About

Illinois Divest is a coalition of organizations and individuals from Illinois demanding a full divestment from Israel and the Military Industrial Complex. We call for redirecting Illinois pension funds and tax dollars away from Israel to support local community needs. The coalition is committed to ending Illinois’ funding of Israel’s occupation and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, while promoting the development of flourishing communities from Illinois to Palestine.

Our Demands

  1. Divestment of public funding from Israel and the military industrial complex at both the city and state level.
  2. Commitment to not invest in new Israel Bonds at the state or municipal level.
  3. Withdrawal of investments in companies that traded with or operated in the State of Israel.
  4. Ending investment and collaboration with any Israeli institution, including ending relationships with military and police training, and with cultural and educational institutions. 
  5. Reclaimed funds are redirected to invest in community led financial oversight boards that direct the funds to support community needs.

What are Israel Bonds?

How Investments in Israel Bonds Makes Illinois Complicit in Genocide:

  • Israel Bonds are loans from individuals, companies, or governments that support the budget for the Israeli government.
  • Since the start of the genocide in October 2023, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has invested over $50 million of public Illinois funds into Israel Bonds. Just as recently as March 2025, he invested an additional $25 million in Israel Bonds. Illinois currently has a staggering $100 million invested in Israel Bonds.
  • Israel’s credit score has dropped twice since Oct ‘23 by 3 credit rating agencies with a “negative outlook” meaning further downgrades are likely. Israel Bonds sits only 3 rankings above Junk (high risk default, speculative, not a stable or traditional investment).

Campaign Current Focus

Goals
1. Increase public knowledge on how Illinois public money is invested in genocide
2. Build community power against attacks on our right to live free and dignified lives
3. Ending investment in Israel Bonds and winning all of our demands.

Strategies
1. Base-building through canvassing & growing solidarity.
2. Education throughout the city and state
3. Research legal and electoral avenues to apply pressure
4. Work with our communities to pressure Illinois officials to divest.

GET INVOLVED

  1. Join our campaign using this link: Join the campaign
  2. Sign the digital petition using this link: Digital Petition
  3. Click on our linktree for more information: Linktree

Contact Information:

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