The BDS Movement – Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions – that protests everything Israeli likes to present itself as seeking justice for Palestine rather than being anti-Israel. Some people probably actually feel that way. But the latest blog entry by Henry Herskovitz on behalf of Jewish Witnesses for Peace regarding the upcoming UMS concert by the Jerusalem Quartet is much more honest.

Here is text from Henry’s blog:

UMS Remains in Violation of Palestinian Call to Boycott
The University Musical Society plans to violate PACBI’s call to boycott Apartheid Israel by hosting The Jerusalem Quartet on October 21. Musicians in this racist group are also members of the Israeli Occupation Forces. As the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign writes: 

“The members of this Quartet are ’cultural ambassadors’ for Israel and the Israeli army.

Hopefully, one of the groups supporting the International Day of Quds will organize a protest in Ann Arbor. JWPF looks forward to again joining in…

Notice that this is a “racist group” who are members of the “Occupation Forces.”  The translation of this is that anything Israeli is by definition racist and that since Israel has a draft for the military, every Israeli is an occupier.  Please note as well the quote from the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which indicates that one cannot represent Israel without representing the Israeli army.  In other words, the military is the totality of Israel.

What you do not see in this call for boycott is anything that might actually positively affect the Palestinians, for instance, a call to invite Palestinian musicians to perform in order to highlight Palestinian culture.  It is only about attacking Israel.  This is the common thread that runs through the entire Boycott Israel movement (Ahava skin creams are the latest favorite target) and that undermines the façade of seeking peace or justice.

However you feel about Israeli policies and Israeli presence in the territories, the best way to respond to these boycotts is to assure they fail and to make clear to their sponsors that peace will be attained through positive actions and not divisive ones. 

The Federation is working with UMS to promote attendance at the Jerusalem Quartet concert on October 21.  When you order your tickets (either by phone at 763-3100 or at the ticket window at the Michigan League) mention that you are part of the Jewish Federation and get the group discount ticket price.

Let’s send a message that peace comes through positive actions and exchanges, not through boycott.  I will see you at the concert.

Shabbat Shalom