For Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) on behalf of Palestinian rights

We, Palestinians, Jews, citizens of Israel, join the Palestinian call for a BDS campaign against Israel, inspired by the struggle of South Africans against apartheid.1 We also call on others to do the same.

We are devoted to the promotion of just peace and true democracy in this region. We are particularly opposed to Western governments' decision to boycott the Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, most especially in besieged Gaza. This is particularly outrageous given the same Western governments' prolonged support of Israel's apartheid and other daily violations of international law.

We are deeply concerned about the potentially irreversible damage inflicted on Palestinians by Israel's brutal occupation, systematic oppression of its Palestinian citizens and denial of the right of return of Palestinian refugees. We have come to the conclusion that these practices will end only when their cost for Israel- its elites in particular- outweighs the benefits.

In light of attacks on BDS supporters, we emphasize that a critical stance against the occupation and apartheid, including explicit BDS actions taken by individuals and organizations, are not antisemitic. On the contrary, only resistance of this kind as part of the struggle for peace based on justice and equality will enable a common future for Arabs, Jews and all inabitants in the region.

We endorse the Palestinian call as is. We stand against all forms of racism and oppression and support and encourage BDS actions as a legitimate political activity and a necessary means of non-violent resistance. We will act inside and outside Israel to promote awareness and support of BDS.

1http://www.bdsmovement.net/call