ADL Supports Darfur Divestment Bill Before Texas Legislature
Austin, TX, March 12, 2007 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) testified in support of a bill before the Texas legislature that would provide for targeted divestment from Darfur by Texas pension plans in an attempt to influence the Sudanese government to stop the unfolding genocide there.
ADL Southwest Regional Board Member Jan Soifer testified in support of the "Stop the Darfur Genocide Act," a bill sponsored by state Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston). Soifer, who represented ADL and the Jewish Community Association of Austin (JCAA) before legislators, explained that "to date, no one has been able to stop the genocide despite various efforts."
"As organizations with goals that include safeguarding the Jewish people, both ADL and the JCAA are all too familiar with the horrors of genocide," said Soifer. "A targeted approach to divestment, along with intensive diplomatic efforts would deprive the Sudanese government of the resources that enable it to continue the genocide and would exert significant pressure on the government of Sudan to change its behavior."
Under the proposed legislation, Texas would identify and divest from any investments in any companies recognized as supporting state-sponsored terrorism, after providing the companies notice and an opportunity to cease the activities at issue.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
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