The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and StandWithUs have officially filed a legal challenge to the Not On Our Dime/Project for Responsive Democracy referendum petition. We believe the proposed referendum would not only violate state and federal law, but that the petitioners have failed to gather the required number of valid signatures necessary to qualify for a ballot referendum.   

Not On Our Dime’s proposed referendum initiative poses a grave threat to the core values and financial viability of the City of Pittsburgh. It would prevent our city from providing basic and vital services to the community, and it attempts to implement the discriminatory Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement here in Pittsburgh. Mayor Ed Gainey has said on record: “It is clear that the proposed change would bring nearly every function of City government grinding to a halt by prohibiting the City from doing business with global companies, from Microsoft to Ford, upon which we rely to perform basic administrative functions and provide core services.”  Given the harm that this referendum would cause, we hope the City will file their own challenge against this petition  

The Federation, in partnership with StandWithUs, would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts and dedication of the Beacon Coalition, that conducted the signature review and validation process. Under their leadership, more than 200 volunteers made this aspect of our legal challenge possible. We now confidently believe that the Not On Our Dime petition falls short once again, showing that the citizens of Pittsburgh do not support the petitioner’s reckless and dangerous agenda.    

In a time of increasing antisemitism and attempts to ostracize the Jewish community, efforts like this will no doubt continue to arise. However, our challenge today demonstrates the strength and resilience of our community. We will not be intimidated by those who seek to sow division and fear. The Federation remains steadfast in our mission to cultivate resources, connect people, and collaborate across the community to live and fulfill Jewish values. We are bolstered by the knowledge that we have strong organizational partners and the support of a strong community of Jewish and non-Jewish allies with us.