"BDS is often maligned as an antisemitic movement, but the BDS movement, in its own words, “upholds the simple principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity.” The movement was inspired by the boycott of South African apartheid, and simply upholds the human rights of Palestinians."
July 31, 2023
We all recognize that antisemitism, and any form of racism is an offense to all humanity. Yet we must also speak out against injustice, wherever it may occur. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel is a call to action in the face of Israeli oppression and apartheid. It is a righteous cause, and it is not antisemitic.
BDS is often maligned as an antisemitic movement, but the BDS movement, in its own words, “upholds the simple principle that Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as the rest of humanity[1].” The movement was inspired by the boycott of South African apartheid, and simply upholds the human rights of Palestinians. BDS does not seek to “destroy” Israel any more than the boycott of South Africa sought to “destroy” that country. Rather, it seeks to apply economic pressure until Israel complies with international law and respects Palestinians’ rights.[2]
BDS supporters boycott Israeli goods, and shops that sell Israeli goods. They do not boycott based on ethnicity or religion. If you are a Muslim selling Israeli goods, you are as much a target for BDS as a Jew selling Israeli goods. Sure, BDS’ may threaten the status quo, but it is most definitely not antisemitic.
Mohamed Khalaf
Director of Special Operations
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME)
Address: 580 Sainte-Croix, Suite 060, Montreal, QC H4l 3X5
T: 438-380-5410
C: 438-530-6567
[1] https://bdsmovement.net/what-is-bds
[2]https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/cjpme/pages/993/attachments/original/1425568398/Document1093.pdf?1425568398