In the news
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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”