Published on August 18, 2024, 12:26 am

A delegate for Vice President Kamala Harris, Morgan Overton, finds herself in the midst of controversial discourse as she supports a ballot initiative in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that could potentially undermine Jewish organizations in the city due to their support for Israel. Overton’s endorsement, revealed via her signing of a petition triggering a Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) ballot measure set for November vote is poised to place immense strain on these organizations as well as profoundly impact the city’s largest hospital system.

This critical decision puts into question whether nonprofit entities within Pittsburgh would continue their association with Israel or relinquish their tax-exempt status alongside public funding. Although Overton has not publicly expressed approval for this measure, her engagement with it corroborates an expanding alliance between the Democratic party’s mainstream and further left wings over matters relating to Israel and its conflict against Hamas.

With a title “No War Crimes on Our Dime,” the ballot proposal was presented by the Pittsburgh-based Democratic Socialists of America. Expressing clear solidarity with Palestine in recent days after Hamas’ attack on Israeli citizens, this organization published a statement emphasizing strong support Palestinian resistance against decades-long occupation and apartheid.

The consequences of this initiative passing are far-reaching. It would prohibit “the investment or allocation of public funds, including tax exemptions, to entities that conduct business operations with or in the state of Israel.” This means local synagogues and Jewish groups risk losing both tax-exempt status and crucial safety funding. Concurrently, severe repercussions await Pittsburgh’s largest hospital system – The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). With ties to Israel and significant community contributions such as operating 40 hospitals across multiple states while providing employment for over 100k individuals, UPMC stands at risk of losing city contracts or tax exemptions under this measure.

In terms of security funding reduction for Jewish institutions, it brews concern especially given rising antisemitism across America following recent terrorist attacks. Jewish students are increasingly victims of harassment and violence propagated by pro-Hamas demonstrators on campuses.

City controller Rachel Heisler cautioned this initiative’s potential detrimental impact on other city functions e.g., fire department supplies procurement from an Israeli company, stating that it could disrupt essential municipal services like electricity provision, life-saving medications procurement, first responders’ protective gear purchase, and police vehicle fueling.

Supporters like Overton of the BDS initiative demonstrate a keen determination to confront Israel, disregarding resultant community impacts. Their sheer resolve invokes questions regarding intention and implies a willingness to jeopardize funding for hospitals and endanger Jewish individuals to advance their anti-Israel campaign. Surely, these are intriguing times in the landscape of American political discourse reflecting polarized views steeped in the realms of real news and deeply rooted in a Christian worldview. Such unfolding events reaffirm Pittsburgh as yet another flashpoint in issues surrounding political disagreements and trusted news.