The Beverly Hills City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting Assembly Bill 2844, which prohibits public agencies from doing business with companies that engage in a boycott or other discriminatory practices against Israel or other nations or persons recognized by the U.S. government. At the May 17 City Council meeting, council members voiced strong support for the “California Combating the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Act of 2016.”
“I am very proud to be supporting this bill and congratulate Assemblyman Bloom for having the vision to combat discrimination against Israel in such an effective way,” said Mayor John Mirisch. “Beverly Hills and Israel have a strong and unique bond based on shared values and interests. We have established a partnership to take advantage of Israel’s leadership in key areas such water conservation; it is essential that these interests are not damaged by companies who seek to undermine Israel.”
If passed and signed into law, the bill, introduced by Assemblyman Richard Bloom who represents Beverly Hills, would require the state Attorney General’s office to keep a list of companies that engage in discriminatory practices. It would prohibit a California public agency from entering into or renewing a contract for $10,000 or more with a company on that list. This will also create transparency of the attitudes and position of such companies thereby giving others to make an informed decision abut who they choose to do business with or not to. It is a very important initiative in the business world.
The city of Beverly Hills prides itself on standing firm with Israel and this resolution is a sign of its position in the world and in the eyes of God. On this day and forevermore, Beverly Hills stands with Israel.
