Coalition Calls on Lawmakers to End State Investment in Israel Amid Ongoing Gaza Genocide, Human Rights Concerns
On Thursday, March 19, a broad coalition of over thirty interfaith civil rights organizations, faith leaders, and community advocates led by Jewish Voice for Peace Baltimore and DC Metro will gather at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis for a rally and call to action urging Maryland lawmakers to pass House Bill 1455, legislation requiring the State Retirement and Pension System to divest from certain Israeli investments.
Read more about the Break the Bonds Campaign.
WHAT: “Break the Bonds” Rally & Call to Action
WHEN: Thursday, March 19, at 10:30 AM, followed by bill hearing at 1 PM
WHERE: Lawyers Mall, 100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD
VISUALS: Protest signs, coalition speakers, large crowd gathering, banners and coordinated messaging
Lunch will be provided.
CONTACT: Abby Cocke, JVP Baltimore 443-631-0432; CAIR Maryland, mdoutreach@cair.com
Speakers will address the purpose and impact of HB 1455, ethical concerns surrounding state pension investments, broader calls for accountability and human rights protections, and the role of grassroots advocacy in shaping Maryland policy.
BACKGROUNDER:
The rally, titled “Break the Bonds,” will highlight growing concerns over Maryland’s financial ties to Israel through state pension investments and call for alignment of public funds with human rights and ethical investment principles. It will be followed by the bill hearing scheduled to begin at 1 PM.
Organizers say HB 1455 represents a critical step toward ensuring that taxpayer-funded investments do not support policies or practices alleged to violate international law and human rights.
HB 1455 would require Maryland’s pension board to review and divest from certain Israeli-linked investments and prohibit future investments under specified conditions. The bill is consistent with long-standing traditions of using divestment as a peaceful tool to promote accountability and justice. Maryland residents should have confidence that their public funds are invested in ways that reflect shared values of equity, human dignity, and constitutional protections.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Staff Attorney John Fossum, jfossum@cair.com; CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com