Pro BDS move condemned by the ADC
Australia’s B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has condemned the vote by the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) to back the BDS campaign.
Dvir Abramovich
During its Annual General meeting, the APAN unanimously passed a motion which “endorses and advocates a policy of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) of Israeli and international institutions complicit in violations of human rights and international law in Israel and Palestine.” According to media reports, Dr Peter Slezak, an APAN executive, said that “the motion would result in action, and that APAN would be working on campaigns targeting specific organisations. That’s the next step and we’re sort of on the verge of that.”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement: “I am dismayed and troubled by the shameful and offensive vote by the APAN, passed as Israel is engulfed by a wave of murderous terrorist attacks.
I am also concerned about the real possibility that as a result of this resolution, businesses and organisations in Australia who have some association or dealings with Israel may be targeted for boycott, intimidation and pressure as we saw in the case of Max Brenner. Such discriminatory and divisive conduct has no place in Australia.
It is outrageous that the APAN has chosen to promote this biased, thinly veined antisemitic campaign which unfairly aims to delegitimize, defame and isolate the Jewish state. While attacking Israel, The APAN, in the press release announcing its advocacy of the BDS, conveniently overlooks the horrific violence and fanaticism Israeli citizens have been subjected to over the last few weeks.
Though it claims to oppose antisemitism, instead of building bridges and cultivating interfaith dialogue in Australia, the APAN has opted for the path of demonisation and vilification, stoking the embers of division and discord. At a time when young people are being radicalised to violence, Australian organisations should champion the cause of reconciliation, not foment an atmosphere of hostility against the Jewish community. We call on political, communal and religious leaders to condemn this counterproductive vote and demand that the APAN renounce its support for this appalling campaign.”
What else would you expect from a association APAN ? Perhaps love and a fair minded attitude towards Israel and Jewish people ?
BDS will certainly have an impact , mostly on Australian businesses. However,
if it comes to violence much more forceful steps would have to be taken.