BDS condemned in U.S. House of Representatives
A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a new measure in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning resolutions or policies promoting boycotts of Israeli academic institutions and scholars by American universities or scholarly associations.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) introduced legislation condemning boycott of Israeli universities. Credit: U.S. House of Representatives.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) introduced legislation condemning boycott of Israeli universities. Credit: U.S. House of Representatives.
The resolution was introduced by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla) and was co-sponsored by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Kevin Boyle (D-Pa.), Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), and Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.).
“The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement on college campuses has unfairly singled out Israel, our closest friend and ally in the extremely volatile Middle East,” Curbelo said in a statement.
Rep. Curbelo added that “academic boycotts eliminate the possibility of open exchanges of ideas” and that “American institutions must be able to engage in academic exchange with Israeli institution.”
In addition to condemning restrictions on academic links between American and Israeli universities, the resolution also praises “university presidents and institutions that have opposed academic boycott and have shown dedication to the free and open exchange of ideas.”
“It’s time we take a stand and say we will not sit quietly and condone our higher education system boycotting our trusted friend and ally, Israel,” said Rep. Boyle.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) praised the bipartisan legislation and called on the House of Representatives to quickly adopt it.
“Efforts to uniquely isolate Israeli institutions and scholars undermine academic freedom and, moreover, does not advance the cause of peace,” said Richard Foltin, AJC’s director of national and legislative affairs.
Australia’s B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) welcomed the introduction of the resolution.
ADC Chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich said: “This significant measure rightly condemns the BDS movement and its unjust and hateful targeting of Israeli academic institutions.
Dvir Abramowich
It clearly sends the message that any attempt to isolate Israeli scholars is morally bankrupt, and is antithetical to the principles of academic freedom and the open exchange of ideas. We endorse the words of U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, who introduced the resolution, that, “The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement on college campuses has unfairly singled out Israel”.
The punitive and manifestly discriminatory BDS campaign will not advance the cause of peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
We urge all communal and political leaders in Australia who are committed to direct negotiations and dialogue to declare that any boycott of Israel will hinder the chances of a true and lasting resolution between the parties and should be soundly rejected.”
JNS.org and J-Wire staff
Don’t some of the BDS know a lot in Islam were totally behind the Nazis on the Jewish Question .They elected a leader the Grand Mufti El Husseini who had lemon juice with the Nazi Feuhrer discussing the Final Solution of the Jews in Europe and Mandatory Palestine .
May there be much much more of this. May Israel continue to set an example – a democratic example to other countries who don’t get the HUGE difference between protecting their people and abusing their people.