On February 2, members and allies of MN Break the Bonds (MN BBC) brought forth political party caucus resolutions calling for the state of Minnesota to divest from Israel Bonds.

This resolution (see below), a response to the 2005 call from Palestinian civil society for campaigns of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until the Israeli government complies with International Law, had amazing results across Minnesota. So far, we know that the resolution was introduced in 37 precinct caucuses and passed in 32, but reports are still coming in! These results speak to the desire of the people of Minnesota to no longer fund and support the Israeli military occupation of Palestine. This is an amazing precedent for social justice, human rights and Palestine solidarity.

Thank you to everyone who brought forth a resolution and to everyone who supported this initiative. This is only the first step in a long road toward social justice and human rights. We look forward to traveling that road with you.

If you presented this resolution at your precinct caucus and we have not heard from you, please let us know how it went by e-mailing mn@breakthebonds.org!

The Resolution

WHEREAS, Israel has consistently defied rulings by the international court of justice, more than 65 UN Resolutions, and the Fourth Geneva Convention;

WHEREAS, the Israeli separation wall and Israeli-only roads and settlements in the occupied territory of Palestine racially divide populations, thus violating the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (1973);

WHEREAS, Israel’s apartheid system has caused thousands of civilian deaths, including children, and widespread human rights violations;

WHEREAS, Palestinian Civil Society put out a unified call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions against the State of Israel until it complies with International Law and Universal Principles of Human Rights;

WHEREAS, Israel annually receives billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars in economic and military aid;

WHEREAS, the U.S has a history of divesting from countries that commit human rights abuses;

WHEREAS, Minnesota has divested from Iran and Sudan for their human rights abuses.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the State of Minnesota shall divest from all Israel Bonds investments.

(Note: The ‘Be it Resolved’ language was used consistently, while the ‘Whereas’ clauses were subject to change)