The nonbinding resolution, drafted by the Somerville Divestment Project, nearly passed without debate last month. The group had lobbied city officials for weeks, submitted a petition signed by 1,170 people, and persuaded seven aldermen to sponsor the resolution.

. . . By last night, however, news of the proposed resolution had spread throughout Somerville, sparking outrage among Jewish organizations. Israel supporters, who called the first hearing speedy and secretive, quickly mobilized. Fearing the divestment strategy was moving from universities to cities, they pledged to prevent the measure's passage. The resolution, they said, omits mention of Israel's right to statehood and ignores the Palestinian terrorism that prompts Israel's military reprisals. . . . Last night's hearing again featured dozens of pro-Palestinian activists. But it also drew protests from labor unions, lawmakers, and several Jewish organizations.

Pro-Israel groups in San Francisco now have a presence at the frequent anti-Israel demonstrations there, and the antis are - typically, but unsuccessfully - responding with harassment and attempts at intimidation.

The anti-Israel atmosphere at Columbia University continues to be exposed and criticized.

This is barely a success, but Jewish interfaith leaders got the Episcopals to diverge a very tiny bit from the Presbyterian position on divestment; they are going to try for "balance":

Meeting earlier this month in Boise, Idaho, the Episcopal Church�s governing board voted to look into the church�s corporate investments and take appropriate action with �companies that contribute to the infrastructure of Israel�s ongoing occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip� � as well as �companies that have connections to organizations responsible for violence against Israel.�

I wonder which organizations the Episcopals invest in which contribute to violence against Israel. Isn't there already a law against that?

Meanwhile, back in Europe . . . . well, Russia isn't exactly Europe.

UPDATE: Meryl has an update on the Presbyterian divestment movement and some good news.

UPDATE: Mary comments:

According to Solomonia, [the Somerville] divestment issue is the result of a well-organized campaign sponsored by the 'Islamic Society of Boston.' This group has also received some bad publicity for a controversial multi-million dollar Mosque project and many accusations of anti-Semitism. I think they've been investigated by Fox News.

The Islamic Society of Boston, like many similar groups in America, encourages their children to be counseled and �empowered� by the Muslim American Society. The Muslim American Society is a Youth outreach program that is . . . run by the long-established terrorist organization, the Muslim Brotherhood.

I wonder if we can trace any of the Presbyterian activities back to these guys. After all, if some of their clergy have been meeting with Hezbollah, it's not such a stretch to assume they might be credulous enough to accept as legitimate an initiative by the Muslim American Society.

UPDATE: A Jewish interfaith worker on being successful by staying engaged.