Alameda County ’s Board of Supervisors voted Friday to approve — but not implement — a long-awaited ethical investment policy barring investments of public funds in companies that knowingly and directly enable human rights violations.

Though the policy does not mention Israel by name, pro-Palestinian activists hope it will provide a framework to divest from companies with business ties to Israel. Jewish residents supportive of Israel, however, said they worry the new investment policy will normalize hate against Israel and, in turn, Jewish people at a time when reports of antisemitism are on the rise in California.

The policy would also encourage investment in entities that align with the county’s stated goals and values. But it does not take effect until the county can hire a consult

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