Last night, the Legislative Matters Committee of the Board of Aldermen voted to oppose the resolution to divest from Israel. This Thursday, the full Board of Aldermen will vote on the recommendation of the Committee. The Board has the authority to accept the committee recommendation, reject it, or entertain substitutions from the Aldermen.

It is essential that we have a large turn-out of supporters on Thursday. This time, we are asking residents from outside of Somerville to be present as well, and to arrive no later than 6:15 to be sure we get seats. Our opponents were out in full force last night, and are organizing an increased presence on Thursday.

Before Thursday, please click on each of their names to email Aldermen Desmond, Roche, Taylor and White to thank them for their courageous statements opposing divestment.

The pro-Israel community can claim a first-round victory in the efforts to defeat divestment in Somerville. At last night's meeting of the Legislative Matters Committee, three of the four Committee members present at the meeting voted not to accept the resolution calling for divestment from Israel.

Committee Chair Tom Taylor, Alderman Bruce Desmond, and Alderman Bill White voted against the resolution. President Denise Provost did not cast a vote, instead asking to place the resolution on file.

Alderman Jack Connolly was not present at the meeting. Alderman Bill Roche, who does not sit on the committee, read a strong statement in opposition to the resolution, noting that he will oppose it at the full Board level.

See JCRC's statement on last night's vote AGAINST divestment

Click here for a full analysis of the situation in Somerville.