Sabha, Tamer
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Joanna Mendelson
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 11:2^ PM
Madison, Steve; Masuda, Gene; Rivas, Jessica
Jason Moss; Mara Landay; Sabha, Tamer; Harvey-Williams, Brenda; Chapman, Justin; Sullivan, Noreen
Pasadena's Legislative Policy Committee
2025.12.16-- Pasadena Ethical Investment Considerations.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get emailLearn why this is important [ ,,l ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Dear Esteemed Members of the Legislative Policy Committee:
On behalf of Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA), I am writing to express deep concern regarding the consideration before the Committee to explore an "ethical, environmental, social and governance considerations policy" for the City of Pasadena's fiduciary investments, agendized for this Thursday.
We urge you to consider our concerns outlined in the attached letter.
Grateful,
Joanna
JFEDLA*
JEWISH FEDERATION LOS ANGEtES
Joanna Mendelson
SVP, Community Engagement
Jewish Federation Los Angeles
6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
JFEDLA.org • Facebook • Instagram • TikTok
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JFEDLA
JEWISH FEDERATION LOS ANGELES
OrnaWolens
Chair of the Board
Daniel Gryczman
Vice Chair of the Board
Chair, Strategic Planning
and Distribution
Lynn Bider
Jordan Bender
Vice Chairs of the Board
GeneraL Campaign Co-Chairs
HeidiMonkarsh
AUison Rosenthal
Vice Chairs of the Board
Steven Fishman
Treasurer
JillK.Namm
Secretary
Albert Z.Praw
immediate Past Chair of the Board
Rabbi Noah Farkas
President & CEO
Board of Directors
Susan K. Baum
Nancy Beiser
Donna Bender
LesBider
Lynne Brookman
Andrea G. Cayton
RochetleCohen
Jonathan ELisi:
Shawn Evenhaim
Josh Fein
Ben Feingotd
Jacob Fenton
Jonathan Gerber
Karen GeteLman
Atlison Gingold
Katie Goldsmith
Susan C. Goren
Michael D. Hackman
Lean Janks
Tamara KageL
Jacki Karsh
Alan Kleinman
Howard Levkowitz
Remmie Maden
Doug Mankpff
Jean S. Marks
David J.Nagel
Julie Platt
5. Alan Rosen
Richard V. Sandier
Moshe Sassover
Kamyaf-Shabani
ELlen Silverman
TerriSmooke
Glenn A. Sonnenberg
Scott Tiano
Michael L. Tuchin
Observers:
Rabbi AhudSela
Rabbi Aaron Lerner
MarkSchwartz
December 16, 2025
Pasadena City Council - Policy Committee
100 North Garfield Avenue Pasadena,
CA 91101
Dear Councilmembers,
On behalf of Jewish Federation Los Angeles (JFEDLA), the leading organization representing Jewish Angelenos, I am writingto express deep concern regarding the discussion before the Committee to explore an "ethical, environmental, social and governance considerations policy" forthe City of Pasadena's fiduciary investments.
Although ethical investment policies on the surface are noble, we have deep concerns about the motivations behind the efforts in Pasadena - intended to isolate and harm Israel and consequently, the Jewishcommunity.
In effect, this policy would singularly discriminate against one country, blocking any investment in Israel or Israeli-based companies. This effort is not a pure expression of civic ethics, but is part of a more insidious political movement-the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The movement's stated intent is to undermine Israel, one of the United States' closest allies and a democratic beacon in the Middle East. We urge the City of Pasadena to reject this biased, antisemitic, and harmful policy for the reasons outlined below.
1. The BDS Movement is Antisemitic
The BDS movement does not promote coexistence or peace. Instead, it singularly targets the world's only Jewish state for economic, cultural, and political isolation. BDS denies Jewish self-determination, aims to delegitimize an entire nation, and, by extension, its Jewish citizens and Jewish communities worldwide. BDS campaigns often echo historic antisemiticcampaignsaimedat excludingJews.Forthese reasons, theU.S. Congress, more than 35 states, and numerous local jurisdictions have publiclyrejectedBDS.InCalifornia,AB2844 (Bloom)passedthe"Ca/ffom/'a Combating BDS Act of 2016" to prevent state- funded entities from participating in boycotts that target Israel or other countries in a manner that constitutes discrimination based on national-origin.
Pasadena should not allow its policymaking processes to be leveraged to advance this harmful ideology, nor should it adopt any policy that conflicts with California State law.
6505 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
13231761-8000 I JFEDLA.org ] @jfedla
2. Negative Impact on Pasadena's Local Jewish Community This week alone, the global Jewish community is reeling from the antisemitic terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, which claimed the lives of 16 people and wounded countless others, as Jews gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. This is in the backdrop of antisemitic incidents at historic levels in California, as many Jewish residents continue to cope with fear and uncertainty about their safety.
Add to that, the local Pasadena Jewish community-whomthis bodyrepresents- continuesto navigate profound grief and disruption following the devastating wildfires that destroyed Pasadena's only Jewish communal site, Pasadena Jewish Temple& Center. As this community works to rebuild, heal, and restore a sense of security and belonging,the City's consideration of a policy rooted in a campaign that is hostile toward Israel and Jews is particularly painful.
3. Questionable Policylmpact
The City has established that it holds no investments connected to the companies named by the advocates working to advance this proposal. As such, the resolution would not change Pasadena's investment practices nor serve any constructive civic purpose. Instead, it risks lending legitimacy to a movement builton undermining Israel and marginalizing Jewish communities. Additionally, ethical investment relies on screening out numerous companies and sectors, which can significantly reduce the diversification of a portfolio and minimize financial benefits.
JFEDLA respectfully urges the Committee not to advance or adopt this proposed investment policy. Pasadena has a long tradition of supporting diverse communities, fostering mutual respect, and grounding decisions in genuine local needs and positive impact for its residents. Upholding that standard requires rejecting this discriminatory, political effort that offers no benefit to the City, but risks alienating and harming members ofthe communityyou serve.
We appreciate your thoughtful consideration and would welcome the opportunity to provide additional context or answer any questions.
Sincerely
^OQAvru^ yrr^^AA^sT^
Joanna Mendelson
Senior Vice President, Community Engagement
Jewish Federation Los Angeles