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Residents sharply divided at Cuyahoga County Council over Israel bond investments
Summary
During public comment at the Feb. 11 Cuyahoga County Council meeting, dozens of speakers urged opposing courses: many demanded the county divest from Israel bonds citing civilian harm in Gaza, while others and Jewish community leaders defended the investments as sound and supportive of Israel; the council proceeded to its agenda and multiple resolutions by voice vote.
Dozens of residents used the meeting’s public-comment period to press Cuyahoga County Council on whether the county should stop buying Israel bonds, producing sharply divided testimony and direct appeals to local officials.
Danielle Murray, who identified herself as speaking "on behalf of the Palestinian people," said, "Israel is killing unarmed civilians in Gaza" and called the situation genocide. She accused County Executive Chris Ronain of using county investments to "support that genocide" and urged Council President Miller and other members to denounce the violence or resign. "Otherwise, I'm going to be calling you every day," Murray said.
Speakers from across the political and religious spectrum offered contrasting views. Rabbi Sharon Young Marcus of Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike thanked the council for investing in Israel bonds, described humanitarian and volunteer trips her congregation made to Israeli communities near Gaza and cited the family of Shlomo Mansour, a Cleveland-area resident declared dead after being taken hostage. "We urge you to continue your steadfast support of Israel," she said.
Several speakers cited financial arguments. Bruce Mandel and David Pearl described Israel bonds as a reliable investment; Mandel told the council that the Ohio treasurer recently purchased $35 million in Israel bonds and reported a statewide holding figure, which Pearl reiterated. Other commenters pressed a moral and civic case for divestment, arguing county funds could be better spent locally.
Testimony included personal testimony about civilian suffering, historical context, and accusations of racist rhetoric in the chamber. A number of speakers urged both restraint and decency in public discourse; council leadership had opened the meeting with a stern reminder about decorum after previous disruptions.
The council did not take action on investments during the meeting. After public comment closed, the body proceeded to routine business and a slate of resolutions and appointments.
