In response to the online Opinion piece by Stephanie Ives, “Why New Israel Fund Is Marching For Israel,” there is opposition to NIF participation in the Israel unity parade because some of its grantees boycott products produced beyond Israel’s 1949 armistice line. Such boycotts, unlike that of cottage cheese, and of stores open on Shabbat by the very observant, as mentioned by the author as justification, are far different. These are out of religious conviction or to lower the price of an item. Boycotts of “settlement products” perpetuated by the far left are organized and meant to cripple existing businesses based upon ideological differences.
At a time when the global BDS [boycott, divestment and sanctions] movement is growing, such tactics are not only immoral, but dangerous. People around the world do not see the distinction made by Ives whether inside or outside the “green line.” What they do see is Jews boycotting other Jews, which include some of the very companies which they too are crusading against, such as Ahava products and Soda Stream.
Does the NIF want to march in the Israel parade? They should disassociate themselves from all vestiges of BDS. It should be a no-brainer.
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