Some Chametz on Pesach

Heavy-equipment giant Caterpillar opened negotiations with Christian groups threatening to divest from the company because of its sales to Israel.

The United Methodist Church has been contemplating a resolution to pull investments from Caterpillar due to the use of Caterpillar machinery in the West Bank. In a statement from Caterpillar, sent to Methodist leaders on April 7, the company said it would call on its clients to use their equipment in ways “consistent with human rights and requirements of international humanitarian law.”

Caterpillar also promised to look into engaging in “possible philanthropic activities in Palestinian areas.”

After receiving the statement, the Methodist Church withdrew a resolution targeting Caterpillar for divestment from the agenda of its quadrennial General Conference scheduled to open April 23.