The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement, colloquially the BDS Movement, is a Palestinian-led global campaign seeking political activism against Israel for "occupying and colonizing Palestinian land, discriminating against Palestinian citizens of Israel and denying Palestinian refugees the right to return to their homes." The movement, which takes its cues from the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, was created in 2005 as calls grew in the international community to pressure Israel on behalf of the Palestinian cause. It is often criticized for being antisemitic in its opposition to Zionism and promoting the de-ligitimization of Israel and denying the country its right to exist and self-determination. Movement goals The BDS Movement calls for non-violent yet punishing measures against Israel until it ends what is seen as an occupation of rightfully Palestinian territory and a dismantlement of the West Bank separation barrier. BDS also pushes for full equality of Palestinians and the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes in accordance with United Nations Resolution 194, adopted December 11, 1948. The movement uses protests and cultural boycotts to target Israeli businesses in the West Bank or events with connects to Israel. BDS is a key player in the international Israeli Apartheid Week, a series of lectures and rallies across college campuses against Israeli activity in the West Bank. BDS supporters have successfully gotten some artists from cancelling concerts in Israel, even when the concerts were not scheduled to take place in the West Bank. In addition, business boycotts are a common tactic employed by the movement, targeting Israeli businesses, notably the soft drink company SodaStream and Israeli banks Bank Hapoalim and Bank Leumi. Supporters are urged to refrain from buying goods or using services from Israeli companies or from companies which do business in Israel. Criticism Multiple organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, classify the BDS movement as antisemitic, citing the double standards Israel is held to that apply to no other country in the world. Other claims of antisemitism highlight that BDS supporters engage in antisemitic activity and deny Israel's right to self-determination. Critics also point out BDS closely parallels the Nazi boycott of Jewish businesses in the era right before World War II. Critics also note that the calls to boycott Israeli businesses, which themselves employ Palestinian workers, inadvertently harm Palestinians, the people the BDS movement claims to support. The European Union has expressed opposition to the boycott of Israel, and motions have been passed across the world condemning the movement. A non-binding motion in Ontario, Canada called to "reject the 'differential treatment' of Israel by the BDS movement," while 21 states in the United States have passed anti-BDS laws. French anti-hate speech law has been used against BDS activists. Support BDS enjoys endorsements from the African National Congress and branches of the Green Party in England, Wales, Scotland and Canada. Pink Floyd musician Roger Waters is a noted supporter of the BDS movement, as are Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and novelist Alice Walker.
PACBI issued a statement condemning the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land for violating the movement's anti-normalization guidelines.
CUNY authorities had published a statement denouncing BDS activity and condemning CUNY
Anti-Israel activists claimed that Barnard will negotiate with them about the expulsion of two students for class disruptions.
The incident, which was initially believed to be at Columbia University, was instigated by members of Columbia University Apartheid Divest.
Hassan called for boycotting companies operating in Israel, participated in boycotting Israel, and published content encouraging the imposition of sanctions. She also attended pro-Hamas rallies.
The councilors thanked pro-Palestinian advocacy organizations, including Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, which maintains a toolkit on how to pass local council motions supporting Gaza.
McGill University windows were smashed at five buildings by anti-Israel activists on Wednesday evening, disrupting classes and exams.
While "Jewish Voice for Peace” (JVP) claims to advocate for Jewish values, human rights, and peace, its activities and alliances prove otherwise.
If the UN wants to honor the Holocaust’s victims, it must align its actions with its rhetoric: combating antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and upholding the principles of justice and human dignity.
These protests illustrate an increasing trend toward utilizing high-profile cultural engagements and sporting events to advance political causes.