WHY BDS DOESN’T WORK

WHY BDS DOESN’T WORK

WHY BDS DOESN’T WORK

What is BDS?

BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, a movement that aims to pressure Israel into ending its occupation of the Palestinian territories, recognizing the rights of Palestinian refugees, and dismantling its discriminatory policies against Palestinians. Proponents of BDS argue that economic pressure is the most effective way to achieve these goals.

Why BDS is Ineffective

There are several reasons why BDS is an ineffective strategy for achieving its stated goals.

1. It Hurts Ordinary Palestinians

BDS campaigns often target Israeli businesses that employ Palestinian workers. By boycotting these businesses, BDS activists are inadvertently harming the very people they claim to be helping. In fact, a study by the Palestinian Federation of Industries found that BDS has cost the Palestinian economy billions of dollars and has led to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.

2. It Alienates Israelis

BDS rhetoric often portrays Israelis as inherently racist and oppressive. This kind of language only serves to alienate Israelis and make them less likely to support a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In fact, a study by the Israeli Democracy Institute found that BDS has actually made Israelis more supportive of the occupation.

3. It Undermines Palestinian Moderates

BDS activists often dismiss Palestinian moderates as "collaborators" or "traitors." This rhetoric undermines the efforts of Palestinian moderates who are working to build a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. It also makes it more difficult for Palestinian moderates to gain support from the international community.

4. It is Counterproductive

BDS activists claim that economic pressure will force Israel to change its policies. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, BDS campaigns have only served to strengthen Israel's resolve to maintain the occupation.

A Better Way Forward

There are better ways to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians than BDS. One way is to support organizations that are working to build bridges between the two communities. Another way is to pressure the Israeli government to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories and to recognize the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Conclusion

BDS is an ineffective strategy for achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It hurts ordinary Palestinians, alienates Israelis, undermines Palestinian moderates, and is counterproductive. There are better ways to achieve peace, such as supporting organizations that are building bridges between the two communities and pressuring the Israeli government to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories and recognize the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some of the specific ways that BDS hurts ordinary Palestinians?


BDS campaigns often target Israeli businesses that employ Palestinian workers. By boycotting these businesses, BDS activists are inadvertently harming the very people they claim to be helping. In fact, a study by the Palestinian Federation of Industries found that BDS has cost the Palestinian economy billions of dollars and has led to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.

2. How does BDS alienate Israelis?


BDS rhetoric often portrays Israelis as inherently racist and oppressive. This kind of language only serves to alienate Israelis and make them less likely to support a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In fact, a study by the Israeli Democracy Institute found that BDS has actually made Israelis more supportive of the occupation.

3. Why does BDS undermine Palestinian moderates?


BDS activists often dismiss Palestinian moderates as “collaborators” or “traitors.” This rhetoric undermines the efforts of Palestinian moderates who are working to build a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. It also makes it more difficult for Palestinian moderates to gain support from the international community.

4. What are some better ways to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians?


There are a number of better ways to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians than BDS. One way is to support organizations that are working to build bridges between the two communities. Another way is to pressure the Israeli government to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories and to recognize the rights of Palestinian refugees.

5. What are some specific examples of organizations that are working to build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians?


There are a number of organizations that are working to build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. Some of these organizations include:
– The Peres Center for Peace
– The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
– The Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam
– The Abraham Initiatives
– The Holy Land Trust

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