30 june 2015
Delegates call on United Church of Christ's financial arms to sell off stock in any company profiting from 'human rights violations arising from the occupation'; economic impact on Israel expected to be negligible.
The top legislative body of the United Church of Christ voted Tuesday to divest from Israeli companies with business in the Palestinian territories, a sign of the growing momentum of a protest movement against Israeli policy.
The US-based liberal Protestant group's General Synod endorsed the action on a vote of 508-124 with 38 abstentions. Later Tuesday, the denomination was to vote on whether to label Israeli policies in the territories as "apartheid." Last year, the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to sell stock in a few companies whose products are used by Israel in the territories.
The United Church of Christ resolution was broader. Delegates are calling on the denomination's financial arms to sell off stock in any company profiting from what the church called human rights violations arising from the occupation.
The church's two major financial arms, a pension board and investment fund, together control nearly $4 billion. Each is guided by directors who can decide whether to follow the call for divestment. If they do sell off stock, the economic impact on Israel is expected to be negligible. Still, the vote aims to bring moral pressure for change from within the US, Israel's closest and most important ally. The church also voted to boycott products made in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Peter Makari of Global Ministries, an agency that is part of the United Church of Christ, said the resolutions "reflect our urgent concern for the worsening effects of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian people and lives, including the disparity in rights and power." The church affirmed Israel's right to exist, along with a "sovereign, independent" Palestinian state. The American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group based in New York, slammed the resolutions and said the action would "bolster those who oppose peace." Separately, the Episcopal Church, meeting in Salt Lake City, was considering a divestment resolution. And at another meeting this week, the Mennonite Church USA will also take up a divestment proposal.
The votes take place as the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, known as BDS, gains strength on US college campuses and in many places in Europe. The Israeli government and many Jewish leaders have condemned the movement as anti-Semitic and an attempt to delegitimize Israel. Makari said the United Church of Christ vote was not "a blanket endorsement" of BDS, "but it's in the spirit of the call." The movement grew from a 2005 international call by Palestinian groups as an alternative to armed struggle over control of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, which Israel captured in 1967 and Palestinians seek for an independent state.
BDS advocates say the movement, based on the campaign against South African apartheid decades ago, is aimed at Israeli policy, not Jews, in response to two decades of failed peace talks and expanded Israeli settlement of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The top legislative body of the United Church of Christ voted Tuesday to divest from Israeli companies with business in the Palestinian territories, a sign of the growing momentum of a protest movement against Israeli policy.
The US-based liberal Protestant group's General Synod endorsed the action on a vote of 508-124 with 38 abstentions. Later Tuesday, the denomination was to vote on whether to label Israeli policies in the territories as "apartheid." Last year, the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to sell stock in a few companies whose products are used by Israel in the territories.
The United Church of Christ resolution was broader. Delegates are calling on the denomination's financial arms to sell off stock in any company profiting from what the church called human rights violations arising from the occupation.
The church's two major financial arms, a pension board and investment fund, together control nearly $4 billion. Each is guided by directors who can decide whether to follow the call for divestment. If they do sell off stock, the economic impact on Israel is expected to be negligible. Still, the vote aims to bring moral pressure for change from within the US, Israel's closest and most important ally. The church also voted to boycott products made in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
Peter Makari of Global Ministries, an agency that is part of the United Church of Christ, said the resolutions "reflect our urgent concern for the worsening effects of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian people and lives, including the disparity in rights and power." The church affirmed Israel's right to exist, along with a "sovereign, independent" Palestinian state. The American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group based in New York, slammed the resolutions and said the action would "bolster those who oppose peace." Separately, the Episcopal Church, meeting in Salt Lake City, was considering a divestment resolution. And at another meeting this week, the Mennonite Church USA will also take up a divestment proposal.
The votes take place as the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, known as BDS, gains strength on US college campuses and in many places in Europe. The Israeli government and many Jewish leaders have condemned the movement as anti-Semitic and an attempt to delegitimize Israel. Makari said the United Church of Christ vote was not "a blanket endorsement" of BDS, "but it's in the spirit of the call." The movement grew from a 2005 international call by Palestinian groups as an alternative to armed struggle over control of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, which Israel captured in 1967 and Palestinians seek for an independent state.
BDS advocates say the movement, based on the campaign against South African apartheid decades ago, is aimed at Israeli policy, not Jews, in response to two decades of failed peace talks and expanded Israeli settlement of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Shurat HaDin, an organisation with links to Israel's government and security services, is holding a seminar this week in Jerusalem "to train lawyers from abroad to litigate BDS." The gathering follows a period of intensified attacks by Israeli officials on the Palestinian-led boycott movement, including reports of imminent Justice Ministry-initiated lawsuits.
According to media reports, some 70 lawyers from around the world, including the US, Singapore, the Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, Canada and Belgium, will attend. The goal - to "equip" them with "the tactical tools and broader courtroom strategies they need" to fight BDS.
The schedule of workshops and lectures covers topics such as "Learn to Combat BDS and other Anti-Semitic Movements" and "Prepare to Defend Israeli Soldiers Against War Crimes Complaints". Speakers include Alan Dershowitz and former Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler.
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, president of Shurat HaDin, believes that attendees will go on to implement "proven strategies" in Israel and worldwide. "The anti-Israel BDS and delegitimization movement has been ramping up its efforts at the campus and corporate-organizational levels," said Darshan-Leitner, and "we must expand the fight dramatically."
Shurat HaDin uses courts around the world "to go on the legal offensive" against those it perceives to be "Israel's enemies." In its own words, "as an NGO operating in the private sector", the organisation "is positioned to undertake actions that the Israeli government is unable to formally engage in."
The group is often presented as a "civil rights organisation" working "to stop the flow of terror money" - as Newsweek put it, "attacking the terrorists in their pocketbooks". In fact, as revealed by Wikileaks, Darshan-Leitner "privately admitted to taking direction from the Israeli government over which cases to pursue and relying on Israeli intelligence contacts for witnesses and evidence."
In other words, as an Israeli journalist wrote in 2013, Shurat HaDin "files lawsuits at the behest of the Israeli government", yet still "dares to define itself as a 'human rights organisation'."
One of Shurat HaDin's most infamous attempts to undermine the BDS campaign was their 'anti-discrimination' case brought against the pro-boycott Australian academic Jake Lynch, which ended in failure in July 2014.
Even before the courts dismissed the case, Israel advocates had warned that litigation was "inappropriate and likely to be counter-productive." Shurat HaDin's track record also includes an unsuccessful lawsuit against Jimmy Carter, and threats to global charity Oxfam.
Shurat HaDin's focus on counter-BDS lawfare comes as Israel's Ministry of Justice is "preparing to file lawsuits against [boycott] activists", with a "plan of action" being put together that will reportedly form part of "a wider plan to combat the 'delegitimisation' of Israel."
On Sunday, meanwhile, a major Israeli think tank presented its recommendations to PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet on how best to fight BDS, including "the denunciation of American college faculty who demonise Israel."
The report urged the Israeli government to "promptly adopt an appropriately budgeted comprehensive strategy, and task a senior government official, who reports directly to the prime minister, with coordinating its operational implementation."
Here in Britain, UK Lawyers for Israel is currently recruiting [PDF] a "full-time Director of Operations" on £40,000-50,000. In the job advert, the organisation describes itself as "increasingly recognised for its valuable efforts in combating BDS and other attempts to undermine Israel."
As the Israeli government and international lobby groups escalate their efforts to undermine Palestine solidarity and the BDS campaign, an increase in 'lawfare' tactics is almost certain. Whether this will prove effective, however, is much less clear.
According to media reports, some 70 lawyers from around the world, including the US, Singapore, the Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, Canada and Belgium, will attend. The goal - to "equip" them with "the tactical tools and broader courtroom strategies they need" to fight BDS.
The schedule of workshops and lectures covers topics such as "Learn to Combat BDS and other Anti-Semitic Movements" and "Prepare to Defend Israeli Soldiers Against War Crimes Complaints". Speakers include Alan Dershowitz and former Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler.
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, president of Shurat HaDin, believes that attendees will go on to implement "proven strategies" in Israel and worldwide. "The anti-Israel BDS and delegitimization movement has been ramping up its efforts at the campus and corporate-organizational levels," said Darshan-Leitner, and "we must expand the fight dramatically."
Shurat HaDin uses courts around the world "to go on the legal offensive" against those it perceives to be "Israel's enemies." In its own words, "as an NGO operating in the private sector", the organisation "is positioned to undertake actions that the Israeli government is unable to formally engage in."
The group is often presented as a "civil rights organisation" working "to stop the flow of terror money" - as Newsweek put it, "attacking the terrorists in their pocketbooks". In fact, as revealed by Wikileaks, Darshan-Leitner "privately admitted to taking direction from the Israeli government over which cases to pursue and relying on Israeli intelligence contacts for witnesses and evidence."
In other words, as an Israeli journalist wrote in 2013, Shurat HaDin "files lawsuits at the behest of the Israeli government", yet still "dares to define itself as a 'human rights organisation'."
One of Shurat HaDin's most infamous attempts to undermine the BDS campaign was their 'anti-discrimination' case brought against the pro-boycott Australian academic Jake Lynch, which ended in failure in July 2014.
Even before the courts dismissed the case, Israel advocates had warned that litigation was "inappropriate and likely to be counter-productive." Shurat HaDin's track record also includes an unsuccessful lawsuit against Jimmy Carter, and threats to global charity Oxfam.
Shurat HaDin's focus on counter-BDS lawfare comes as Israel's Ministry of Justice is "preparing to file lawsuits against [boycott] activists", with a "plan of action" being put together that will reportedly form part of "a wider plan to combat the 'delegitimisation' of Israel."
On Sunday, meanwhile, a major Israeli think tank presented its recommendations to PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet on how best to fight BDS, including "the denunciation of American college faculty who demonise Israel."
The report urged the Israeli government to "promptly adopt an appropriately budgeted comprehensive strategy, and task a senior government official, who reports directly to the prime minister, with coordinating its operational implementation."
Here in Britain, UK Lawyers for Israel is currently recruiting [PDF] a "full-time Director of Operations" on £40,000-50,000. In the job advert, the organisation describes itself as "increasingly recognised for its valuable efforts in combating BDS and other attempts to undermine Israel."
As the Israeli government and international lobby groups escalate their efforts to undermine Palestine solidarity and the BDS campaign, an increase in 'lawfare' tactics is almost certain. Whether this will prove effective, however, is much less clear.
Hebrew media reported, today, that the European Union's ambassador to Israel, Lars Faaborg, has ruled out the imposition of any European academic boycott of Israel.
PNN reports that, in addition to rejecting a unified EU academic boycott of Israel, Faaborg also pledged to strengthen the EU-Israel ties in various fields and in particular the field of education.
The Ambassador announced European participation in an international conference hosted by the Gordon College Academy of Teacher Training in Haifa.
Academic boycott of Israel, usually in line with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, has been gaining in momentum across the world and in particular throughout Europe.
Britain’s National Union of Students (NUS) last month announced their decision to affiliate with BDS in a huge victory for the movement.
Last year, prominent anthropologists including Talal Assad and Michel Taussig released a series of essays announcing their intent to impose an academic boycott on Israel due to Israeli policies in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem.
PNN reports that, in addition to rejecting a unified EU academic boycott of Israel, Faaborg also pledged to strengthen the EU-Israel ties in various fields and in particular the field of education.
The Ambassador announced European participation in an international conference hosted by the Gordon College Academy of Teacher Training in Haifa.
Academic boycott of Israel, usually in line with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, has been gaining in momentum across the world and in particular throughout Europe.
Britain’s National Union of Students (NUS) last month announced their decision to affiliate with BDS in a huge victory for the movement.
Last year, prominent anthropologists including Talal Assad and Michel Taussig released a series of essays announcing their intent to impose an academic boycott on Israel due to Israeli policies in the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem.
29 june 2015
Activists in Britain are planning to block an Israel-linked arms factory to mark one year since Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip. In what organisers are billing as "the biggest, most beautiful action" ever seen at a UK arms factory, buses of activists from around the country will descend on Shenstone in the West Midlands on July 6 for "a day of creative action in solidarity with Palestine."
Last August, during Israel's attack on Gaza, activists occupied the roof of the UAV Engines Ltd factory in Shenstone, which is owned by the Israeli arms company Elbit Systems. The drone engine factory was shut for two days as a result, which activists claim cost the company more than £180,000.
Elbit-produced drones are used by the Israeli military, and were used to conduct attacks during 'Operation Protective Edge'.
A year on, and activists plan to 'Block the factory' on July 6, "transforming the space around the arms factory...into a fun, creative and child-friendly environment." The focus is on "an inclusive and family friendly affair", activists say.
The planned action is "part of the wider Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign (BDS) and the Stop Arming Israel Campaign", with the latter urging "the UK to end its extensive collaboration with the Israeli weapons industry and to institute a two-way arms embargo."
Organisers note how "anger and disbelief over last year's massacre led to widaespread and creative forms of resistance", including "mass demonstrations, occupations of government buildings and complicit businesses, and growing public pressure on governments and arms companies to stop arming Israel." The intention is for July 6 to be a continuation of such efforts.
Last August, during Israel's attack on Gaza, activists occupied the roof of the UAV Engines Ltd factory in Shenstone, which is owned by the Israeli arms company Elbit Systems. The drone engine factory was shut for two days as a result, which activists claim cost the company more than £180,000.
Elbit-produced drones are used by the Israeli military, and were used to conduct attacks during 'Operation Protective Edge'.
A year on, and activists plan to 'Block the factory' on July 6, "transforming the space around the arms factory...into a fun, creative and child-friendly environment." The focus is on "an inclusive and family friendly affair", activists say.
The planned action is "part of the wider Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign (BDS) and the Stop Arming Israel Campaign", with the latter urging "the UK to end its extensive collaboration with the Israeli weapons industry and to institute a two-way arms embargo."
Organisers note how "anger and disbelief over last year's massacre led to widaespread and creative forms of resistance", including "mass demonstrations, occupations of government buildings and complicit businesses, and growing public pressure on governments and arms companies to stop arming Israel." The intention is for July 6 to be a continuation of such efforts.
28 june 2015
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Woolworths was a top trending topic on social media this weekend as the South African BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement released a spoof video reworking the retailer’s launch video, which features US pop star Pharrell Williams.
BDS spokesperson Kwara Kekana explained in a statement how Pharell’s voice (and his announcement of collaborating with Woolworths) was stripped off and replaced. “BDS South Africa’s own voice artist (whose voice is almost identical to that of Pharrell’s) replaced the audio syncing perfectly with the original video so that Pharrell is seen to mobilise support through the spoof video for the #BoycottWoolworths campaign and BDS boycott of Israel. A heavy disclaimer is also seen at the beginning and end of the video.” |
The spoof video was launched to coincide with the monthly national #BoycottWoolworths Day Action which takes place on the last Saturday of every month, BDS told news24.
BDS is a popular global campaign a attempting to put economic and political pressure on Israel to end the occupation and colonization of Palestine.
Advocates often draw parallels to the fight against Apartheid in South Africa, where boycott played an essential role.
BDS is a popular global campaign a attempting to put economic and political pressure on Israel to end the occupation and colonization of Palestine.
Advocates often draw parallels to the fight against Apartheid in South Africa, where boycott played an essential role.
25 june 2015
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Israel dropped by nearly 50% in 2014 compared to 2013, a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) found out.
The report tracks a sharp decrease in percentages of foreign investments in Israel. In 2014 $6.4 billion were invested in Israel, whereas in 2013 $11.8 billion were invested - a decline of about 46%.
Moreover, Israeli FDI investments abroad also decreased from $4.67 billion in 2013 to $3.97 billion, a decrease of 15%. These figures are significantly lower than the corresponding figures from 2007 to 2005, before the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2008.
"We believe that what led to the drop in investment in Israel are Operation Protective Edge [in reference to Israel’s military aggression on blockaded Gaza] and the boycotts Israel is facing,"
Roni Manos of the College of Management and one of the authors of the report's summary told Ynet. According to Manos, there is another reason for the decline.
"In the past there were large transactions such as Waze and ISCAR Metalworking which boosted investment, but over the past year there were not enough such deals."
According to the UN report, world FDI investments during the past year amounted to only $1.23 trillion, a 16% drop compared to 2013 ($1.47 trillion dollars).
The main reason for this, according to the report's authors, is weak global economic growth and uncertainty regarding economic and business policy in many countries, which deterred many investors. Among others, the uncertainty due to the rate of quantitative easing in the US and Europe, the Greek debt crisis and its impact on stability in the Eurozone, and the pace of economic growth in China.
Other factors influencing the decline in global FDI were geopolitical risks such as the conflict in Ukraine, which has calmed down in recent months, the worsening of relations between the West and Russia, and revolutions and regime changes in several countries in the Middle East.
The report tracks a sharp decrease in percentages of foreign investments in Israel. In 2014 $6.4 billion were invested in Israel, whereas in 2013 $11.8 billion were invested - a decline of about 46%.
Moreover, Israeli FDI investments abroad also decreased from $4.67 billion in 2013 to $3.97 billion, a decrease of 15%. These figures are significantly lower than the corresponding figures from 2007 to 2005, before the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2008.
"We believe that what led to the drop in investment in Israel are Operation Protective Edge [in reference to Israel’s military aggression on blockaded Gaza] and the boycotts Israel is facing,"
Roni Manos of the College of Management and one of the authors of the report's summary told Ynet. According to Manos, there is another reason for the decline.
"In the past there were large transactions such as Waze and ISCAR Metalworking which boosted investment, but over the past year there were not enough such deals."
According to the UN report, world FDI investments during the past year amounted to only $1.23 trillion, a 16% drop compared to 2013 ($1.47 trillion dollars).
The main reason for this, according to the report's authors, is weak global economic growth and uncertainty regarding economic and business policy in many countries, which deterred many investors. Among others, the uncertainty due to the rate of quantitative easing in the US and Europe, the Greek debt crisis and its impact on stability in the Eurozone, and the pace of economic growth in China.
Other factors influencing the decline in global FDI were geopolitical risks such as the conflict in Ukraine, which has calmed down in recent months, the worsening of relations between the West and Russia, and revolutions and regime changes in several countries in the Middle East.
"It was with serious deliberation that I eventually arrived at the personal conclusion that to perform with my band in Israel was in direct conflict to my values," says the Sonic Youth singer.
Thurston Moore, founding member of the 90’s rock band Sonic Youth, has confirmed his support for the cultural boycott of Israel, following the cancellation of his performance in Tel Aviv earlier this year, reports Middle East Monitor.
The renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist made the remarks in an article written by British-Palestinian musician Samir Eskanda, and published this week by online music magazine The Quietus.
The piece, ‘I’m One Of 1000 UK Artists Boycotting Israel. Here’s Why’, makes the case for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), and includes contributions from artists who have decided to support the Palestinian call.Thurston Moore cancelled his band’s scheduled performance in Tel Aviv in April “without giving an official explanation.”
However, speaking with Eskanada, he confirmed that he had “arrived at the personal conclusion that to perform with my band in Israel was in direct conflict to my values.
”With the realization that a cultural and academic boycott is central to its purpose in exposing a reality of brutal human rights violations – including those accompanying Israel’s discriminatory laws and occupation of the West Bank – I felt the need, with humility, to cancel the engagement.”
Moore has thus committed himself to respecting the boycott “until the time comes for it to be unnecessary.”
The article also quotes founding member of Jesus and Mary Chain and film director Douglas Hart, who similarly explains why he has “refused professional engagements in Israel”.
According to Hart:
“Who in their right mind would have performed in South Africa during the Apartheid era? However you wish to term what is happening to Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli state, or whether you agree or disagree with the parallels between apartheid South Africa and Israel’s occupation of Palestine, you can’t deny the abject suffering of the Palestinian people, and the obscene iniquity between the quality of lives of Palestinians and Israelis. We have to do anything we can to change it.”
Thurston Moore, founding member of the 90’s rock band Sonic Youth, has confirmed his support for the cultural boycott of Israel, following the cancellation of his performance in Tel Aviv earlier this year, reports Middle East Monitor.
The renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist made the remarks in an article written by British-Palestinian musician Samir Eskanda, and published this week by online music magazine The Quietus.
The piece, ‘I’m One Of 1000 UK Artists Boycotting Israel. Here’s Why’, makes the case for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), and includes contributions from artists who have decided to support the Palestinian call.Thurston Moore cancelled his band’s scheduled performance in Tel Aviv in April “without giving an official explanation.”
However, speaking with Eskanada, he confirmed that he had “arrived at the personal conclusion that to perform with my band in Israel was in direct conflict to my values.
”With the realization that a cultural and academic boycott is central to its purpose in exposing a reality of brutal human rights violations – including those accompanying Israel’s discriminatory laws and occupation of the West Bank – I felt the need, with humility, to cancel the engagement.”
Moore has thus committed himself to respecting the boycott “until the time comes for it to be unnecessary.”
The article also quotes founding member of Jesus and Mary Chain and film director Douglas Hart, who similarly explains why he has “refused professional engagements in Israel”.
According to Hart:
“Who in their right mind would have performed in South Africa during the Apartheid era? However you wish to term what is happening to Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli state, or whether you agree or disagree with the parallels between apartheid South Africa and Israel’s occupation of Palestine, you can’t deny the abject suffering of the Palestinian people, and the obscene iniquity between the quality of lives of Palestinians and Israelis. We have to do anything we can to change it.”
23 june 2015
Actors, authors, academics and architects have today called on the UK government to push for immediate sanctions on Israel until it abides by international law and ends its occupation of Palestinian land.
They join other big names from the world of film and rock music, as well as 20,000 members of the public, who have signed a petition which will be delivered at the Houses of Parliament today.
The film directors, Ken Loach and Peter Kosminsky, actors Maxine Peake, Samuel West and Miriam Margolyes, musician Brian Eno, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and the writers and academics, Tariq Ali and Karma Nabulsi, are among those* who have put their name to the call.
Will Alsop OBE, the RIBA award winning architect, another signatory, said: “‘I have signed the petition as I object to the people in the Gaza Strip being forced to live in a prison camp.”
Miriam Margolyes OBE, who played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, said: “To my immense sadness, I feel bound to sign the petition calling for sanctions against Israel.
“Netanyahu is clearly committed to the continuation of the occupation, the settlements and the blatant flouting of UN resolutions. Only international sanctions can perhaps percolate the Israeli sensibility and persuade them to halt the wickedness they perpetrate.”
Explaining his reasons for adding his name to the petition, the film director Ken Loach said: “We should no longer accept Israel’s brazen flouting of international law, theft of Palestinian land and oppression of the Palestinian people. When political leaders tolerate such brutality, civil society must take action. That means an international campaign of boycotts, disinvestments and sanctions to show the Israeli government that it cannot act in this manner with impunity.”
The petition has been organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, an organisation dedicated to campaigning for human rights and justice, in response to the hardline attitude of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his Cabinet, whose members have been vocal in voicing their opposition to a Palestinian state.**
Hugh Lanning, Chair of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: “One day before he was re-elected in March, Netanyahu stood in an illegal Israeli settlement and gave a televised interview in which he made it clear there would never be a Palestinian state on his watch.
“Since the election, members of his Cabinet have stated explicitly that they will not give up an inch of land to the Palestinians, and new settlement building has been announced in East Jerusalem.
“It is clear that this Israeli government, like others before it, has no commitment to international law or any kind of ‘peace process’. It is now imperative that our government pushes the EU to impose immediate sanctions on Israel, including a full two-way arms embargo.
“The Palestinians deserve a future free from occupation, apartheid and, in Gaza, crippling siege. The imposition of sanctions by our government and the EU will go a long way to achieving this.”
Lanning will join Richard Burden MP, Chair of the Britain-Palestine All Party Group, Haya Al-Farra from the Palestinian Mission in the UK, and Sarah Colborne, Director of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, to deliver the petition to the office of the Prime Minister.
The hand-in will take place at 2.15pm on 23rd June, during PSC’s National Lobby of Parliament for Palestine, during which up to 168 MPs will be lobbied by constituents on the subject of Palestine.
*Signatories to the petition include: Tariq Ali (writer, journalist, filmmaker), Will Alsop (architect), Jonathan Chadwick (theatre director, writer), Selma Dabbagh (writer),Brian Eno (musician),Peter Kosminsky (writer, director, producer), Paul Laverty (lawyer, scriptwriter),Ken Loach (director), Miriam Margolyes (actor), Karma Nabulsi (writer, academic), Maxine Peake (actor), Alexei Sayle (comedian, writer, presenter), Ahdaf Soueif (writer, commentator), Samuel West (actor), Benjamin Zephaniah (poet, writer, musician).
They join other big names from the world of film and rock music, as well as 20,000 members of the public, who have signed a petition which will be delivered at the Houses of Parliament today.
The film directors, Ken Loach and Peter Kosminsky, actors Maxine Peake, Samuel West and Miriam Margolyes, musician Brian Eno, poet Benjamin Zephaniah and the writers and academics, Tariq Ali and Karma Nabulsi, are among those* who have put their name to the call.
Will Alsop OBE, the RIBA award winning architect, another signatory, said: “‘I have signed the petition as I object to the people in the Gaza Strip being forced to live in a prison camp.”
Miriam Margolyes OBE, who played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, said: “To my immense sadness, I feel bound to sign the petition calling for sanctions against Israel.
“Netanyahu is clearly committed to the continuation of the occupation, the settlements and the blatant flouting of UN resolutions. Only international sanctions can perhaps percolate the Israeli sensibility and persuade them to halt the wickedness they perpetrate.”
Explaining his reasons for adding his name to the petition, the film director Ken Loach said: “We should no longer accept Israel’s brazen flouting of international law, theft of Palestinian land and oppression of the Palestinian people. When political leaders tolerate such brutality, civil society must take action. That means an international campaign of boycotts, disinvestments and sanctions to show the Israeli government that it cannot act in this manner with impunity.”
The petition has been organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, an organisation dedicated to campaigning for human rights and justice, in response to the hardline attitude of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his Cabinet, whose members have been vocal in voicing their opposition to a Palestinian state.**
Hugh Lanning, Chair of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: “One day before he was re-elected in March, Netanyahu stood in an illegal Israeli settlement and gave a televised interview in which he made it clear there would never be a Palestinian state on his watch.
“Since the election, members of his Cabinet have stated explicitly that they will not give up an inch of land to the Palestinians, and new settlement building has been announced in East Jerusalem.
“It is clear that this Israeli government, like others before it, has no commitment to international law or any kind of ‘peace process’. It is now imperative that our government pushes the EU to impose immediate sanctions on Israel, including a full two-way arms embargo.
“The Palestinians deserve a future free from occupation, apartheid and, in Gaza, crippling siege. The imposition of sanctions by our government and the EU will go a long way to achieving this.”
Lanning will join Richard Burden MP, Chair of the Britain-Palestine All Party Group, Haya Al-Farra from the Palestinian Mission in the UK, and Sarah Colborne, Director of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, to deliver the petition to the office of the Prime Minister.
The hand-in will take place at 2.15pm on 23rd June, during PSC’s National Lobby of Parliament for Palestine, during which up to 168 MPs will be lobbied by constituents on the subject of Palestine.
*Signatories to the petition include: Tariq Ali (writer, journalist, filmmaker), Will Alsop (architect), Jonathan Chadwick (theatre director, writer), Selma Dabbagh (writer),Brian Eno (musician),Peter Kosminsky (writer, director, producer), Paul Laverty (lawyer, scriptwriter),Ken Loach (director), Miriam Margolyes (actor), Karma Nabulsi (writer, academic), Maxine Peake (actor), Alexei Sayle (comedian, writer, presenter), Ahdaf Soueif (writer, commentator), Samuel West (actor), Benjamin Zephaniah (poet, writer, musician).
21 june 2015
On Monday, Herzog will be joined in the capital by Yair Lapid, with both men speaking at a conference on UK-Israeli relations
Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog expressed his concern about Israel's deteriorating international relations Friday, warning of a growing boycott and a rift with the US administration. Herzog, head of the Labour party and the Zionist Camp alliance, made the remarks in a lecture at the London School of Economics (LSE), as an invited guest of the university's Institute of Global Affairs.
Under tight security, and with pro-Palestinian protesters outside the building, Herzog dedicated much of his speech to what he described as an "onslaught against Israel all over the world", including the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign.
Herzog slammed as "totally unacceptable" moves to boycott and isolate Israel, urging the international community to "encourage negotiations, not punishments." Declaring himself ready to "defend Israel's good name" and be its "representative wherever it is needed", Herzog declared: "I am here to combat it [BDS] – I am here exactly for that purpose."
Herzog also sounded a warning about a "clear rift" between Israel and the U.S. administration, a relationship he described as a "lynchpin of Israel's defense."
Though the lecture was called 'Striving for a Progressive Israel', Herzog often struck a hawkish tone, telling his audience that "when it comes to the fight against terror" he shows "no mercy." He also doubled down on his criticism of Netanyahu for not having hit Hamas hard enough last summer, describing the Gaza Strip as a "launching pad of missiles."
When it came to the question of a Palestinian state, Herzog affirmed that he would seek to retain key West Bank settlement blocs as part of a 'land swap', stating that Gush Etzion "defends Jerusalem." He also vowed "not to split" the latter city, which Israel calls its "eternal capital."
The remarks were in keeping with his election campaign promises, where the Labour leader committed to keeping the Gush Etzion, Ma'aleh Adumim and Ariel blocs, and described the Jordan River as Israel's "security border." (See here for an analysis of the Zionist Camp's plans for a Palestinian 'state').
Herzog was also quizzed more than once about remarks he made earlier this month in Herzliya, when he explained his desire to "separate from the Palestinians."
I want to keep a Jewish state with a Jewish majority. I don't want 61 Palestinian MKs in Israel's Knesset. I don't want a Palestinian prime minister in Israel. I don't want them to change my flag and my national anthem. I don't want them to change the name of my country to Isra-stine.
Responding to criticism, Herzog reaffirmed his position, stating he does not want a single state where there could be a "majority of Arab [MKs]", on the basis that Israel "was created to be a safe haven for the Jewish people." He emphasised that he "fully rules out" a one-state solution.
Herzog also defended his support for the pre-election exclusion of MK Haneen Zoabi, accusing the Balad lawmaker of "hate" and saying "unacceptable" things, a reference to Zoabi's remarks following the kidnapping of three Israeli youths last summer.
Aysha Fekaiki, Community and Welfare Officer Elect at LSE's Student Union and one of those protesting, criticised the LSE administration for "playing a part in protecting the apartheid state of Israel by allowing it to promote a fake 'democracy'."
Herzog's speech at LSE came a few days after Tzipi Livni made her own flying visit to London, speaking at Fortune's Most Powerful Women International Summit. On Monday, Herzog will be joined in the capital by Yair Lapid, with both men speaking at a conference on UK-Israeli relations.
Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog expressed his concern about Israel's deteriorating international relations Friday, warning of a growing boycott and a rift with the US administration. Herzog, head of the Labour party and the Zionist Camp alliance, made the remarks in a lecture at the London School of Economics (LSE), as an invited guest of the university's Institute of Global Affairs.
Under tight security, and with pro-Palestinian protesters outside the building, Herzog dedicated much of his speech to what he described as an "onslaught against Israel all over the world", including the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign.
Herzog slammed as "totally unacceptable" moves to boycott and isolate Israel, urging the international community to "encourage negotiations, not punishments." Declaring himself ready to "defend Israel's good name" and be its "representative wherever it is needed", Herzog declared: "I am here to combat it [BDS] – I am here exactly for that purpose."
Herzog also sounded a warning about a "clear rift" between Israel and the U.S. administration, a relationship he described as a "lynchpin of Israel's defense."
Though the lecture was called 'Striving for a Progressive Israel', Herzog often struck a hawkish tone, telling his audience that "when it comes to the fight against terror" he shows "no mercy." He also doubled down on his criticism of Netanyahu for not having hit Hamas hard enough last summer, describing the Gaza Strip as a "launching pad of missiles."
When it came to the question of a Palestinian state, Herzog affirmed that he would seek to retain key West Bank settlement blocs as part of a 'land swap', stating that Gush Etzion "defends Jerusalem." He also vowed "not to split" the latter city, which Israel calls its "eternal capital."
The remarks were in keeping with his election campaign promises, where the Labour leader committed to keeping the Gush Etzion, Ma'aleh Adumim and Ariel blocs, and described the Jordan River as Israel's "security border." (See here for an analysis of the Zionist Camp's plans for a Palestinian 'state').
Herzog was also quizzed more than once about remarks he made earlier this month in Herzliya, when he explained his desire to "separate from the Palestinians."
I want to keep a Jewish state with a Jewish majority. I don't want 61 Palestinian MKs in Israel's Knesset. I don't want a Palestinian prime minister in Israel. I don't want them to change my flag and my national anthem. I don't want them to change the name of my country to Isra-stine.
Responding to criticism, Herzog reaffirmed his position, stating he does not want a single state where there could be a "majority of Arab [MKs]", on the basis that Israel "was created to be a safe haven for the Jewish people." He emphasised that he "fully rules out" a one-state solution.
Herzog also defended his support for the pre-election exclusion of MK Haneen Zoabi, accusing the Balad lawmaker of "hate" and saying "unacceptable" things, a reference to Zoabi's remarks following the kidnapping of three Israeli youths last summer.
Aysha Fekaiki, Community and Welfare Officer Elect at LSE's Student Union and one of those protesting, criticised the LSE administration for "playing a part in protecting the apartheid state of Israel by allowing it to promote a fake 'democracy'."
Herzog's speech at LSE came a few days after Tzipi Livni made her own flying visit to London, speaking at Fortune's Most Powerful Women International Summit. On Monday, Herzog will be joined in the capital by Yair Lapid, with both men speaking at a conference on UK-Israeli relations.