September 2017

We are citizens of Israel who oppose our government’s policies of colonialism, military occupation, and apartheid against the Palestinian people. We write to you in support of the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israeli institutions. Our support stems from our collective decades of human rights-defense work in Palestine and Israel. We have come to the conclusion that not only is BDS the most effective way to pressure Israel to end its war crimes, but also international institutions and corporations bear a financial, legal, and moral responsibility to end ties with Israel's criminal apartheid system. We have received information about cooperation between the Women's Congress and the Israeli embassy. We ask you to cancel the planned cooperation. In doing so, we join Polish citizens who have sent a detailed statement to the Congress organizers.

Israel's systematic abuses against the indigenous Palestinian people doesn't spare Palestinian women and girls. Palestinian women and girls are also arrested by Israeli army and police, are also beaten and tortured in Israel's prisons, are also put into solitary confinement, and are also interned under Israel's so-called "administrative detention"- indefinite imprisonment without charge or trial. Palestinian women and girls are also executed by Israel's armed forces and settlers in the streets. Palestinian women and girls also pay the price of military night raids into their villages and cities. Palestinian women and girls also pay the price of their homes, schools, and businesses that Israel demolishes. Palestinian women and girls also pay the price of inadequate or lack of water. Palestinian women and girls also pay the price of Israel's hermetic, unlivable siege in Gaza. Israel's bombs do not enact affirmative action when the pulverize Palestinian women and girls in Gaza.

Therefore, we ask you to refrain from any cooperation between your Congress and the Israeli government.

We will gladly address any questions or comments you may have.

Sincerely, Boycott! Supporting the Palestinian BDS Call from Within