rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/dismantle-the-virginia-israel-advisory-board?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-dismantle-the-virginia-israel-advisory-board' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Alexandria for Palestinian Human Rights https://actionnetwork.org/groups/alexandria-for-palestinian-human-rights https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/444/106/normal/banner.jpg The Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) is one of the Commonwealth’s most shocking open secrets. Many state representatives are only vaguely aware of its existence. After years of genocide, and decades into a brutal occupation and apartheid, it is time to cut all economic ties to Israel. The Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) is an Israel business promotion entity in the United States embedded within the Virginia state government since 1996 and funded by the state’s taxpayers. VIAB funnels millions of dollars toward Israeli businesses and away from Virginia companies. This means that our tax dollars are being used to support Israeli weapons manufacturers operating in VA and other businesses which have been found guilty of violating international law. Unlike other community-specific state advisory boards, VIAB is taxpayer funded. In 2026, it will receive $302,425 in state funding. VIAB also diverts millions of dollars each year in state, federal and private grants towards Israeli corporations. It collaborates with state-funded entities like colleges and universities in projects designed to benefit Israel, instead of Virginia students, residents, or businesses. No other country receives Virginia taxpayer funding for business promotion. VIAB pressures state lawmakers and the local business community to develop a long-term stake in Israel, despite Israel’s systemic apartheid, human rights violations in occupied Palestine, and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. We must dismantle this undemocratic state agency and stand for the human rights of all people. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/dismantle-the-virginia-israel-advisory-board