February 24, 2014 UCLA Undergraduate Student Association Council Los Angeles, CA Dear Student leaders, I write this letter on behalf of the leadership of the Los Angeles region of AJC (American Jewish Committee). For over a century, AJC has fought for human rights and democratic values here in Los Angeles and throughout the nation and world. We are passionate advocates for a two-state solution that will ensure the rights of Israelis and Palestinians. In that spirit, AJC notes with grave concern the one-sided, cynical resolution now before you that calls upon the Regents of the University of California only to divest funds from selected corporations doing business in Israel. The resolution is a call for destructive, not constructive, action and hinders the critical Israeli-Palestinian peace process currently underway. Please understand that this divestment resolution falls squarely within a broader, well-funded and organized campaign known as BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions). BDS delegitimizes and vilifies Israel, often employing misinformation and half-truths in order to demonize the country. Singling out Israel for selective divestment bespeaks an incredible double standard. Are you prepared to divest funds from companies conducting business in states that truly violate human rights with their oppressive, brutal regimes such as China, Syria, Iran or Sudan? Make no mistake about it: this resolution and others like it consistently and solely single out Israel. As student government leaders, I would urge you to ask yourselves: why? I am the proud father of a UCLA alumna (class of 2006) and had the pleasure of being on campus yesterday to hear Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, deliver a keynote address at Schoenberg Hall. A UCLA student asked her about the divestment resolution now under consideration. Ambassador Power was unequivocal in her response, pointing out how counterproductive these resolutions are, especially with ongoing peace talks

under the watchful eye of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Divestment campaigns ignore Israel's humanitarian aid in the region (e.g. with Syrian refugees) and the world (e.g. in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti), and Israel's recent admission into several regional groups at the United Nations. Please do not be misled by divestment proponents who claim that this resolution is pro-peace. This resolution does nothing to help the Palestinians improve their lives, begin state building, or develop democratic institutions. Instead, we implore you to call for opportunities that build peace and support efforts and programs that bring Israelis and Palestinians together. We encourage you to soundly reject this resolution, and instead work together with your fellow UCLA students and UC Regents to invest in projects that will advance prospects of peace. Sincerely,

Rabbi Mark S. Diamond Director, AJC Los Angeles