Press Release: NJAC Secures Key Concession in Lawsuit Against Mass. Town for Illegal Divestment Law
- May 1
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7
Medford, MA — The defendant in a federal lawsuit brought by the National Jewish Advocacy Center (NJAC) conceded to a preliminary injunction sought to preserve plaintiffs’ rights while the case is pending.
In February, NJAC sued the City of Medford, MA, challenging its so-called “Values-Aligned Local Investments Ordinance” that would require the town Treasurer to make investment decisions based on political and ideological beliefs, instead of fiscal responsibility. The complaint alleges that the Ordinance violates the constitution as a gross overreach by a municipality into federal concerns, and breaches basic duties of fiduciary responsibility.
Recently, NJAC filed for a preliminary injunction, to prevent Medford from implementing this improper Ordinance while the lawsuit is pending. Today, the defendants responded to that motion with a promise to maintain the status quo, stating that the City has not and “will not take any active steps to implement the Ordinance while the matter is pending.”
“This is a significant early victory for our clients and for the Medford taxpayers,” said Rachel Sebbag, attorney for the plaintiffs. “The City’s promise that it will not enforce this irresponsible, illegal Ordinance while the case is pending is one Medford’s residents deserved.”
“Make no mistake: today’s filing is a procedural step, not the end of this fight,” David Benger, litigation counsel at NJAC, added. “The Ordinance remains on Medford’s books, and NJAC will continue to litigate this case to its conclusion. Municipalities across the country should take note: discriminatory ordinances dressed up in the language of ‘values’ will be met with vigorous legal challenge.”
“I’m glad this issue, at least, has been put to bed,” said Tina Snider, president of the Gevura Fund. “The city should focus on doing what’s best for taxpayers of Medford.”
The National Jewish Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of the legal system to advocate for and protect Jewish civil rights using creative, innovative strategies. For more information, please visit http://njaclaw.org.
About the Gevura Fund
The Gevura Fund is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting research, legal advocacy, and educational initiatives that address antisemitism and promote accountability in public institutions. It works to equip parents, educators, and community leaders with resources and partnerships needed to ensure transparency, fair representation, and safe learning environments.
About Libby Hoopes Brooks & Mulvey. P.C.
Libby Hoopes Brooks & Mulvey is a boutique firm of experienced, aggressive and versatile advocates specializing in white collar criminal defense, internal corporate investigations, and complex civil and administrative litigation. Their clients include corporations, executives, and professionals in the financial services, legal, health care and other regulated industries.
The case is Chertok et al. v. City of Medford et al., Civil Action No. 1:26-cv-10589, pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
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