For over 2 years, the world has watched in horror as tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed and injured by the horrific siege on Gaza. Recent polls show that most voters across the US do not want to send any more financial support for Israel’s horrific assault on Palestinians. Israel Bonds operate as direct loans to the Israeli treasury. In effect, they supply funds for the use of the Israeli military and government, lent without oversight, accountability measures, or restrictions as to their use. Israel Bonds provide critical financial support to the Israeli military and government, which includes their military’s genocide in Gaza.

Miami-Dade County Clerk and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin oversees public investments and consistently chooses to invest taxpayer dollars in Israel Bonds. The Board of County Commissioners sets Miami-Dade's investment policy and has given Israel an exception to be the only foreign nation that our County can invest in. These bonds are highly risky, as reflected by Israel’s credit rating being downgraded by three major credit rating agencies last year. Given their negative outlook and lack of liquidity, the risk-adjusted returns on Israel Bonds are much worse than other investments in the portfolio. Miami-Dade County currently has $151 million invested in Israel Bonds. $25 million of Miami-Dade’s investment in Israel Bonds mature on November 1, 2025 and a total of $31 million mature in 2026. Each maturity date is an opportunity for the County to bring our taxpayer dollars home.

We, the undersigned Miami-Dade County residents are calling upon Miami-Dade County Clerk and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin to NOT RENEW investments in Israel bonds and instead invest in local affordable housing, business and community development funds that serve our needs. We call upon Miami-Dade's Board of County Commissioners to REVISE Miami-Dade County's investment policy to end investment into any bonds, notes, or instruments issued by any foreign government and build systems for greater transparency and accountability to local taxpayers.

Miami-Dade County must put our taxpayer dollars back into our community and prioritize our residents first. Instead of investing Israel Bonds, they must invest in funds for local economic development and public initiatives, with better risk-adjusted return, that are less risky, and that stop our complicity in violations of human rights and international law.