Organizations warn the ordinance is divisive, harmful, and unconstitutional, and say it would incite hostility toward Jewish residents, harm local businesses, and expose taxpayers to higher costs and litigation
Somerville, MA – Today, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) and The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law urged Somerville city officials, including Mayor Jake Wilson, to reject a proposed ordinance that would require the city to boycott and divest from companies that do business with Israel.
ADL and Brandeis Center warn that the proposed ordinance is unconstitutional and legally unsustainable, and would deepen community divisions, expose taxpayers to costly litigation, harm local businesses, and further isolate Jewish and Israeli residents. ADL and the Brandeis Center also argue that the ordinance improperly attempts to regulate foreign affairs and international commerce, powers reserved exclusively to the federal government, and conflicts with federal laws supporting commercial relations with Israel.
According to the organizations, Jewish families have reported intimidation, harassment, vandalism, and exclusion, and some have felt compelled to leave the city because of the hostility they have experienced. ADL recorded a total of 279 antisemitic incidents in Massachusetts in 2025, including 39 percent related to Israel or Zionism.
“Passing this ordinance will not make Somerville Jews and Jews throughout Massachusetts – who are experiencing harassment, vandalism, and intimidation – safer or more welcome in the community,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of ADL. “BDS has never been about peace; it's about casting Israel and the Jewish people as uniquely deserving of punishment. This is a moment for local leaders to stand with all their constituents, including their Jewish constituents.”
“Local governments should focus on serving residents, not conducting foreign policy,” said Hon. Kenneth L. Marcus, chairman and CEO of the Brandeis Center and the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education who ran the Office for Civil Rights during two administrations. “This ordinance exceeds the City's authority and raises serious constitutional concerns. Rather than promoting initiatives that threaten to further alienate and put community members at risk, municipal leaders should concentrate on matters within their legal authority, in accordance with Constitutional boundaries, for the welfare of all citizens.”
The organizations further warn that the proposal would be bad for local taxpayers and businesses. They point out that it would lead to increased costs and limited competition for city contracts, as well as serve to burden taxpayers with significant legal and administrative costs. They also note that Somerville's own Law Department previously concluded that similar proposals targeting companies doing business with Israel were likely invalid.
If enacted, the measure is expected to face immediate legal challenges from affected businesses, residents, and taxpayers. The organizations argue that city leaders should focus on local priorities rather than adopting a policy that risks further dividing the community and alienating Jewish residents.
Read the ADL’s and Brandeis Center’s full letter challenging the proposed ordinance HERE.
About ADL
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate. More at www.adl.org.
About The Brandeis Center
The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit corporation established to advance the civil and human rights of the Jewish people and promote justice for all. LDB engages in research, education, and legal advocacy to combat the resurgence of anti-Semitism on college and university campuses, in the workplace, and elsewhere. It also empowers students by training them to understand their legal rights and educates administrators and employers on best practices to combat anti-Semitism. The Brandeis Center is not affiliated with the Massachusetts university, the Kentucky law school, or any of the other institutions that share the name and honor the memory of the late U.S. Supreme Court justice.