Maryland Divests $60M from Israeli Bonds After Campaign

More than 100 Marylanders celebrated in Baltimore this week after their sustained grassroots campaign convinced the state's pension system to divest $60 million in Israeli bonds.

The Maryland Break the Bonds coalition, led by Jewish Voice for Peace and supported by over 40 organizations including CAIR, spent months mobilizing state employees, retirees, faith leaders, and students. Their message was simple: public pension dollars should align with human rights values.

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System has now reduced its Israeli bond holdings by 85 percent. That represents the largest known state-level divestment in the United States and one of the most significant divestment victories in Maryland's history.

"The Maryland Break the Bonds coalition has shown that sustained grassroots organizing can move powerful institutions," said Zainab Chaudry, CAIR's Maryland Director. The coalition is now calling on state leaders to complete the remaining 15 percent divestment.

After the victory rally on June 17, organizers marched to the pension board offices. State employees delivered hundreds of postcards from Maryland residents urging complete divestment of the remaining Israeli bonds.

The group then gathered outside Comptroller Brooke Lierman's office. As the only elected official on the pension board, activists asked her to use her leadership to move Maryland from 85 percent to 100 percent divestment.

The Ripple Effect

This victory shows how everyday people can influence where billions in public dollars get invested. Maryland state employees and retirees didn't just voice concerns. They organized, built coalitions across religious and community lines, and created sustained pressure that moved decision makers.

The campaign brought together Jewish activists, Muslim advocates, labor partners, and students around shared values of ethical investment and accountability. Their success is already inspiring similar efforts in other states.

The rally closed with music, community fellowship, and food from a local Palestinian chef. The celebration reflected the broad, diverse coalition that made the victory possible.

Activists are determined to finish what they started and secure complete divestment of Maryland's remaining Israeli bond holdings.