After the Central Student Government voted against a resolution that would have “[called] for the creation of an ad hoc committee to investigate the University’s investments in companies that allegedly facilitate human rights violations against Palestinians,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Israel would be “boldly moving forward” with the purchase of one used 1997 Honda Civic for the Department of Transportation.
“While the UM Divestment resolution was being discussed, we were very hesitant to make such a substantial financial commitment,” said Netanyahu, regarding Israel’s tentative plan to acquire an additional pre-owned, four-door compact car.
He continued, “Knowing that the University of Michigan was considering divesting from corporations involved in our Gaza Strip operations really held up our move on the Civic. Now we’re finally confident and ready to go forward with this monumental move.”
Students who supported the divestment resolution expressed great sadness at CSG’s decision, and they did not miss the chance to illustrate the consequences of the University’s inaction. “We told you Israel was going to continue their oppressive actions if we didn’t divest,” said junior and resolution co-writer Farah Abdullah. “After this vote, Israel went ahead to make the significant purchase of a run- down family vehicle and the elected officers at this University should be held accountable.”
However, others on campus were quite happy with CSG’s decision. Hillel member Ezekiel Goldberg explained, “It’s important that Michigan stands with Israel. As the only democracy in the Middle East, and the only nation in the region that affords basic human rights to all citizens, being able to contribute to her purchase of a sturdy, reliable, and fully- functional sedan is an honor.”
At press time, supporters of the divestment resolution were already beginning to draft a new version for next year’s CSG, although they also vehemently denied the need to consider divesting from nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkmenistan.
