat and advocate for peace and justice—and as a Jewish woman who has dedicated her career to strengthening my community—I am heartbroken by this turn of events. This is not only about a misguided resolution. It’s about the broader ideological transformation within progressive circles, where many have become willing to overlook historical truth, nuance, and the safety of Jews in order to align with a simplistic, one-sided narrative. Even more troubling, this radicalization has taken root within certain segments of the Jewish community itself, where duty toward “justice” has distorted into distancing from Israel at all costs.

This radicalization was starkly evident that evening, as the resolution brought before the council was based on distorted facts, failed to acknowledge the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and completely ignored Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. Presented as a moral imperative, it felt more like an indictment—a singling out the world’s only Jewish state, while ignoring the terrorist atrocities that precipitated the very crisis it claims to address.

The October 7 attacks by Hamas were acts of terror—brutal, inhumane, and unconscionable. More than 1,200 Israelis were murdered. The scars of that day are fresh for us in the Jewish community, and our pain is profound. Yet, instead of engaging in thoughtful dialogue, too many on the far-left have chosen to weaponize their outrage, calling for divestment not from terror, but from Israel’s defense, with little regard for what that means on the ground.

It is a difficult truth to confront: some within our own Jewish community have been swept up in this fervor. They believe that by joining in calls for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), they are standing on the right side of history. In reality, they have allowed themselves to be co-opted by a movement that undermines Israel’s right to exist, and that does so in ways that dangerously isolate and endanger Jews worldwide. There is nothing pro-peace in demanding divestment from Israel while ignoring Hamas’ violent extremism, or the broader regional threats Israel faces from Hezbollah, Iran, and others.

The City Council’s resolution not only disrespects the sovereignty of Israel, but also represents a grave overreach. The Council lacks jurisdiction over international affairs, yet has chosen to wade into one of the most contentious global conflicts, inappropriately using its position to take a side on an issue that demands far more understanding than what the resolution offered. It is not the Council’s role to dictate foreign policy, nor adjudicate international human rights disputes based on partial, flawed narratives. And yet here we are, with the City of Portland putting forth a symbolic but deeply harmful gesture that emboldens anti-Zionist rhetoric and further divides our community.

This is not just about Israel. It is about the future of Jewish safety in Portland and beyond. When local government begins to echo the talking points of radical groups that demonize Israel and, by extension, Jews, it sets a dangerous precedent. It legitimizes the kind of rhetoric that encourages antisemitism to fester, often under the guise of social justice. As Jews, we are familiar with this pattern. History has taught us that when Israel is attacked—rhetorically or otherwise—Jews around the world become targets. We are already seeing an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, and this vote does nothing to address that growing danger. In fact, it exacerbates it.

This is a moment for reflection, and for action. The radicalization of the far-left Jew is a painful reality, but not a hopeless one. There is still time to reclaim the spirit of balanced, informed dialogue and to reassert the importance of Jewish self-determination in the conversation about peace and justice.

I ask my fellow Portlanders and community activists around the world to recognize the profound harm this resolution has caused. It stems from political bias and reflects a disregard for the safety and dignity of Portland’s organized Jewish community. I urge Mayor Dion and the City Council to repeal this resolution, as the economic impact of this divisive resolution could be immense, damaging Portland’s reputation as a city that embraces all people. Divestment from Israel will not bring peace—it will only deepen the divide, hurt our city, and foster an environment where antisemitism thrives unchecked.

Mayor Dion, we need your leadership now. Portland used to be a place where Jews felt safe. It can be again, but not if the voices of hate and division are allowed to shape our policies.