THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DIVESTMENT MOVEMENT

Israel Bonds are debt securities issued by the Development Corporation for Israel to raise funds for Israel’s infrastructure, military, and economic development. When investors purchase Israel Bonds, they are lending money to the Israeli government, which promises to pay it back with interest over a fixed period of time. Israel Bonds are not tied to private companies or humanitarian projects—they go directly to the State of Israel’s general treasury, which means the money may be used to fund military expenditures, settlement expansion, and state functions.

As a result, bondholders are indirectly financing government operations that many international observers have deemed illegal and unethical. Investing in Israel Bonds directly funds a government under active international investigation, and which has been found guilty of committing genocide. This raises serious ethical and fiduciary concerns for any institution that claims to uphold human rights, peace, and responsible investment standards. Public institutions—like U.S. states and counties—are legally and morally obligated to invest with financial prudence (minimizing risk, maximizing safety), the public interest in mind, and an ethical alignment with community values.

Given Israel’s credit downgrades, escalating war spending, and growing international isolation, Israel Bonds now pose both a financial liability and a moral failure. Divesting from Israel Bonds isn’t only about politics—it’s about values, financial integrity, and the responsible use of public dollars. Communities across Ohio and the U.S. are demanding accountability from their elected officials.