Why boycott Israel?

Here's a sharp article in the San Francisco Chronicle going into the various reasons why Israel should be on the receiving end of a boycott. It also notes the "for us or against us" apoplexy on the part of "unions" and academics in the USA that might, as I said in an earlier post, actually be working in favour of the boycott movement by generating publicity for it and causing searching questions to be asked. Questions like, "why boycott Israel."

When does a citizen-led boycott of a state become morally justified?

That question is raised by an expanding academic, cultural and economic boycott of Israel. The movement joins churches, unions, professional societies and other groups based in the United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa. It has elicited dramatic reactions from Israel's supporters. U.S. labor leaders have condemned British unions, representing millions of workers, for supporting the Israel boycott. American academics have been frantically gathering signatures against the boycott, and have mounted a prominent advertising campaign in American newspapers - unwittingly elevating the controversy further in the public eye.

But is it unwittingly? Are these zionists stupid? They've made remarkable achievements over the decades. Would they really make such a basic error as to publicise a boycott of Israel that draws attention to Israel's lack of legitimacy, its outrageous conduct and the way that western governments and media have covered for these racist war criminals over the dacades? I don't think the zionists are stupid. I think they're bullying, or least trying to. I think they are relying on antisemitic notions of "Jewish power" to try to have would-be boycotters abandon the boycott. I don't think they realise the extent to which the tide has turned against Israel on both sides of the atlantic.

Anyway, having dealt with various reasons for a boycott of Israel the article turns to why it is necessary for ordinary folk to try to uphold the rights of the Palestinians.

Politicians worldwide, and American ones especially, have failed us. Our leaders, from the executive branch to Congress, have dithered, or cheered Israel on, as it devoured the land base for a Palestinian state. Their collective irresponsibility dooms both Palestinians and Israelis to a future of strife and insecurity, and undermines our global stature. If politicians cannot lead the way, then citizens must. That is why boycotting Israel has become both necessary and justified.

Hear Hear!