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Jewish News Syndicate

Nov 11, 2022

ADL acquires Jewish investor network JLens in bid to combat corporate anti-Semitism

Both organizations say there needs to be greater importance placed on fighting anti-Semitism and anti-Israel activity in corporate boardrooms.

ADL acquires Jewish investor network JLens in bid to combat corporate anti-Semitism

eJewish Philanthropy

Nov 10, 2022

ADL acquires JLens, entering the impact investing space

For the ADL, this means entering directly into shareholder meetings and speaking with corporate social responsibility executives in order to impact company policies.

ADL acquires JLens, entering the impact investing space

Israel National News

Nov 10, 2022

ADL incorporates Jewish investor network to combat BDS

Anti-Defamation League incorporates JLens into its fold in order to better combat activists calling for corporations to divest from Israel.

ADL incorporates Jewish investor network to combat BDS

The Algemeiner

Nov 10, 2022

Anti-Defamation League Incoporating Leading Jewish Investment Group

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will incorporate JLens, a leading Jewish investor network.

Anti-Defamation League Incoporating Leading Jewish Investment Group

Forward

Nov 10, 2022

ADL will take over a Jewish investment fund to fight BDS

The JLens Investor Network promotes socially responsible investing in the Jewish community while aggressively advocating for Israel

ADL will take over a Jewish investment fund to fight BDS

The Times of Israel

Nov 10, 2022

ADL acquires Jewish investor network JLens to oppose anti-Zionism in finance world

The Anti-Defamation League says it has acquired the Jewish investor network JLens to oppose anti-Israel activities in the progressive investing space.

ADL acquires Jewish investor network JLens to oppose anti-Zionism in finance world

New York Times

Nov 10, 2022

A.D.L. goes E.S.G.

The Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish advocacy group that combats antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, is looking to capitalize on one of the hottest and most controversial trends on Wall Street. The group is acquiring JLens, an E.S.G. — environment, social and governance — investor that specializes in Jewish-values investing, and manages about $200 million for other Jewish nonprofits.

A.D.L. goes E.S.G.

JTA

Nov 10, 2022

Anti-Defamation League acquires Jewish investment watchdog to fight threats to Israel on Wall Street

The Anti-Defamation League is bolstering its advocacy on Wall Street by absorbing JLens, an organization known for rating companies on their alleged support for the Israel boycott, according to an announcement on Thursday by the ADL.

Anti-Defamation League acquires Jewish investment watchdog to fight threats to Israel on Wall Street

The Times of Israel

Nov 4, 2022

Investment ratings giant Morningstar to step up efforts to weed out anti-Israel bias

Company says it will stop referring to ‘occupied’ territory and sourcing from UN Human Rights Council after campaign by Jewish groups and GOP officials

Investment ratings giant Morningstar to step up efforts to weed out anti-Israel bias

Financial Times' Ignites

Nov 2, 2022

Morningstar Dumps 'Anti-Israel' UN Human Rights Council

Morningstar’s Sustainalytics platform no longer uses data from the United Nations Human Rights Council because several organizations claim that the data has anti-Israel bias, the company said.

Morningstar Dumps 'Anti-Israel' UN Human Rights Council

Markets Media

Nov 1, 2022

Morningstar Addresses Anti-Israel ESG Research Bias Concerns

Morningstar, Inc., a leading provider of independent investment research announced new, additional measures to address the anti-Israel bias concerns raised regarding Sustainalytics’ ESG research products.

Morningstar Addresses Anti-Israel ESG Research Bias Concerns

Responsible Investor

Nov 1, 2022

Morningstar ditches UN Human Rights Council data to address anti-Israel bias concerns

The ESG data and ratings firm will cease using the terms 'Occupied Palestinian Territory' or 'occupied territory'

Morningstar ditches UN Human Rights Council data to address anti-Israel bias concerns

The Jerusalem Post

Nov 1, 2022

Jewish groups welcome Morningstar's new commitments to Israel

Morningstar's ties to BDS were first identified in April 2020, when the Chicago company announced it was acquiring full ownership of Amsterdam-based Sustainalytics.

Jewish groups welcome Morningstar's new commitments to Israel

Jewish News Syndicate

Oct 31, 2022

Morningstar announces substantive changes in its Israel ratings

The investment firm accused of anti-Israel bias made the decision after extended talks with a pro-Israel working group.

Morningstar announces substantive changes in its Israel ratings

The Algemeiner

Oct 31, 2022

Chicago Financial Firm Announces It Will Guard Against BDS

Morningstar, Inc., a Chicago-based investment firm managing over $250 billion in assets, has adopted measures preventing anti-Zionist bias from affecting ratings assigned to Israeli companies by one of its subsidiaries, the company announced Monday.

Chicago Financial Firm Announces It Will Guard Against BDS

Jewish News Syndicate

Aug 29, 2022

Jewish investor network: General Mills partially reverses removal of Pillsbury products from Israel

JLens, which previously placed General Mills on its “Do Not Invest,” says the company has been dishonest about its plans for Pillsbury in Israel and has been pulling products from shelves in response to pressure from the BDS movement.

Jewish investor network: General Mills partially reverses removal of Pillsbury products from Israel

eJewish Philanthropy

Aug 18, 2022

General Mills flagged by JLens

The latest company to face controversy for its business practices vis-à-vis Israel

General Mills flagged by JLens

eJewish Philanthropy

Aug 15, 2022

Impacting investing goes more mainstream as ESG strategies change

The change is driven by donor interest in an evolved form of impact investing, as the focus shifts from ESG screens to local loan programs and shareholder advocacy.

Impacting investing goes more mainstream as ESG strategies change

Israel Hayom

Jul 21, 2022

Jewish groups demand action from Morningstar over anti-Israel bias

An array of organizations representing mainstream American Jewry claim Morningstar can do more to root out systemic anti-Israel bias in its financial ratings.

Jewish groups demand action from Morningstar over anti-Israel bias

Jewish News Syndicate

Jul 14, 2022

Questions linger after state board closes investigation into Morningstar for anti-Israel bias

A statement from the Illinois Investment Policy Board deems its investigation into Chicago-based Morningstar closed. However, the chair of the board’s Israel committee says that isn’t what the board voted for.

Questions linger after state board closes investigation into Morningstar for anti-Israel bias

Newsweek

Jul 12, 2022

Will CEOs Finally Learn Their Lesson on Boycotting Israel? | Opinion

Ben & Jerry's' Israel boycott melted away last month when its parent company, Unilever, settled a federal lawsuit brought by the company's Israeli licensee, Avi Zinger.

Will CEOs Finally Learn Their Lesson on Boycotting Israel? | Opinion

Reuters

Jun 29, 2022

Facing heat over ESG ratings, Morningstar tapped this lawyer to put out the fire

When companies face allegations of misconduct, it’s practically standard operating procedure to hire a prestigious law firm to conduct an internal investigation.

Facing heat over ESG ratings, Morningstar tapped this lawyer to put out the fire

Jewish Insider

Jun 29, 2022

Facing Illinois blacklist, Morningstar commits to resolving anti-Israel biases

The Illinois Investment Policy Board voted not to blacklist Morningstar in return for a commitment from the financial services company to address its anti-Israel biases

Facing Illinois blacklist, Morningstar commits to resolving anti-Israel biases

Responsible Investor

Jun 9, 2022

ESG data providers set to 'face increased scrutiny on Israel' following Morningstar report

Jewish groups put industry on notice, investors stress the need for objective analysis and data.

ESG data providers set to 'face increased scrutiny on Israel' following Morningstar report

Responsible Investor

Jun 6, 2022

No 'pervasive or systemic bias' against Israel across Sustainalytics products report finds

But company Morningstar has discontinued the ESG rating provider’s Human Rights Radar for its “latent, disproportionate focus on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict”.

No 'pervasive or systemic bias' against Israel across Sustainalytics products report finds

The Jewish News of Northern California

Jun 6, 2022

Financial firm Morningstar admits to errors on Israel in bid to quell boycott controversy

Financial firm Morningstar admits to errors on Israel in bid to quell boycott controversy

Financial firm Morningstar admits to errors on Israel in bid to quell boycott controversy

Bloomberg

Jun 2, 2022

Morningstar Cuts Ties to Human Rights Radar Due to Bias Concerns

Morningstar Inc. has cut its ties to a research product that provides information on issuers involved in regions where human rights violations allegedly occur.

Morningstar Cuts Ties to Human Rights Radar Due to Bias Concerns

The Jerusalem Post

Feb 8, 2022

Is finance giant Morningstar boycotting Israel?

Morningstar’s subsidiary Sustainalytics allegedly steers investors away from Israel by improperly inflating the country’s risk and controversy ratings.

Is finance giant Morningstar boycotting Israel?

The Times of Israel | Blog

Jan 26, 2022

Investor Advocacy Leads to Investigation of Morningstar’s BDS Support

Morningstar has hired the law firm White & Case to conduct a formal investigation into the company’s support for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, Sanction (BDS) campaign.

Investor Advocacy Leads to Investigation of Morningstar’s BDS Support

Pioneers Post

Jan 25, 2022

Faith-based investing can have meaning only in practice

eligious groups can struggle to find investments that truly fulfil their values. But techniques such as screening investments, engaging with companies and impact investing can create the social and environmental impact that faiths around the world want to see.

Faith-based investing can have meaning only in practice

AP News

Jan 14, 2022

On Jewish Earth Day, more Jewish groups take climate action

Tu BiShvat, the Jewish new year of the trees, barely registers on most Jewish calendars, except as an occasion to plant trees or eat fruit and nuts.

On Jewish Earth Day, more Jewish groups take climate action

eJewish Philanthropy

Aug 20, 2021

The Leichtag Foundation aims to make 100% of its portfolio ‘mission-aligned’

Leichtag is the first Jewish foundation to go ‘all-in’ on impact investing.

The Leichtag Foundation aims to make 100% of its portfolio ‘mission-aligned’

The Algemeiner | Opinion

Jul 29, 2021

Without an Aggressive Response, Ben & Jerry’s Decision Is a Harbinger of Further Divestment From Israel

Companies hate controversy. Controversy threatens a company’s reputation and future earnings. With the dramatic growth of corporate social responsibility over the past decade, activists have increasingly generated controversy about companies in order to change corporate behavior on a range of social issues.

Without an Aggressive Response, Ben & Jerry’s Decision Is a Harbinger of Further Divestment From Israel

The Jerusalem Post

Jul 14, 2021

Illinois investigates company for support of antisemitic BDS campaign

The Chicago-based multinational investment company Morningstar was placed on JLens's "Do Not Invest" list in January over their alleged support for BDS.

Illinois investigates company for support of antisemitic BDS campaign

eJewish Philanthropy

Jun 15, 2021

Julie Hammerman on redefining financial return and being Israel’s advocate

The creator of JLens explains why impact investing is still a hard sell.

Julie Hammerman on redefining financial return and being Israel’s advocate

The Jewish News of Northern California

Mar 17, 2021

JLens puts Morningstar on ‘Do Not Invest’ list for BDS support

The prominent investment organization JLens has placed the Chicago-based multinational investor company Morningstar on its “Do Not Invest” list, charging that the firm supports the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.

JLens puts Morningstar on ‘Do Not Invest’ list for BDS support

The Jerusalem Post

Jan 31, 2021

JLens places Illinois company on ‘Do Not Invest’ list due to BDS activity

Group “submitted a shareholder proposal for Morningstar’s annual meeting in May 2021 requesting the board prepare a report for investors on the risks associated with activism against Israel.

JLens places Illinois company on ‘Do Not Invest’ list due to BDS activity

The Jerusalem Post

May 8, 2020

Morningstar acquires Sustainalytics, known for their anti-Israel bias

Within Sustainalytics' analyses, companies who operate in Israel are tagged with higher negative controversy ratings.

Morningstar acquires Sustainalytics, known for their anti-Israel bias

Euromoney

Feb 6, 2020

Wealth management: Universal benefits

Should spirituality be one of the lenses through which the wealthy manage their money? Faith-based investors certainly think so. Euromoney talks to funds and wealth advisers who believe that positive energy or religion-driven strategies can bring enhanced returns.

Wealth management: Universal benefits

Oregon Jewish Life

Nov 18, 2019

New Impact Investing Opportunity At Oregon Jewish Community Foundation

Philanthropy is more dynamic than you may realize. As our financial and social approaches to making a difference in the world have evolved, so too have the investment options for our charitable dollars.

New Impact Investing Opportunity At Oregon Jewish Community Foundation

Times of San Diego | Opinion

Nov 4, 2019

Faith-Based Investing Means Not Checking Spiritual Values At The Door

As the CEO of a Jewish community foundation, I often walk the halls, sanctuaries, offices and schools of many synagogues.

Faith-Based Investing Means Not Checking Spiritual Values At The Door

JTA | Opinion

Aug 28, 2019

Kosher and Halal Slaughter is being Vilified in Europe. Here's What Concerned Investors Can Do About It

On Sept. 1, the picturesque region of Wallonia will become the second in Belgium to ban killing animals without stunning them, rendering both kosher and most halal methods of slaughter illegal.

Kosher and Halal Slaughter is being Vilified in Europe. Here's What Concerned Investors Can Do About It

Forward

Jul 25, 2019

‘Jewish Values’ Investors Are Targeting An Israeli Company — For The First Time

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is a poster child for Israeli economic success. Built from a group of companies founded in the early years of the 20th century, Teva grew to become one of the largest generic drug producers on the planet, with revenue last year at nearly $19 billion.

‘Jewish Values’ Investors Are Targeting An Israeli Company — For The First Time

eJewish Philanthropy | Opinion

Mar 22, 2019

JLens Represents Jewish Communal Capital at Interreligious Vatican Summit

Recently, the Vatican invited JLens to participate in a conference on religions and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a set of seventeen ambitious goals to address current global problems by the year 2030.

JLens Represents Jewish Communal Capital at Interreligious Vatican Summit

CSRwire | Opinion

Nov 27, 2018

Airbnb Abandons CSR Values by Acquiescing to Anti-Israel BDS Campaign

Airbnb executives acquiesced last week to pressure from the BDS (“Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions”) campaign by removing roughly 200 Jewish rental listings in the West Bank.

Airbnb Abandons CSR Values by Acquiescing to Anti-Israel BDS Campaign

eJewish Philanthropy

Oct 25, 2018

JLens Receives $10m Impact Investment from Leichtag Foundation

The Leichtag Foundation has awarded a $10 million challenge impact investment to JLens‘ Jewish Advocacy Strategy, a Jewish values-aligned investment offering that advocates with companies on Jewish communal concerns – religious tolerance and coexistence, social and environmental issues, and support for Israel.

JLens Receives $10m Impact Investment from Leichtag Foundation

JTA

Apr 17, 2018

Brooklyn synagogue pulls its money out of Chase bank to promote climate change. Will others follow suit?

Congregation Kolot Chayeinu in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood is removing its savings from JPMorgan Chase, making it the first U.S. synagogue to publicly divest from a bank or other corporation “to explicitly oppose the funding of fossil fuel and other related projects dangerous to the world in which we live,” according to a statement from the congregation.

Brooklyn synagogue pulls its money out of Chase bank to promote climate change. Will others follow suit?

LA Jewish Journal

Apr 11, 2018

Israel: The Startup Charitable Nation

Throughout the world, Israel is known as the “startup nation,” where investors are increasingly drawn to the innovation and brainpower that are its greatest natural resources.

Israel: The Startup Charitable Nation

JTA

Feb 21, 2018

Can Jewish charities do good and make money? Impact investors say yes.

For all of its modern history, the American Jewish community has pursued most of its goals through philanthropy — funding programs and institutions through donations and charitable giving that relies heavily on the generosity of wealthy people.

Can Jewish charities do good and make money? Impact investors say yes.

eJewish Philanthropy

Dec 15, 2017

JLens Hosts First Impact Investing Summit for Jewish Communal Leadership

Some 300 Jewish communal leaders and finance professionals, including a number who traveled from Israel, attended the first Jewish Impact Investing Summit in New York City on Dec. 5, 2017.

JLens Hosts First Impact Investing Summit for Jewish Communal Leadership

ImpactAlpha

Dec 7, 2017

Jewish-Lens Investors Ask "Why Impact"

As interest in impact investing grows, faith-based communities are recognizing its power to advance their values. JLens Investor Network hosted its first summit at Fordham University in New York this week, bringing together rabbis, investors, philanthropists and other institutional leaders.

Jewish-Lens Investors Ask "Why Impact"

NY Jewish Week

Nov 27, 2017

It’s Time To De-Treife Our Endowments

With annual campaigns basically flat, Jewish federations are focusing on building up their endowments with legacy gifts from major donors to ensure the long-term viability of our communal institutions and their holy work.

It’s Time To De-Treife Our Endowments

eJewish Philanthropy

Aug 10, 2017

Boston’s Judaism-infused Investment Experiment

“There is no guarantee,” your financial advisor explains. “But a new investment called a Social Impact Bond could return a profit in excess of 10%, if the project out-performs. Best of all, your investment will help address one of Boston’s biggest social issues and support the work of an important Jewish agency.”

Boston’s Judaism-infused Investment Experiment

Jewish Ledger

Jul 12, 2017

Conversation with Rabbi Joshua Ratner

Former JCRC director helps investors put their money where their Jewish values are

Conversation with Rabbi Joshua Ratner

Inside Business

May 26, 2017

Faith and Finance

Religious centered financial firms see growing demand despite declines in church attendance

Faith and Finance

Responsible Investor

May 17, 2017

Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility’s Finance Director Shamilov resigns

Alleged “anti-Israel” stance denied by faith investment group

Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility’s Finance Director Shamilov resigns

Wall Street Journal

Apr 5, 2017

Financial Advisers Put Faith in Religion-Based Investing

More advisers help clients coordinate their financial and spiritual lives

Financial Advisers Put Faith in Religion-Based Investing

Times of Israel

Apr 5, 2017

Federations donate to Israel, but most of their investments go anywhere but

With $90 billion at their discretion, why are the majority of Jewish funds and federations not only skipping Israel, but investing in ‘enemy’ countries?

Federations donate to Israel, but most of their investments go anywhere but

Barron's

Mar 30, 2017

Religion-Themed Advisory Growing Fast

A growing number of advisors and financial firms are helping clients align their financial lives with their religious beliefs, writes The Wall Street Journal.

Religion-Themed Advisory Growing Fast

NJ Jewish News

Feb 20, 2017

Abusing socially responsible investing to attack Israel


It is time to shine a spotlight on a lesser-known aspect of the campaign against Israel’s legitimacy, one that has potential for significant negative financial impact: the abuse of Socially Responsible Investing.

Abusing socially responsible investing to attack Israel
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