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Calling all Advocates: Here’s How a Small Florida Group is Taking on Israeli Bonds

On one seemingly average March day, a group of passionate advocates gathered for a meeting that was anything but ordinary. The Internationalist Law Center, led by Lydia Ghuman and Sunny Osment, shared bold strategies to challenge unjust financial practices that fuel the occupation of Palestine. Their goal? To make a global impact from their base in Florida.

Breaking the Bonds: A Florida Story

The Internationalist Law Center, born from the Break the Bonds South Florida campaign, is spearheading litigation against Palm Beach County, the world’s largest investor in Israeli bonds. The case argues that the county’s $700 million investment of taxpayer money in these bonds is not just unethical, but also illegal. When the money is returned to the County’s funds in three years with interest, the group believes it should be reinvested to serve local needs.

‘If Israel bonds were abolished, the occupation would fall within 18 months, according to themselves directly.’ – Meeting Participant

Shining a Light on Financial Injustice

The Israeli bonds, according to the group, are used by Israel to fund weapons purchases. The group believes that if these bonds were abolished, the occupation of Palestine would crumble within 18 months. The lawsuit aims to give constituents a say in how their tax dollars should be invested, rather than leaving it to lawmakers and their friends.

A Three-Pronged Strategy

Legal action isn’t the only tool the Internationalist Law Center is using. They’re also leveraging community organizing and public advocacy to achieve their goals. They believe that public pressure is vital to encourage the judge to rule in favor of the lawsuit, drawing parallels to the Roe vs Wade case which succeeded due to public support, despite a weak legal argument.

With Lydia, Sunny, and another organizer dedicating their full time to this cause from September, the group is determined to make Israel bonds illegal worldwide.

A Global Call to Action

During their meeting, participants from various backgrounds chimed in, sharing experiences, asking questions, and offering resources. From finding similar investments in Canada to submitting Freedom of Information requests at all levels of government, the attendees were eager to amplify the impact of the Internationalist Law Center’s work.

‘We are making great connections here. The investments are being made for political/ideological reasons. Israel has had to promise higher returns because of their junk bond status. Public funds are clearly being invested in a risky manner.’ – Adil, Meeting Participant

With so much passion, dedication, and strategic action, the Internationalist Law Center is well on its way to achieving its audacious goals. And they’re calling on advocates worldwide to join them in making a difference.

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