Activists demand Grand Rapids divest from companies linked to Israel

During a recent city commission meeting in Grand Rapids, community members passionately advocated for the city to divest from companies linked to the Israeli occupation and military actions against Palestinians. The discussions centered around the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which has gained traction over the past 25 years, calling for action against entities perceived to support human rights violations in Palestine.

Jeff Smith, a resident of the second ward, urged the commission to terminate its contract with Gronicus, a company that has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS), which he claims has ties to the Israeli military. Smith emphasized that maintaining such partnerships implicates the city in the ongoing violence against Palestinians. He also called for the cessation of funding to Grand Rapids Downtown Inc., which utilizes AWS technology, and for the city to refrain from entering financial agreements with companies like Caterpillar and Motorola Solutions until the Israeli government ends its actions in Palestinian territories.

Other speakers echoed Smith's sentiments, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where they described dire conditions including starvation and disease. Sarah, a teacher and mother, emphasized the moral imperative of divestment, drawing parallels to Grand Rapids' historical divestment from South Africa during apartheid. She argued that a local resolution supporting Palestinian rights could resonate on a national level, especially in a politically significant state like Michigan.

The meeting also featured a poignant poem by Maria Woltersdorf, reflecting on the impact of war on children, and further comments from residents who criticized the commission's reluctance to address the divestment resolution. They urged the city to take a stand against what they described as complicity in systemic racism and violence.

Despite the strong community support for divestment, some attendees expressed frustration over the commission's lack of action on the resolution, questioning why it had not been placed on the agenda for discussion. The meeting underscored a growing movement within the city advocating for ethical investment practices and a commitment to human rights.