The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and our co-plaintiffs, individual rabbis and clergy from area synagogues, along with our organizational partner StandWithUs are pleased The Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has withdrawn their attempt to qualify their “No War Crimes on Our Dime” referendum for the November ballot through their signature petition drive conceding that they fell short of the required number of petition signatures necessary to place their dangerous and misleading proposal before Pittsburgh voters this fall. Their withdrawal marks a decisive win for our Jewish community, local voters and the City of Pittsburgh.

The DSA’s proposed referendum initiative posed a grave threat to the core values and financial viability of the Jewish community as well as to the entire City of Pittsburgh’s ability to provide vital city services lawfully. From the start, we recognized the danger this referendum represented, and we are grateful to our dedicated team of attorneys—Ron Hicks, Carolyn McGee and Efrem Grail, who worked without charge to bring home this important legal win. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Beacon Coalition, the 150 volunteers who devoted countless hours reviewing the petition and City Controller Rachael Heisler for also challenging the petition. Their combined efforts led us to this victory against the first attempt to qualify an anti-Israel boycott and divestment proposal at the municipal level to a popular vote. The DSA did not meet the required number of valid signatures from registered City of Pittsburgh voters to place their referendum initiative on the November election ballot because the citizens of Pittsburgh did not support their reckless and dangerous agenda. In the end, it was their antisemitic and anti-Israel agenda that led to the referendum initiative’s defeat.

In a time of increasing antisemitism and threats against the Jewish community, efforts like this no doubt will continue to arise. However, our victory 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 the support of a strong community of Jewish and non-Jewish allies with us.