A dangerous and discriminatory referendum could soon appear on Pittsburgh’s May ballot. The “Not On Our Dime” campaign, led by anti-Israel activists, is pushing to amend the city’s Home Rule Charter to force Pittsburgh to divest from companies that do business with Israel.
This measure, part of the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, unfairly singles out Israel while ignoring human rights violations in other nations.
“We stand with our community, our elected officials and all those who reject efforts to sow division.” – Jeff Finkelstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh https://t.co/2s3R61NmZv
— The Jewish Federations of North America (@jfederations) February 20, 2025
While framed as a moral stance, the referendum’s true aim is to isolate Israel. It disregards federal and state laws, promotes antisemitism, and undermines Pittsburgh’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity and cooperation.
Jewish leaders, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, warn that it unfairly targets the Jewish state while ignoring conflicts worldwide.
Thankfully, Pittsburgh City Council members, led by Erika Strassburger, introduced countermeasures to prevent such harmful initiatives from bypassing state and federal law. But they need our support to ensure this dangerous referendum never reaches the ballot.
Tell Mayor Gainey and the City Council to oppose the “Not On Our Dime” referendum and protect Pittsburgh’s integrity and inclusivity.
Email Mayor Gainey at ed.gainey@pittsburghpa.gov
SAMPLE EMAIL
Subject: Protect Pittsburgh: Oppose the ‘Not On Our Dime’ Referendum
Dear Mayor Gainey,
Thank you for recognizing that the “Not On Our Dime” referendum is misguided, discriminatory, and likely illegal. It would severely impact Pittsburgh’s ability to conduct essential business operations while unfairly targeting the Jewish community.
I urge you to advocate for the city and its residents by directing your Solicitor to file a legal challenge against this harmful referendum, ensuring it does not appear on the ballot.
Thank you for your leadership in protecting Pittsburgh from division and discrimination.
Sincerely,