JLens

Today, JLens released a first-of-its-kind report, quantifying how much university endowments could lose over the next 10 years if they acquiesced to BDS demands to divest from Israel. We found that the 100 largest U.S. university endowments could collectively forgo $33.2 billion in returns. Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University and Princeton University are projected to collectively lose more than $8 billion in estimated returns on their endowments over the decade. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eE2YewQX

In May, the Anti-Defamation League and JLens joined a group of fellow investors in urging shareholders to vote in favor of a shareholder proposal on Meta’s ballot that called on the company to address critical issues of hate speech, antisemitism and cyberbullying to protect kids on its social media platforms. Join JLens' Dani Nurick and Ari Hoffnung for a webinar on Monday, September 9th from 1-1:45 pm EDT / 10-10:45 am PDT with Daniel Kelley, Acting Head of the ADL Center for Technology and Society, to share insights into the proliferation of antisemitism and hate at social media and tech companies, and discuss what shareholders are doing to tackle online hate and harassment. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g7EsKJfP

Now that the 2024 proxy season has come to a close, we would like to recap three successful campaigns that JLens ran, in collaboration with the Anti-Defamation League, to combat anti-Israel shareholder proposals with hateful rhetoric and support efforts to protect kids from online hate. Read more about our campaigns at Amazon, Meta, and RTX.

As a father of three kids (with seemingly countless iPhones, tablets, laptops, and other devices), I'm deeply concerned about the impact of hate speech and cyberbullying on our children. According to the ADL Center for Technology and Society's latest report, more than half of American teens have reported experiencing harassment online. This issue resonates with countless parents and educators who worry about the well-being of young people in the digital age. That's why I'm proud of the work the Anti-Defamation League, JLens and many other advocates have done to urge Meta's shareholders to take decisive action to protect our kids on their platforms. As the world's largest social media company, with billions of users across its Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp platforms, Meta must prioritize the safety and well-being of its youngest users. By implementing robust policies and proactively addressing hate speech and online harassment, Meta can create a safer digital environment for our children. It's time for Meta to put the mental health and security of its young users first. Together, we can push for meaningful change and hold social media giants accountable. Join us in working together to #ProtectOurKids and build a more inclusive, respectful online community. Learn more here - https://lnkd.in/eijTKdgA #StopHate #Cyberbullying #Antisemitism #SocialMediaResponsibility #OnlineSafety

We are pleased to announce that shareholders chose to reject the anti-Israel shareholder proposal filed at RTX (Raytheon–the corporation behind Israel’s Iron Dome defense), receiving only 5.48% of votes cast in favor. In March, JLens filed a Notice of Exempt Solicitation with the SEC, urging investors to vote against the proposal because it included false and misleading language, could embolden antisemitism in society, and we believe it seeks to delegitimize Israel’s right to exist. Please join us and Anne Herzberg from NGO Monitor and Steven M. Pantina from Proxy Analytics LLC for a webinar tomorrow from 12-12:45pm EDT / 9-9:45am PDT to learn more about the importance of combating anti-Israel shareholder proposals, and to discuss the upcoming May 22nd vote on the anti-Israel shareholder proposal at Amazon. https://lnkd.in/gJQfQf2J

In preparation for this #proxyseason, our team has reviewed hundreds of shareholder proposals. Unfortunately, we have identified several troubling proposals, inspired by the Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, that contain hateful rhetoric falsely accusing Israel of working to maintain a system of apartheid and committing war crimes. This language is not only false and misleading, but aims to deprive Israel of access to vital technologies, including the Iron Dome defense system. Please join JLens and human rights and shareholder advocacy experts on Thursday, May 9th from 12-12:45 pm EDT / 9-9:45 am PDT to learn more about the importance of combating anti-Israel shareholder proposals. https://lnkd.in/ePfeQ5q7

In response to Sunday’s unprecedented aerial attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Israel, which involved over 300 drones and missiles,?the Anti-Defamation League joined JLens in urging shareholders to vote?against?Proposal 7?outlined in the RTX 2024 Proxy Statement. RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, is a producer of the Iron Dome defense system through a joint venture. The proposal seeks to deprive Israel of essential defensive tools, including the Iron Dome system, which was crucial in defending civilians during Sunday’s attack. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eX4pkwGN

On Wednesday, February 7th, two human rights experts, who were hired by investment ratings firm?Morningstar, published an?independent report?outlining recommendations of further steps the company should take to remove anti-Israel bias from its ratings products and services. JLens, in collaboration with the?Anti-Defamation League, the?Jewish Federations of North America?and a?broad coalition of Jewish community organizations, is pleased that?Morningstar Sustainalytics?has agreed to adopt and implement all of these recommendations. This follows a campaign initiated by JLens and the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, spanning almost four years, which aimed to counter the influence of BDS activists on company?#ESG?ratings. Of the 109 companies flagged as controversial for operating in Israel and the West Bank at the start of this campaign, only 7 retain controversy ratings. Hear from?L. Rachel Lerman,?The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law; Marc Stern,?American Jewish Committee (AJC); Jay Tcath,?Jewish United Fund;?Ari Hoffnung, JLens; and?Dani Nurick, JLens in a webinar unpacking the newly released report. Register now:?https://lnkd.in/etgppv-9

Join experts from JLens, American Jewish Committee (AJC), The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Jewish United Fund to unpack the newly released independent report commissioned by #Morningstar, aimed at eliminating anti-Israel bias in #ESG ratings. This comprehensive discussion will delve into the report’s recommendations, explore their implications for future corporate engagement, and preview the 2024 Proxy Season. Monday, 2/12/2024 from 12-12:45 pm EST / 9-9:45 am PST. Register here: https://lnkd.in/etgppv-9

Today's independent report, commissioned by Morningstar, outlines seven recommendations to eliminate anti-Israel bias in company ratings, aiming to position Morningstar Sustainalytics’ #ESG products as a benchmark for accuracy and objectivity. In collaboration with a coalition of Jewish organizations, our focus at JLens is to ensure that financial data providers deliver unbiased insights, free from influences by activists seeking to deter companies from doing business with Israel. A testament to our progress, last year Morningstar took decisive action by removing unfair controversy ratings from over 100 firms operating in or doing business with Israel, achieving a 94% decrease. This move underscores the tangible impact of our collective advocacy towards equitable ESG reporting, ensuring that all companies are evaluated on a level playing field. More here - https://lnkd.in/euVMZ4uN Jewish Federations of North America, Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee (AJC), The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law Jewish United Fund UJA-Federation of New York #ESG #FairnessInFinance #Morningstar #JLens #ObjectiveReporting