New York, NY, April 15, 2024 – In response to Sunday’s unprecedented aerial attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Israel, which involved over 300 drones and missiles, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today urges shareholders to vote against Proposal 7 outlined in the RTX’s 2024 Proxy Statement. RTX Corporation, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, is a producer of the Iron Dome defense system through a joint venture, Raytheon Rafael Area Protection Systems (R2S).
“This shareholder proposal is not only false and misleading but also seeks to deprive Israel of essential defensive tools, including the Iron Dome system, which was crucial in defending civilians during Sunday’s attack,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “At a time when Israel is facing an existential threatfrom Iran and its terror proxies, shareholders of good conscience must reject the hateful anti-Israel rhetoric propagated by the Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.”
In March, ADL affiliate JLens filed a Notice of Exempt Solicitation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, opposing Proposal 7 in RTX's 2024 proxy statement. The notice was submitted because the proposal contains languagethat could embolden hostility directed against Jews in the United States and beyond, including allegations that Raytheon's arms sales to Israel are “used to maintain the system of apartheid.”
“Antisemitism does not belong in corporate proxy statements,” said JLens Managing Director Ari Hoffnung. “Words matter, and we urge shareholders to join us in rejecting hateful rhetoric and supporting Israel’s right to exist by voting AGAINST Proposal 7.”
About the Anti-Defamation League
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.
About JLens
JLens’ mission is to empower investors to align their capital with Jewish values and advocate for Jewish communal priorities in the corporate arena. Founded in 2012 to give the Jewish community a strategic presence in this influential arena, JLens promotes Jewish values and interests, including combating antisemitism and Israel delegitimization. More at www.jlensnetwork.org.