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 Another huge victory to the global Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement achieved.
In an effort led by Palestinian civil society, pension fund giant TIAA-CREF has agreed to divest its social choice accounts from longtime target Caterpillar, Inc.
The invested shares were valued at over $72 million, making this the largest divestment action of this kind in the U.S. so far.
Caterpillar produces and sells bulldozers and civil engineering tools to the Israeli army under the U.S. military aid to Israel. These tools have been regularly used by Israel in internationally condemned violations of human rights and international laws, such as the systematic demolition of Palestinian homes and land resources and the attacks on civilians in Gaza and in South Lebanon. Find out more information about the decision on our People-to-People blog.
 Though we must take time to celebrate the victory of our hard work, there is still much to be done. While they dropped Caterpillar in their Social Choice Account, TIAA-CREF still holds investments in Caterpillar and other companies supporting the occupation. We need your help!
Join us as part of the We Divest Campaign to ask TIAA-CREF to divest all of its funds from corporations that are directly involved in severe human rights violations in the Israeli occupation, including: HP, Motorola Solutions, Veolia and Elbit. Also, check your own investments. Are you invested in any of these companies? Contact your investment manager and ask for an Occupation-Free portfolio.
 More BDS actions this week: This week the Presbyterian Church (USA) is holding their national General Assembly in Pittsburgh where they are considering divestment from Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions and Hewlett-Packard. Support for divestment is overwhelming, including support from Palestinian Christians and Jewish Rabbis.
You can support church divestment!
Thank you for standing in solidarity and taking action to bring justice in Palestine through corporate accountability.
Kirsten Moller
Director of Organizing |
