Activist calls for divestment from Israeli occupation

During a recent government meeting, David Shodkin, a member of the Cleveland Jewish community and an educator, passionately addressed the issue of divestment from Israel Bonds. Shodkin, who identifies as an observant Jewish man, shared his personal journey, including his experiences living in Israel and his subsequent travels to Palestine as a nonviolent anti-occupation activist.

Shodkin expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and oppression faced by the Palestinian people, emphasizing that the current conflict in Gaza is part of a long-standing pattern of dehumanization and violence perpetrated by the Israeli state. He articulated that his experiences have left him feeling unsafe and undervalued as a Jewish individual, despite his heritage.

Drawing on the concept of \"Samud,\" which represents Palestinian resilience and steadfastness, Shodkin highlighted the importance of building connections and community across cultural divides. He called for mutual aid and radical care as essential components of healing and resistance against oppression.

In his concluding remarks, Shodkin urged the governing body to take action by divesting from the Israeli war machine and the bonds that support what he described as the subjugation of the Palestinian people. His appeal underscored the growing global movement advocating for justice in Palestine and the need for local governance to reflect these values.