http://antonyloewenstein.com/2011/04/17/dissident-israelis-support-marrickville-bds-plan/
Published on
on 17 April 2011 Letter to Marrickville Council from concerned citizens of Israel urging you to stand firm in your support of BDS
We are Israeli citizens who witness first-hand the brutality of ourgovernment’s policies towards the Palestinian people. We stand firm in our support of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) initiatives against Israel until it meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, and fully complies with the precepts of international law.
We reject the notion promoted by demagogues, that the 2005 BDS call from Palestine, and the BDS campaigns the world over which it has inspired, are rooted in anti-Jewish sentiment. On the contrary, BDS is an anti-racist movement against the daily, brutal occupation of Palestine and the virulently racist policies towards Israel’s Palestinian citizens.
We also reject the assertion that cultural and academic boycotts of Israel defy the democratic principle of free speech. Research and development in academic institutions play a central role in designing and defending Israel’s military and intelligence machinery. Prominent state-sponsored cultural institutions perpetuate the deception of Israeli democracy, and serve as propaganda tools. Moreover, the BDS campaign targets Israeli institutions, and does not bar Israeli individuals from conducting research with partners abroad or Israeli artists from performing abroad.
BDS was a key strategy in ending the white South African system ofapartheid by applying international pressure.
We warmly commend the groundbreaking stand taken by the MarrickvilleCouncil in support of the Council in support of the democratic and non-violent BDS campaign for justice and human rights and urge the council to stand firm in the face of attempted intimidation and manipulation.
Sincerely,
Steve Amsel
Ronnen Ben-Arie (Fellow at the Minerva Humanities Center, TAU)
Matan Cohen
Adi Dagan
Prof. Rachel Giora
Rosamine Hayeem
Iris Hefets
Shir Hever
Yael Kahn
Dr. Anat Matar
Rela Mazali
Professor (emeritus) Moshé Machover
Dr. Dorothy Naor
Ofer Neiman
Amit Perelson
Itai Ryb
Herzl Schubert
Yonatan Shapira
Jonatan Stanczak
Ruth Tenne
Yana Ziferblat
On behalf of Boycott! Supporting the Palestinian BDS Call from within http://boycottisrael.info/
contact info
phone: 972-544-740825
boycottisrael.info
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20 April
Council Withdraws from GBDS
Marrickville Council has voted to withdraw its support for the Global Boycott Divestments and Sanctions (GBDS) campaign involving Israel. more...
Marrickville Council has voted to withdraw its support for the Global Boycott
Divestments and Sanctions (GBDS) campaign involving Israel
Media Release
20 April 2011
Marrickville Council
PO Box 14 Petersham 2049 Ph: 9335 2222 Fax: 9335 2029
email: council@marrickville.nsw.gov.au web: www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au
COUNCIL WITHDRAWS FROM GBDS
Marrickville Council has voted to withdraw its support for the Global Boycott
Divestments and Sanctions (GBDS) campaign involving Israel.
The decision was passed at last night’s council meeting where councillors met to
discuss a Council staff report outlining the implications of implementing the policy.
The Mayor of Marrickville, Councillor Fiona Byrne said that she had carefully
considered the findings of a Council staff report on the issue which was released last
week.
“The report identifies some options, the cost of which would be impractical to the
Council and our local residents,” Clr Byrne said.
Clr Byrne added that Council would pursue other opportunities in its commitment to
see an improvement in the wellbeing of Palestinians in the occupied territories.
“The plight of the Palestinian people in the occupied territories has been and remains
a source of concern for Marrickville Councillors.”
“Council is justifiably proud of its history in fostering effective multiculturalism and is
recognised as a leading advocate of viable and results-based social justice and
environmental programs, as well as sustaining a culture of transparency and good
governance.”
“How Council pursues its commitment to this issue must not adversely impact on
Council’s capacity to continue with its demonstrated commitment to serving our
community, and delivering quality and diverse services now and into the future.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Nicole Trian, Media and Publications
Ph 9335 2047 or 0428 115 292
Rachael Brown, Communication Assistant
Ph 9335 2063
