Somerville Takes a Stand: Divestment Ballot Question Passes Amid Controversy
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Somerville residents have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a nonbinding ballot question aimed at divesting from companies supporting Israel's actions in Palestine. The result, which was announced Tuesday night, indicates that 55.7% of voters supported the measure, with nearly 38% voting against it.
The question itself asks whether Somerville officials should divest from companies "engaging in business that sustains Israel's apartheid, genocide and illegal occupation of Palestine." This move is part of a broader effort by grassroots groups like Somerville for Palestine to raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promote economic boycotts of companies perceived as supporting Israel's actions.
The success of this ballot question comes after months of activism and lobbying by groups on both sides of the issue. In October, the Anti-Defamation League-funded group Somerville United Against Discrimination filed a lawsuit to remove the question from the ballot, citing concerns that it would "create tension and fear" in the community.
However, Middlesex Superior Court Justice Sarah Weyland Ellis denied their request on October 30, paving the way for the measure's inclusion on the ballot. Despite the controversy surrounding the campaign, supporters of Question 3 maintained a strong showing at the polls.
"We've watched genocide live streamed for two years, and we don't accept any more," said Sara Halawa, leader of Somerville for Palestine. "We want to end Somerville's complicity in it." For Halawa, this moment marks a victory for her community and a key step towards creating change.
While the outcome of the ballot question is nonbinding, its significance lies in the message it sends to Somerville officials and the broader community: that residents are demanding action on this issue. "This is really, truly a grassroots Somerville community," Halawa emphasized. "It's people in Somerville saying 'enough is enough.'"
As Somerville leaders consider how to move forward with the question, activists are already pushing for concrete steps towards divestment and boycotts. For Halawa, this is just the beginning of a long journey towards creating a more just and equitable community.
The implications of this victory will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months as Somerville officials grapple with their next moves on this contentious issue.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Somerville residents have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a nonbinding ballot question aimed at divesting from companies supporting Israel's actions in Palestine. The result, which was announced Tuesday night, indicates that 55.7% of voters supported the measure, with nearly 38% voting against it.
The question itself asks whether Somerville officials should divest from companies "engaging in business that sustains Israel's apartheid, genocide and illegal occupation of Palestine." This move is part of a broader effort by grassroots groups like Somerville for Palestine to raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promote economic boycotts of companies perceived as supporting Israel's actions.
The success of this ballot question comes after months of activism and lobbying by groups on both sides of the issue. In October, the Anti-Defamation League-funded group Somerville United Against Discrimination filed a lawsuit to remove the question from the ballot, citing concerns that it would "create tension and fear" in the community.
However, Middlesex Superior Court Justice Sarah Weyland Ellis denied their request on October 30, paving the way for the measure's inclusion on the ballot. Despite the controversy surrounding the campaign, supporters of Question 3 maintained a strong showing at the polls.
"We've watched genocide live streamed for two years, and we don't accept any more," said Sara Halawa, leader of Somerville for Palestine. "We want to end Somerville's complicity in it." For Halawa, this moment marks a victory for her community and a key step towards creating change.
While the outcome of the ballot question is nonbinding, its significance lies in the message it sends to Somerville officials and the broader community: that residents are demanding action on this issue. "This is really, truly a grassroots Somerville community," Halawa emphasized. "It's people in Somerville saying 'enough is enough.'"
As Somerville leaders consider how to move forward with the question, activists are already pushing for concrete steps towards divestment and boycotts. For Halawa, this is just the beginning of a long journey towards creating a more just and equitable community.
The implications of this victory will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months as Somerville officials grapple with their next moves on this contentious issue.
I'm so impressed by how much the community came together for this cause, it's amazing to see people taking a stand like that 
especially after all the controversy surrounding it. As someone who cares deeply about social justice issues, it's really encouraging to see local leaders listening to their constituents and being held accountable for their actions 
I'm excited to see where Somerville's divestment efforts lead and how it might inspire other cities and towns to take action 
. Like, 55% of people actually voted for it? That's wild! The whole controversy around it was kinda unnecessary tho... I mean, isn't the point of divestment to make a statement and create change? Shouldn't we be focused on finding solutions rather than getting stuck in a mess of lawsuits and whatnot 
. And can we please just talk about how "apartheid" gets thrown around like it's no big deal? Like, are we really that casual with genocide? 
. I mean, I get where they're coming from, but it's like, not all companies are supporting Israel's actions, you know? 
It's a bit complex 
. But I guess if 38% were against it, that's still a lot of people on board with this 
. Sara Halawa seems pretty passionate about it though, and her words really drive the point home 
. Maybe Somerville will be like, the first city to do something like this? 
. Like, why wouldn't you want to divest from companies that are literally supporting human rights violations?! It's like they're trying to gaslight us or something 
. And those anti-activists who tried to take it down? Clearly just trying to silence the truth 
.
the fact that 55.7% of voters supported divestment from companies supporting Israel's actions in Palestine is crazy 
Sara Halawa's speech sounds so powerful 