CHICAGO — More than 100 demonstrators gathered on June 20 outside the Illinois State Board of Investments (ISBI) office in downtown Chicago to demand the state divest over $145 million in Israeli bonds, criticizing the ongoing violence in Gaza and accusing officials of enabling apartheid policies.
The protest was led by the Anti-War Committee – Chicago (AWC) and Boycott Divest Sanctions – Chicago (BDS), with support from groups including the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Students for Justice in Palestine, U.S. Palestinian Community Network, and the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Activists Condemn State Investments in Israel
Protesters criticized Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs for allegedly increasing investments in Israel by $45 million since October 2023. Inside the ISBI boardroom, BDS organizer Noura Ebrahim called out Frerichs directly, urging him to “divest now” and reallocate those funds to public services like education and healthcare.
“These are taxpayer dollars that should be invested in the people of Illinois,” she said, addressing the board directly. “Our children deserve safety and opportunity just as much as yours do.”
Calls to Prioritize Local Communities Over Global Conflicts
Kobi Guillory, a Chicago Teachers Union member, emphasized the opportunity cost of investing in overseas conflicts while schools in Illinois lack basic necessities. “My students don’t have clean water, or safe ways to school,” Guillory said. “Why are we spending money abroad when we’re failing our children at home?”
The demonstrators accused Frerichs of ignoring the humanitarian crisis and instead doubling down on controversial investments despite widespread community opposition.
As covered by Fight Back! News, this protest marked the third and most attended action against ISBI by the coalition.
Tensions Rise Over Public Comment Access
During the meeting, Frerichs reportedly reserved two of the 20 public comment slots for pro-Israel speakers, including members of the Jewish United Fund and Anti-Defamation League. Protesters objected when those speakers were ushered past the line without proper identification.
Despite those tensions, 18 speakers from the divestment coalition addressed the board, albeit with just over a minute each, compared to the ten minutes given to pro-Israel speakers.
Momentum for the Movement Builds
Activist Husam Marajda of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network closed the protest on a high note, promising a return with even larger numbers. “We’re going to come back in three months, and I want us to double these numbers,” he told the crowd.
The coalition sees the growing turnout as a sign that Illinois residents are becoming more engaged in how public funds are used and the broader implications of international investments.
What do you think? Should Illinois divest public funds from foreign conflicts and focus more on local needs? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
