Cuyahoga County is among the largest investors in Israel Bonds within the United States, holding a $16 million dollar portfolio. This investment stands out as the only international allocation of local tax dollars directly to a foreign government—an unusual practice that could otherwise fund significant local improvements including but not limited to  health, education, housing, food security, and environmental initiatives in Greater Cleveland  

We, as concerned taxpayers of Cuyahoga County urgently request the following:

1. Non-Reinvestment Ordinance Request: We strongly urge the council to adopt an ordinance that explicitly prohibits the reinvestment of county funds in bonds issued by the government of Israel upon their maturity or as soon as legally permissible. This action would reflect our community's commitment to ethical investment practices and ensure that our financial resources are used in ways that align with the moral values and human rights standards upheld by our constituents.

2. Transparent Review of Due Diligence Process: We request a detailed report outlining the due diligence process that was conducted before investing and/or reinvesting in Israel Bonds. This should include how the potential moral, economic, political, and ethical implications were evaluated.

3. Community Investment Review Board: We propose the formation of a community investment review board tasked with assessing the social, economic and ethical ramifications of current and future county investments, ensuring they align with the values and interests of Cuyahoga County residents and providing recommendations to the IAC and treasurers offices.

You can read our full letter to members of county council at the below link; 

You can learn more about Israel Bonds and the Cuyahoga County initiative below