THEJERUSALEM POST

“The BDS Movement... is unacceptable and must be most strongly condemned. The argumentation patterns and methods of the BDS Movement are antisemitic... and inevitably kindle memories of the Nazi era.” (Motion adopted by the German Parliament, the Bundestag, on May 17, 2019) US says NO to BDS Ted Cruz and Ted Deutch spearhead the battle 04 • by Steve Linde

Germany’s antisemitism commissioner fights hatred against Jews and Israel 06 • by Orit Arfa

New antisemitism presents new challenges 09 • by Linda Gradstein

Terrorists in Suits: Unmasking BDS’s support for terror 12 • by Maayan Hoffman

16 World leaders speak out against BDS

Boomerang: Economic pressure hits BDS campaigners 18 • by Benjamin Weinthal

Fighting BDS online 21 • by Ilanit Chernick contents

Christians who stand with Israel combat BDS 24 • by Brian Schrauger

International legal network sets back BDS across the globe 26 • by Yonah Jeremy Bob

We don't need no education 28 • by Liat Collins

Concert – Together for Israel 31 • by Alan Rosenbaum

Editor: Steve Linde Business Development Manager: Reut Levy Graphic Designer: Daniela Gleiser and Michal Torkia Copy Editor: Elli Wohlgelernter THEJERUSALEM POST

June 2019 ‹› 2 SIMA VAKNIN-GIL Winning the battle against BDS

n October 2015, the Israeli government it go unchallenged will haunt generations to The Palestinians cleverly managed to convince acted upon the need take action against come. Like a steady stream of water against the world that they are the sole victims. They the boycott campaign, otherwise known a wall, BDS has the potential to permeate portray themselves as weak and downtrodden as BDS, against the State of Israel, and create fissures before finally leading to with no rights, while Israel is the product Iand called upon the newly-formed Ministry collapse. of white colonialism with worldviews and of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy It is important to note that BDS is not a few policies no longer acceptable in today’s world. to lead this initiative. unorganized groups muddling around, but rather, They are the good and we are bad. And there The government’s decision to assign a a well-organized and coordinated campaign are those who buy this simplistic narrative dedicated ministry to address a very real comprising hundreds of organizations around without asking too many questions. challenge Israel’s national security with a the globe. In the face of its ongoing pressure, In an age where facts and knowledge are less proactive approach was a vital, needed and it is necessary to conduct an aggressive, broad, important than one’s public image, there is long overdue. sustained and holistic strategy to ensure that little reason to counter the accusations against The goal of the boycott campaign, even BDS stays on the defensive. Israel in the prism of historical justice. In an if it’s not officially declared as such, is to age when the public is divided into camps, dismantle the State of Israel as the nation-state right vs. left, hawk vs. peacenik, there is no of the Jewish people. Nothing less. They hide, place for complex explanations. There is no camouflage, and cloak their true intentions room for shades of gray. through lofty language of “human rights” and In an age of ignorance and superficiality in “liberalism” while portraying Palestinians as BDS and its true public discourse, it is easy to mobilize broad victims, but never perpetrators. These hidden intentions have been audiences who feel deprived with catchy slogans messages are intertwined in their actions, and lies, even if they have no connection speeches and protests with the express aim exposed and as a to reality. In an anti-establishment era such of targeting Israel. result began suffering as ours, it is not enough to win the support For three years, the Ministry of Strategic of a country’s leadership; we must reach its Affairs has been directing the struggle against a series of blows people as well. the delegitimization campaign and its calls for Explaining the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Sima Vaknin-Gil the context of its historical roots and geopolitical Israel. The campaign, led by a rigid pro- situation is a task that is destined to fail. Instead, Palestinian agenda, is carried out by groups This means we need to be continuously the fight against the delegitimization campaign and operatives with deep ties to terrorist learning. We have to identify emerging threats, must be based on a broad method attacking groups and rife with unbridled antisemitism develop sophisticated and creative methods the false narrative that Israel is the arch villain and hostility towards Israel. of action, become more familiar with legal and Palestinians are the noble victims. Things have begun to change. BDS and frameworks, and identify their Achilles’ heel. The Ministry of Strategic Affairs has been, its true intentions have been exposed, and as The learning curve our ministry went through and will continue to be, successful alongside a result, began suffering a series of blows. in the beginning led us to conclude that three our friends throughout the world in changing Legislation against BDS has been passed in areas avenues in which to advance – expose the narrative and containing the phenomenon. 27 US states, bank accounts have been shut BDS and its ties to antisemitism and terrorism, At the same time, it must continue, and even down, and crowdfunding websites refuse to inhibit its ability to raise funds, and share the increase, its scope of activities. We need to host BDS for its ties to terror. The campaign’s truth about Israel for the world to see. ensure that Israel’s image problem does not failures are not in any one field. Economically, Despite the many achievements of the pass the point of no return. academically, legally, and culturally BDS is ministry, both large and small, I could not In order to turn the tables around, or at suffering great losses. Its precarious situation ignore the constant gut feeling that in order least to bring about a significant change in is the product of coordinated and effective to eradicate this phenomenon from the root, the existing equation, a process of a different campaign by a network of pro-Israel organizations we must not only continue with existing and magnitude is required. It will require all of alongside the Israeli government. proven methods, but also supplement them us – the government and civil society in Israel This is not enough. Fostering a country’s with complementary actions to achieve even and abroad – to act together in a coordinated foreign relations in the 21st century requires greater success. fashin. Only a clear definition of the threat and modern ways of thinking and action that go far Israel’s struggle over its image as a democratic, the continuation of a series of complementary beyond “classical” diplomacy. Even though Jewish, legitimate and liberal state in the public actions in the political, public and civil spheres BDS is on the defensive, it will continue to discourse in Western countries has deteriorated will lead to a shift of the equation in our favor. try, and sometimes succeed, to win hearts and since the delegitimization campaign abegan  minds. Whereas the boycott campaign may not in 2001 with the Durban Conference, and Sima Vaknin-Gil is the outgoing director- pose an immediate existential threat, letting took off in 2005 with the founding of BDS. general of the Ministry of Strategic Affairs.

BDS ‹› 3 US says NO to BDS Senator Ted Cruz and Rep. Ted Deutch spearhead the battle in Congress

• By STEVE LINDE soon be passed by the Senate. “I recently introduced a resolution with o country has taken a stronger Senator Kaine that condemns all antisemitism, stand and action against the including boycotts targeting Jewish businesses,” Boycott, Divestment and said Cruz. “It has over 50 cosponsors in the Sanctions (BDS) movement Senate, and I hope that the Senate will soon It is an antisemitic thanN the United States, both in Congress pass it and condemn these manifestations and in the 50 states – 27 states, from New of antisemitism in one voice.” movement that York to South Carolina, have already passed Cruz pointed out that “there’s a long tradition seeks to delegitimize regulations using their own finances to block of senators coming together to combat BDS. In BDS activists from accomplishing their goals. 2015, I penned a letter with Senator Gillibrand and destroy the The battle against BDS is being led by the to Federica Mogherini, which was signed by pro-Israel community in the US, and it is 36 senators, condemning Europe’s efforts to Jewish State important to note that it remains a bipartisan impose labeling restrictions that would’ve issue bringing together Republicans and amounted to a de facto boycott of Israel.” Ted Cruz Democrats. Two of its most powerful warriors Mogherini has served as High Representative are Ted Cruz, the Republican senator from of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Florida – don’t worry about that,” he said, Texas who ran for president in 2016, and and Security Policy since November 2014. noting that he had helped in the successful Ted Deutch, a Democrat from Florida in Asked what he had accomplished in his battle to get Airbnb to drop its boycott of the House of Representatives. battle against BDS, Deutch responded: Jews in the West Bank. “Lo and behold, In exclusive interviews, Cruz and Deutch “Boycotting, divesting from or sanctioning because of our leadership and the leadership were clear that they both consider the BDS Israel are counter-productive toward achieving of others, just recently Airbnb reversed its movement not just anti-Israel, but antisemitic a peaceful, two-state resolution to the Israeli- discriminatory policy.” too. Palestinian conflict. I have supported legislation Deutch said that as a member of the “Boycotts and other attacks on the livelihood to condemn the BDS movement, and considered Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, of Jews have been part of antisemitism legislative options for pushing back against he believed prejudice against Israel and for centuries, and BDS is one of the latest it. I have also pressed the Department of Jews could not be tolerated in Florida or manifestations,” Cruz said. “It is an antisemitic Education to seriously address antisemitism anywhere else in the US. movement that seeks to delegitimize and on our college campuses.” destroy the Jewish State, and deserves to Cruz said he was proud that his home state be condemned. The United States and our had taken a lead in the fight against BDS. allies, meanwhile, should stand with Israel “There is no question that we’re seeing and ensure that it has what it needs to defend a dangerous rise of antisemitism around itself diplomatically and militarily.” the world, and it must be condemned in all Deutch agreed. forms,” he said. “In 2017, Texas Governor “The BDS movement is rooted in the Greg Abbot signed anti-BDS legislation antisemitic belief that the only Jewish state into law, which sent a powerful message in the world doesn’t have a right to exist,” that Texas stands with Israel and will not he said. “There is a clear difference between do business with or invest certain public political speech critical of any government’s funds in companies that participate in this policies and advocacy for a policy that results discriminatory economic campaign that in the end of the Jewish state. Efforts to intentionally seeks to delegitimize and delegitimize Israel or treat Israel differently destroy the Jewish state.” than every other country in the world cross Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis led a that line into antisemitism.” high-level delegation to Israel in May, and Cruz expressed hope that an anti-BDS came out strongly against BDS during a resolution that he drafted with Senator Tim visit to Ariel University.  Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, would “There is no place for BDS in the State of (Courtesy)

June 2019 ‹› 4  Senator Ted Cruz: Boycotts and other attacks on the livelihood of Jews have been part of antisemitism for centuries. (Kamil Krzaczynski)

“We can’t allow antisemitism to continue unchecked,” said Deutch. “Whether from the political Left or Right, from white supremacists or anti-Zionists, hatred of Jews will only spread unless we speak out. At the same time, it is unacceptable when Boycotting, divesting groups manipulate this violent hatred of from or sanctioning Jews for their personal political gain. When you weaponize issues like antisemitism and Israel are support for Israel, you make the Jewish counter-productive community and the state of Israel less safe.” Cruz said President Donald Trump’s toward achieving decision to move the US Embassy from a peaceful, two-state Tel Aviv to Jerusalem sent out “a powerful message” to Israel’s enemies. resolution to the Israeli- “Last year, President Trump relocated the Palestinian conflict US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, where it should be,” said the Texas senator. Ted Deutch “Jerusalem has been Israel’s capital since  Ted Deutch, Democratic member the founding of the modern state of Israel, of the US House of Representatives for and it’s been the eternal capital of the Jewish Florida (Flickr) people for over 3,000 years. Moving the US Embassy to Israel’s rightful capital sends Ben-Gurion made his historic declaration of a powerful message to those who wrongly “When I see Israel institute laws that independence and President Truman gave seek to delegitimize Israel. The United States recognize it as a Jewish state and do not his historic recognition. I’m proud to say and the state of Texas unequivocally stand recognize the other religions living in that America continues to stand unshakably with Israel.” the country, and we still hold it up as a with our allies.” The picture is not entirely rosy, though. At democracy in the Middle East, I almost Deutch pointed out that “Israel has withstood least two Congresswomen, Ilhan Omar and chuckle,” Omar said. 71 years of wars, unending security threats, Rashida Tlaib, both of whom have hailed Asked what their message was to the global delegitimization campaigns, and their Middle East roots, have openly endorsed Israeli people as Israel celebrates its 71st existential threats. But the story of Israel the BDS movement. anniversary, both Cruz and Deutch played is the story of hope. The United States Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, said down such radical views, saying that the US Congress’s commitment to the bilateral she sought to highlight “Israel’s violations is committed to defending the Jewish state strategic relationship and Israel’s security to of the Palestinians’ human rights,” while from all threats against it, including BDS. defend itself from evolving threats remains Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, said “The United States stands shoulder to firm and unwavering. Personally, I am a she was providing an alternative view shoulder with Israel in commemoration of proud Zionist who strongly defends our to the mainstream US position squarely 71 years of independence,” said Cruz. “It close connection to Israel, which are based supporting Israel. has been seven decades since Prime Minister on shared values.” 

BDS ‹› 5 An exclusive interview with Dr. Felix Klein Germany’s antisemitism commissioner fights hatred against Jews and Israel

• By ORIT ARFA

BERLIN – In 2018, Dr. Felix Klein jumped at the chance to take on Germany’s new position of Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight Against Antisemitism. For four years prior, he had served as the Special Representative for Relations with Jewish Organizations and Issues Relating to Antisemitism, so the transition was a natural one. Contrary to what his last name and position may suggest, Klein was raised in a Protestant household in Darmstadt by a  German, Romanian-born father and German- Dr. Felix Klein, Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight Against Antisemitism. (Courtesy) born mother. Klein recalls growing up with Jewish classmates, and his best friend in college was a Canadian Jew. In 1986, he said, adding that he had changed his mind up a new commission for the fight against spent a month in Haifa on tour as a violinist on the subject. antisemitism between the federal government and developed a love for Israel, which he “I made this statement in order to trigger and federal states to push forward issues visits about twice a year. a discussion in the German public about the of prevention and education. Recent headlines suggest that Klein has security of the Jewish community,” Klein told Klein would prefer not to rate what source his work cut out for him. me, saying his statement should be understood of antisemitism poses the greater danger: Antisemitic incidents are on the rise, more as a call to action. “It is my aim that Islamic antisemitism, traditional ethnic including a spate of physical assaults against the German society understands the fight right-wing antisemitism, or radical Left Hebrew-speakers on the streets (mostly by against antisemitism as a common effort. antisemitism expressed as anti-Zionism. refugees or German nationals of Arab or The first step is to raise general awareness “I fight every form of antisemitism; there Muslim descent) and antisemitic bullying of the problem. I came to this opinion after is no lighter or less dangerous antisemitism,” in schools. On social media, a once dormant the presentation of the official figures Klein said in an interview at a beer garden extreme right-wing is rearing its ugly head. regarding the big increase of antisemitic located near the German Parliament building. The German government itself has come crimes in 2018, including attacks against “We have to fight it everywhere. There’s under scrutiny for not doing enough to persons wearing kippot in public. If we join a red line and we have to fight it in every hold by its national mandate to safeguard forces in civil society and in government, form, whether it’s BDS or right wing or Israel’s security. I am optimistic that we can successfully anti-Zionist. If you make a prioritization, Klein made news on May 25 when came fight antisemitism and effectively protect then you immediately get into a discussion out in German media recommending that the Jewish community.” of one group played out against the other – Jews in Germany avoid wearing a kippah In his position, Klein can only make that Germans say it’s the Arabs, migrants in public due to the rise in antisemitism. recommendations and leverage his ties and refugees; and they say it’s the right- “I cannot advise Jews to wear the kippot with the government to implement programs wingers. That’s a useless discussion and everywhere all the time in Germany,” Klein and changes. On June 6, his office will set I’d like to avoid that.”

June 2019 ‹› 6 The German government has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism which states that denial of Israel’s right to exist is a modern-day form of antisemitism. “Knowledge of that definition is necessary in the police academies; lawyers should know it, and also teachers because it gives orientation,” says Klein. “It’s legally non- binding, but it’s very helpful in raising sensitivity.” However, he believes more has to be done to systematize the application of this definition. Perpetrators of antisemitic attacks – from vandalism to physical assaults – are often not fully known to authorities. In a recent survey, 90 percent of reported antisemitic expressions were attributed to the “right wing,” with many cases categorized as such by default. “There were cases in which police attributed in a demonstration organized by Islamists the showing of the Hitler salute to the ‘right- wing’ category. I wouldn’t put it there.” One of Klein’s first call to action was to set up better monitoring and reporting systems to identify sources of antisemitism across the German federal states and to tailor  A kippah demonstration in front of a synagogue in Berlin (Reuters) prevention programs accordingly. “In an area with mainly Muslim perpetrators, we have to intensify our work on integration to German legislation. What about antisemitism emanating from courses and also with Muslim associations “The Internet is a major source for it because Muslims? and with the mosques. When we have in real life people traditionally would hesitate “When the antisemitism comes from right-wing antisemitism in other parts, to express antisemitic views because they Muslims themselves, then in most of the then we have to do more in our political would think that someone would contradict cases it’s related to Israel.” education work.” or get resistance. On the Internet, you can Klein agrees with the “3D” designation put As for the new Muslim Arab population, post whatever you like, in the beginning forth by Natan Sharansky when it comes to which studies reveal carry the antisemitic at least.” differentiating between legitimate criticism views of their homelands, Germany’s special of Israel and antisemitism: Demonization, relationship with Israel, in addition to Germany’s Delegitimization, and Double standards. democratic values, are already being embedded “For me, that is the case when someone in integration courses. However, education When someone says that says that Israel is an ‘apartheid state.’ That’s in the home often competes with that. already antisemitism because an ‘apartheid “We have the situation, which we cannot Israel is an apartheid state’ by definition cannot be legitimate.” really solve, in that many families with Arab state, that's antisemitism As a non-partisan appointee by the Merkel backgrounds get satellite television from government, Klein enjoys the luxury of Arab countries where antisemitic narratives because 'an apartheid critiquing the German government itself are very common – in soap operas, in news state' by definition across political parties. It recently come about anything that happens in Israel, and cannot be legitimate under scrutiny for what are perceived as in Gaza and in Ramallah, of course. They anti-Israel attitudes or measures. These have a certain antisemitic bias that’s being Felix Klein include funding of NGOs with proven ties directly transported to families in Germany, to BDS; Germany’s voting patterns in the and then often young people take those In this case, hate-speech also includes United Nations when it comes to Israel; and opinions in schools.” expressions of Islamophobia, which Klein Germany’s insistence on holding on to the Satellite television cannot be outlawed; believes is often related to antisemitism: Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive however, he is pleased that social media giants “I think that many antisemites also hate Plan of Action. are obliged to ban hate speech, according Muslims.” On May 17, a parliamentary vote tempered

BDS ‹› 7 Germany 1939 Paris 2019

some concerns. Backed by Chancellor patterns in the United Nations is not alone in the world; there is a Angela Merkel’s governing coalition condemning Israel. All political European discussion about that. It consisting of the Christian Democratic parties aside from the FDP and would be better to have a common Union (CDU), Christian Social the right-wing AfD (Alternative European position regarding that Union (CSU), and the Social for Deutschland) voted against it, matter. I know the discussion is In the future, Democrats (SPD), along with with the governing coalition citing not finished.” no event with the Free Democrats (FDP) and improper parliamentary protocol Germany must also carefully the Greens in the opposition, the as the reason for the negative vote. monitor funding to NGOs in the BDS-involvement Bundestag adopted a non-binding Klein said this does not reflect the Palestinian territories as well as will be tolerated anti-BDS resolution which called government’s lack of commitment textbooks of UNWRA-based schools. on the premises the movement antisemitic, a move to Israel. “It’s a big problem for everyone, praised by Israeli leaders and the “I understand the criticism. I’m not only public but private partners. of the Bundestag. pro-Israel and Jewish community. very unhappy that the FDP motion I think we have to stop accepting We will now “The vote is a strong political didn’t have a majority vote because funding when there is an organization statement against the BDS movement, of parliamentary rules.” that is openly against the right of have to find a condemning its aims and methods Regarding Iran, Klein is fully Israel to exist. That’s unacceptable.” feasible way as clearly antisemitic,” Klein said, aware of the nuclear ambitions of In German civil society as well, how the federal days after the vote. “In the future, the antisemitic regime. “We think media, schools, and universities no event with BDS-involvement the JCPOA would be a possibility should examine portrayals of the government will be tolerated on the premises to contain that. I know that Israel Israeli-Palestinian conflict that should of the Bundestag. We will now is against that and we don’t know may subtly or outright demonize have to find a feasible way how how the story would end. So the Israel. implement the the federal government should methods are different, but I also At the end of the day, Klein decision of the implement the decision of the think we should be aware of the doesn’t want to dwell only on the Bundestag Bundestag.” danger of Hamas and Hezbollah negative, such as the portrayal of Klein is thankful that BDS – gaining ground here in Europe Jews as Nazi victims and current which the government now officially and also in Germany.” day victims. He’s encouraged by Felix Klein considers a permutation of the Nazi- As for the German government’s the flowering of Jewish institutions era boycott of Jewish goods, is not hesitation to label Hezbollah’s “political and culture (and Israeli restaurants, as widespread a phenomenon in wing” as a terrorist organization, as an Israeli food lover) throughout Germany as it is in other countries. such a matter – including that of Germany. “I would welcome if other labeling products made in Jewish “What’s effective is to increase European countries adopted similar areas of the West Bank – is a pan- knowledge of Judaism in measure,” he said. European issue. Germany – to raise awareness that In a more controversial vote in “Personally, I think it’s very Jewish culture is an integral part March, the Free Democrats (FDP) difficult to define the difference of our diverse German culture, issued a parliamentary motion between a political and military and whoever attacks that attacks aimed at curbing German voting wing of an organization. Germany the whole culture.” 

June 2019 ‹› 8 New antisemitism presents new challenges

• By LINDA GRADSTEIN

he German Parliament recently passed a strongly worded resolution calling the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS) T“antisemitic,” and the same week three fires were intentionally set at two Chabad houses in Massachusetts. It was a reminder that as much as governments can try to legislate against antisemitism, it seems to be on the increase in both Europe and the US. Antisemitism has been around for hundreds of years. But the rise of populism, along with social media, presents new challenges for those trying to fight what is called the “new antisemitism.” “The new antisemitism is the old antisemitism repackaged, revitalized and supercharged by social media,” said Rabbi Abraham Cooper,  The casket of Irving Younger, 69, a victim of Saturday's synagogue shooting, associate dean and director of Global Social is carried to a waiting hearse after his funeral at Rodef Shalom Temple Action Agenda of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 31, 2018. (Reuters) a leading Jewish human rights organization with over 400,000 family members. “The hat is still there, but it is a different wrapping League, says that antisemitism today is that BDS is a form of antisemitism. for a different generation.” coming from both the right and left. While BDS says that it is aimed at ending Cooper, who has been working in the field “There is an amalgamation of historic Israel’s “occupation” of the West Bank and since the 1970s, used to visit refuseniks classic antisemitism from extreme right-wing Gaza Strip through an economic boycott, in the former Soviet Union. He said the groups and white supremacist groups, with a most say it has morphed into a rejection government used to try to make a distinction new antisemitism coming from extreme left- of Israel’s right to exist. between antisemitism, which was actually wing parties personified in Jeremy Corbyn Cooper says that at the World Conference illegal, and anti-Zionism. of the (UK) Labour party,” she said. “A on Racism in Durban, South Africa, in 2001, “They would say, ‘We don’t hate Jews, we third force has been there historically but is former Canadian Justice Minister and Attorney- hate Zionists,’” Cooper recalled. “I’ve been manifesting itself in new and powerful ways, General Irwin Cotler launched the “three at this for 42 years and not much is new, D’s” of “double standards, demonization but it is amazing how the old tropes find and delegitimization of Israel” (based on new meaning and new power in different Natan Sharansky’s original model.) audiences for different cultures.” He said that if any of those three were In the past year alone, there have been The new antisemitism found in criticism of Israel, it could be two shootings in synagogues: in October, defined as antisemitic. a gunman killed 11 people in the Tree is the old antisemitism “BDS is definitely antisemitic,” Rabbi of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh after repackaged, revitalized Cooper said. “It is not designed in any way posting antisemitic comments, and in April, to help Palestinians but only to hurt Israel.” a gunman opened fire in Poway, California, and super charged by Nazarian has a slightly different take on while shouting antisemitic slurs, killing social media. BDS. one woman. “The original people behind the idea In Europe, experts say antisemitism is Rabbi Abraham Cooper and the origins are antisemitic,” she said. rising almost everywhere – French officials “But not every person who supports BDS said antisemitic incidents had increased and that is Islamist antisemitism in Europe is antisemitic, and it would be wrong for us by 74 percent, while in Germany officials connected with violent acts of terrorism.” to have a blanket labeling of every person reported an increase of 60 percent. She called the three forces together a who supports it as antisemitic.” Sharon Nazarian, senior vice president of “perfect storm.” For example, she said, many young people International Affairs of the Anti-Defamation Most Jewish scholars of antisemitism say on college campuses in the US see BDS as

BDS ‹› 9  Youth attend the annual March of the Living at the former Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz on May 2, 2019. (Kacper Pempel/Reuters)

the March of the Living, which has brought of antisemitism before the Holocaust, but almost 300,000 young people to former also that antisemitism is still alive today. When pre-college concentration camps in Poland, says that “After the March of the Living they come youth, both Jews and as the survivors of the Holocaust are dying, to Israel and reach a deeper understanding non-Jews alike, witness the memory of the Holocaust is fading. of the significance of their Jewish roots,” A recent study in the US found that 45% says Rosenman. “After they complete their the absolute horror of of the younger generation has never heard journey, they have a toolbox to understand antisemitism first hand, the word “Auschwitz,” or has ever read the what causes antisemitism and how to combat story of a Shoah survivor. it, especially using social media.”  we see that it makes He says Holocaust education is one of them more committed to the best ways to fight antisemitism. “The world is moving to the right all fight all forms of hatred the time, and many people do not have patience for someone who is not from the Shmuel Rosenman same group,” he said in an interview. “It’s easy to blame Jews and others for this.” a valid form of civil disobedience. He said that government declarations In some ways BDS has failed. Despite such as the one from Germany do little calls for a boycott of this month’s Eurovision to counter antisemitic attitudes. Instead, contest in Tel Aviv, all of the performing education about the Shoah and antisemitism groups came to Israel. With the exception of is needed, especially before college, where Iceland’s decision to display a Palestinian antisemitic sentiments are on the rise.  Rabbi Abraham Cooper associate flag, BDS failed to keep people away. “When pre-college youth, both Jews and dean and director (Courtesy) On campuses, efforts to boycott Israeli non-Jews alike, witness the absolute horror academics or cultural offerings have also of antisemitism first hand, we see that it failed. Yet, says Nazarian, BDS has succeeded makes them more committed to fight all in making many Jewish college students forms of hatred,” Rosenman said. “We are wary of expressing support for Israel, or not teaching history. We are transferring the being open about their Jewish identity for stories of bitterness, hatred and antisemitism fear of being ostracized by BDS supporters. from the survivor to the next generation. Both Cooper and Nazarian agree that social We do not teach hatred but that you must media has enabled antisemitism to spread do justice.” much further and faster than before. That, The number of non-Jews joining the March along with the mass movement of people for of the Living continues to grow as well. This economic and other reasons, has led to an year almost 5,000 non-Jews from Poland, increase of xenophobia and antisemitism. Germany, Austria and even Japan joined  Sharon Nazarian Senior Vice The solution, many agree, is education. the march in Poland and then visit Israel. President, International Affairs for the Shmuel Rosenman, international chairman of The participants learn not only the history Anti-Defamation League (Courtesy)

June 2019 ‹› 10 ADAM MILSTEIN Today’s antisemitism: A three-headed monster ntisemitism is as old as the gays, systemically oppress minorities, and courageous Jews. Jewish story itself. As Jews, disregard basic human rights. On paper, But how? The struggle is two-fold. we’ve lived with the threat the radical left should be appalled by this First, we must learn all we can about of radical groups trying to ideology, but these unlikely allies turn a those who seek to destroy us. That means Aeradicate our people for centuries. From blind eye to the tenants of radical Islam investing in research capabilities and Egypt to Poland to Persia, the Jews have because they share common hatred for drawing on the latest technology to uncover experienced unbelievable persecution. Western influence in the world, pluralistic the antisemitic networks online and off. Today in the 21st century, antisemitism nationalism, and Jewish power. Then, we must use this knowledge to is still alive and growing, even here in Just as the radical Left has a history expose their unlawful activities and America. of vilifying Israel, the nation-state of better protect our Jewish institutions Despite years of persecution, a few the Jewish People (and the Jews who in partnership with law enforcement. things have always kept us strong: our support it), the radical Right has colluded Second, we must fight the alarming beliefs, our values, our culture, our history with radical Muslims to spread its pure encroachment of antisemitism from the – and our homeland, Israel. hatred of Jews and the desire to brutally extreme fringes of our politics into the History has shown that antisemitism subjugate – or murder – the Jewish people. mainstream. We must be vigilant, calling does not discriminate. As novelist Norman out antisemitism wherever we see it. Mailer once said, “When the time comes, We must also educate the public about they won’t ask what kind of a Jew you the dangerous and insidious nature of are.” Nobody asked the congregants at seemingly minor antisemitic comments. the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh We must call out hate wherever we hear it, or at the Chabad of Poway. For too long we whether its spewed by Louis Farrakhan, It doesn’t matter if you go to synagogue Rep. Rashida Tlaib or David Duke. every day, every week, once a year, or have behaved as if For too long we have behaved as if you haven’t been since you were a child. antisemitism is merely distasteful, but It doesn’t matter whether you affiliate antisemitism is merely not a danger. with one political party or another. And distasteful, but not a The recent deadly attacks on synagogues it doesn’t matter if you consider yourself in Pittsburgh and Poway make the stakes an American Jew, or an American who danger. clear for us all. Anyone who exhibits or just happens to be Jewish. The recent deadly espouses antisemitism must be immediately When we see antisemites acting out called out and held accountable. their hateful bigotry – as we’ve seen attacks on synagogues Jews don’t have to be like sheep led to from Pittsburgh to Poway to the halls the slaughter. Unlike Jewish communities of Congress – we are confronted with a in Pittsburgh and in the past, we have human and civil choice: do we condemn the evil and hope Poway make the stakes rights, and the ability to fight back. for the best? Do we turn our backs on the We are a proud people with a long future of our people and allow history clear for us all memory, and lucky to live in a time with to repeat itself? Or do we fight back? a strong and thriving Jewish state. We For me, the choice is clear. Adam Milstein no longer have to be afraid and passive. Today’s antisemitism manifests as a We must switch from defense to offense. three-headed monster that spews its vile To defeat antisemitism, we must be bigotry through the radical Right, the This isn’t the first time. Grand Mufti proactive and fight this head on. If we radical Left, and radical Islam. Each one of Jerusalem al-Husseini conspired with don’t, history shows that the results could of these hateful heads poses a real threat Hitler less than 80 years ago. Today, the be catastrophic. not only to Jewish people and to Israel, rhetoric of neo-Nazis and radical Muslims Adam Milstein is an Israeli-American but also to the US and the Western world. echo one another as both groups continue real estate investor and philanthropist. In recent years, North America has to spew hateful conspiracy theories and He and his wife, Gila, founded the Adam joined Europe in witnessing a growing centuries-old antisemitic tropes. and Gila Milstein Family Foundation, alliance between radical Muslims and The only way to defeat this monster and he is a co-founder of the Israeli- radical leftists. Radical Muslims stone is to put aside our internal political American Council, where he serves as women and detest feminism, execute differences and band together as proud, chairman of the board. 

BDS ‹› 11 Terrorists in Suits Unmasking BDS’s support for terror

• By MAAYAN HOFFMAN

n March, the German government canceled an event and deported convicted Palestinian terrorist Rasmea Odeh from speaking in Iits capital. Odeh had been slated to speak in Berlin at a conference organized by the pro-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions group Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East. However, German authorities revoked her visa and banned her from the Schengen Area that is comprised of 26 European nations, citing immigration fraud. According to Berlin-based attorney Norman Nathan Gelbart, the German government acted to remove Odeh based on information about her terror-connected past that they were provided by various organizations, including the Ministry of Strategic Affairs. Odeh was a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and was responsible for a 1969 bombing that killed two students – Leon Kanner and Eddie Joffe – in a Jerusalem supermarket. She was also convicted by the Israeli authorities for a second bombing at the British consulate. “Local authorities took this knowledge, and they released an order to prevent her from appearing at the event,” said Gelbart. “She is affiliated with a terror organization, so local authorities looked for the easiest way to get rid of her.” He noted that if governments are provided with significant, trustworthy information they can act, “and this is what happened.” And this is what continues to happen, according to the Ministry of Strategic  The Report, “Terrorists In Suits,” exposes over 100 connections between so- affairs, largely thanks to a report the ministry called human rights NGOs and designated terror organizations published in February. (Ministry of Strategic Affairs)

June 2019 ‹› 12 RASMEA ODEH The German government prevented convicted Palestinian terrorist Rasmea Odeh from speaking in Berlin in March, based on information provided (Ministry of Strategic Affairs)(Ministry of Strategic by various organizations, including the Ministry of Strategic Affairs.

SHAWAN JABARIN ODEH

‘Terrorists in Suits’ revealed that Shawan Jabrin, a senior PFLP activist who served several prison terms in Israel for his involvement in terrorism, today serves as director-general of Affairs)(Ministry of Strategic the boycott-promoting organization Al-Haq.

SALA KHAWAJA

Salah Khawajah, a top BDS leader in Ramallah, said in an interview with Palestinian TV that the

(Ministry of Strategic Affairs)(Ministry of Strategic Ministry of Strategic Affairs report ‘is the worst thing that could happen to BDS.’

BDS ‹› 13 senior Hamas officials, including Ismail Haniyeh, and prominent BDS activists from Britain. Another example is Muhammad Sawalha, a former senior Hamas military operative. He was associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, was a member of the Hamas political bureau between 2013 and 2017 and met with the organization as recently as this year. Sawalha, however, has another face. He is part of – and in some cases founded – civil organizations in Britain, including the Muslim Association of Britain, the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza and the British Muslim Initiative (BMI). He has promoted BDS and was involved in organizing flotillas to Gaza. Sawalha and Birawi both try to portray themselves as unaffiliated with Hamas. Har-Zvi noted that a senior BDS leader from the headquarters in Ramallah, revealed  Yossi Kuperwasser, intelligence  Dr. Shai Har-Zvi, Executive Director in the report, Salah Khawaja said in an and security expert (Courtesy) of Research, Ministry of Strategic Affairs interview with Palestinian TV that the (Courtesy) ministry’s report “is the most dangerous that could happen to BDS.” Har-Zvi explained that while several of The report, “Terrorists in Suits,” revealed who served several prison terms in the BDS leaders are accusing the report more than 100 links between terror groups Israel for his involvement in terrorism. of being “propaganda” or “hasbara,” so and organizations promoting Israel boycotts, Today, Jabarin is director-general of the far, none of them have said it is incorrect. including the employment of 30 current and boycott-promoting organization Al-Haq. Now, the ministry is working to expand “retired” terror operatives. It showed how The organization describes itself as “an the report . these terrorists use these BDS organizations independent Palestinian human-rights “You cannot separate BDS and terror to whitewash their true activities against organization [that] monitors and documents organization,” said Brig.-Gen. Yossi Israel and reported on efforts by terrorist human-rights violations by all parties to Kuperwasser, an Israeli intelligence and operatives to use a “human rights activists” the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.” Jabarin security expert and a fellow at the Jerusalem persona to mask their true selves. By doing recruited al-Haq activists who were involved Center for Public Affairs. “Almost every so, these individuals obtain legitimacy and in terrorism and served a prison sentence. BDS organization is manned by people who money from Western countries to finance There is Zaher Birawi, a Hamas activist are terrorists or ex-terrorists. They are all activities to boycott and delegitimize Israel. who is believed to still be associated with over the place. This is just an extension of their efforts to destroy Israel.” Kuperwasser said he believes the recent Almost every BDS organization is manned decision by the United States to deny entry by people who are terrorists or ex-terrorists. to BDS founder and anti-Israel activist They are all over the place. This is just an Omar Barghouti was also tied to “Terrorists in Suits.” extension of their efforts to destroy Israel In April, Barghouti was stopped at Yossi Kuperwasser Ben-Gurion Airport and prevented from boarding a plane to the US even though he . “Terror does not work in the West. the terrorist group, also heads the “Support had valid travel documents and had been Therefore, they do BDS….What we have Committee for the Boycott of Israel,” which invited by the Arab American Institute done is unmask their real identities.” was established in 2017 as part of the to Washington to participate in several The report uncovered, for example, Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad. speaking engagements and educational Shawan Jabarin, a senior PFLP activist Birawi was at a joint meeting between programs.

June 2019 ‹› 14  Since its founding, the PNIF has consistently called for boycotts of Israeli products and it continues to regularly promote BDS, according to the Ministry of Strategic Affairs’ report (Ministry of Strategic Affairs)

The Qatar-born Palestinian reacted to the He said many people in the West believe ban by saying that it is “ideologically and BDS activists are on par with leaders politically motivated,” and that it is “part such as Nelson Mandela, who carried of Israel’s escalating repression against out nonviolent acts of defiance against Palestinian, Israeli and international human the South African government and its rights defenders in the BDS movement racist policies, or Mahatma Gandhi, who for freedom, justice and equality.” employed nonviolent civil disobedience However, Kuperwasser said he believes to lead India to independence and inspire Barghouti was denied entry because he movements for civil rights and freedom has ties to terror. across the world. “Otherwise, why was this frequent flyer “This is not the case with BDS,” said [to the US] now not allowed to enter?” Kuperwasser. “These activists believe Kuperwasser asked. “Finally, some people violence is not enough. Boycotts are a  Omar Barghouti, founder of are waking up that this BDS is nothing complimentary tactic to their armed attacks the Palestinian Campaign for the but an extension of terror.” against Israel.”  Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel and a co-founder of BDS (Reuters)

BDS ‹› 15 WORLD LEADERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST BDS

MIKE PENCE

"In the wake of Airbnb’s decision to ban Jewish homes in Jerusalem and the West Bank, we made it clear, the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement is wrong and it has no place in the free enterprise of the United States of America."

– US Vice President Mike Pence

HILLARY CLINTON

"I am writing to express my alarm over the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, or BDS, a global effort to isolate the State of Israel by ending commercial and academic exchanges. BDS seeks to punish Israel and dictate how the Israelis and Palestinians should resolve the core issues of their con ict. This is not the path to peace."

– Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

ELAN CARR

"The administration is unequivocally opposed to the BDS movement, and to the idea that somehow there can be movements organized to deny Israel its legitimacy and not to allow Israel to participate in economic commerce in the world. Sure, that is hatred of the Jewish state and that is hatred of the Jewish people. And that’s something that is very clear and that is our policy."

– US Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Elan Carr

June 2019 ‹› 2 EMMANUEL MACRON

"BDS will not be accepted in France. I object to any efforts to boycott Israel, and consider such attempts antisemitic. France has already condemned boycotting Israel, and I have no intention of changing this position."

– French President Emmanuel Macron

BILL DE BLASIO

"Maybe some people don’t realize it, but when they support the BDS movement, they are affronting the right of Israel to exist and that is unacceptable. Israel at its core is there to shelter an oppressed people. That is why I am here to make a simple, clear, progressive case for the state of Israel. We must confront the threat to progress that is BDS."

– New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio

THERESA MAY

"I couldn’t be clearer: The Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions movement is wrong, it is unacceptable, and this party and this government will have no truck with those who subscribe to it. Our focus is the opposite – on taking our trading and investing relationship with Israel to the next level."

– British Prime Minister Theresa May

JUSTIN TRUDEAU

"In Canada, we have to recognize that there are things that aren’t acceptable, not because of foreign policy concerns, but because of Canadian values. It’s not right to discriminate or to make someone feel unsafe on campus because of their religion, and unfortunately the BDS movement is often linked to those kinds of frames. "

– Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

BDS ‹› 3 (Pictures by Reuters) Boomerang: Economic pressure hits BDS campaigners

• By BENJAMIN WEINTHAL that hardcore antisemitism and terrorism Minister Gilad Erdan, for example, has are integral elements of scores of BDS addressed foreign states’ interior ministers or the first time since its formal entities and individuals. and security service leaders. establishment in 2005, the anti-Israel Without naming countries, Gavrieli cited “We are still in the process of communicating Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions the disturbing immorality involved when this message,” said the high-energy Gavrieli, movement has encountered a set “states friendly to Israel are aiding groups “We see positive results,” he added, with Fof countervailing forces that is depriving that are involved in BDS.” scores of banks, online payment service it of funding platforms, and branding it One of the most telling examples of a accounts and other financial platforms as an enabler of terrorism. A checkered humanitarian organization pumping funds having closed accounts of BDS groups and sporadic attempt to blunt the BDS into terrorism involved World Vision. In due to concern over terrorism funding. movement existed prior to 2016, but One holdout is the German Bank for Social that fragmented approach has now been Economy, which maintains an account replaced with a high-intensity, systematic for a hardcore BDS group. Erdan urged counter-movement. the bank to close the account. The Simon In interviews with top representatives Wiesenthal Center included the Bank for of Israel’s ministry of strategic affairs; Social Economy in its 2018 top-10 list of the prominent Israeli lawyer Nitsana In the values of the worst occurrences of antisemitism. Darshan-Leitner, founder of the Shurat 2019, you can’t Gavrieli stressed that the ministry “doesn’t HaDin Israel Law Center; and Gerald take all of the credit,” because there are a Steinberg, president of NGO Monitor, a present yourself as number of “pro-Israel organizations waging picture emerges of the dramatic setbacks a terrorist. You need war against delegitimization [of Israel] met by BDS organizations over the last and BDS.” He said that there has been a three years. have a human rights salient shift by states and NGOs, which The Ministry of Strategic Affairs, along previously ignored funding streams and with a growing pro-Israel community around façade for a Western bad actors, to tracking money trails due the world has breathed new life and fire audience to terror finance. into both defunding and reducing financial contributions to BDS organizations. Tzahi Gavrieli “These [BDS] organizations are obsessed with eradicating Israel as a Jewish state,” said Tzahi Gavrieli, director of the National Campaign for countering Delegitimization August 2016, Israeli authorities revealed and acting director general for the Ministry that Mohammed El-Halabi, director of of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy. the international NGO’s Gaza branch, Gavrieli explained that as the ministry siphoned $7.2 million a year to the Hamas investigated the entities, it found “links terrorist movement. According to the Israeli between designated terrorist organizations government, “more than half of World and these [BDS] organizations,” which Vision’s resources in the Gaza Strip − resorted to deception in an effort to conceal originating in aid money from Western the connections. “In the values of 2019, states such as the United States, England you can’t present yourself as a terrorist,” and Australia − were transferred to Hamas said Gavrieli. “You need to have a human to strengthen its terrorist arm.” rights facade for a Western audience.” After the World Vision terrorism The ministry addressed this tactic in its connection was revealed, Australia and 2019 monograph, “Terrorists in Suits: The Germany swiftly suspended their funding Ties between NGOs Promoting BDS and to the NGO. Terrorist Organizations.” The results of Gavrieli explained because of the nature the one-two punch by the ministry – and of state funding, “We have taken it [the  Tzahi Gavrieli, Acting Director General, the international pro-Israel community – issue of BDS and terrorism finance] to Ministry of Strategic Affairs against BDS organizations has revealed the state level.” Israeli Strategic Affairs (Courtesy)

June 2019 ‹› 18  ‘Terrorist organizations have one foot in the terror world and one foot in the legitimate world. They cannot act without bank accounts,’ says Nitsana Darshan-Leitner (Courtesy)

The Strategic Affairs Ministry published Trail: European Financing of Organizations due to the counter-attacks. another monograph in January, “The Money Promoting Boycotts Against the State Har-Zvi, who wrote a dissertation on of Israel.” Along with the sea-change Jordan’s policy toward Jerusalem, said in methodology targeting NGOs and the three stages of financed BDS are: BDS entities tainted with terrorism and state-sponsored BDS; philanthropy; and antisemitism, the monograph has triggered financial platforms and crowdsourcing a long-overdue public conversation about that are the lifeblood of BDS activity. “We We see positive the nature of funding streams. The questions have begun to see that European countries results with banks now being asked, according to Strategic have already started to reconsider their Affairs officials, consist of: “Are these grants given to BDS organizations” with and other financial organizations connected to terrorism? Are respect to unsavory NGOs, said Har-Zvi. these organizations antisemitic?” Governments and NGOs “should know platforms that have Dr. Shay Har-Zvi, executive director if designated terrorist organizations are closed accounts of of research in the ministry, said that the using a facade” to stoke BDS, said Gavrieli, German authorities’ decision two months adding that there is a need for “better BDS groups due ago to deport the convicted terrorist and due diligence.” to concerns over BDS activist Rasmea Odeh from Berlin The unfolding anti-BDS movement led was an important step and a clear message to the PGGM – the second-largest pension terrorism funding that the real face of the BDS activists is fund in The Netherlands – rescinding its revealed. Har-Zvi cited an article on a pro- blacklist of five Israeli banks in January. Tzahi Gavrieli BDS website in the US a few months ago The Dutch pension group had blacklisted and said “they [BDS organizations] feel the five banks in 2014. they are under pressure and lack money” In December 2017, Denmark’s government

BDS ‹› 19 announced that it pulled the plug on funds In other words, the BNC is tainted by definition of antisemitism as important. to Palestinian NGOs because of their links terrorism. “Now the name BNC is toxic,” “When a significant NGO like CMI [Crisis to terrorism. “I am glad that Denmark said Darshan-Leitner. Management Initiative, a group based understood that the Danish taxpayer should in Finland] says we abide by the IHRA not finance, directly or indirectly, Palestinian definition, it can be held to those terms. organizations that have direct connections CMI did it voluntarily and it is a good to terrorist groups,” Erdan said at the precedent for other NGOs.” time. “I call on other countries in Europe The recently elected Finnish MP Hussein to exercise the same moral responsibility al-Taee, a supporter of the Islamic Republic and take similar steps.” Terrorist organizations of Iran who served as an adviser for Following Denmark, Norway’s government have one foot in the CMI covering Iraq, was embroiled in an announced in December 2017 that a “Boycott antisemitism, racism and homophobia creates distance, while the Norwegian terror world and one scandal in May. After revelations in government believes in dialogue and the Israeli and Finnish media about his cooperation to create mutual trust as part foot in the legitimate antisemitic Facebook posts, CMI scrubbed of the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian him from its website, and said he would conflict.” world. They cannot likely not be reemployed. In response to The Danish government funded the act without bank NGO Monitor criticism, CMI accepted terrorist-linked NGOs via the Human the IHRA definition of Jew-hatred that Rights and International Humanitarian Law accounts includes expressions of contemporary Secretariat in Ramallah. The now defunct antisemitism, namely discriminatory Nitsana Darshan-Leitner controversial and non-transparent Human attacks on the Jewish state. Rights and International Humanitarian Law Taken together, the Ministry of Strategic Secretariat was the main clearinghouse Affairs and the pro-Israel community in for EU funds to be funneled to NGOs. She explained how “terrorist organizations the Diaspora have reversed the BDS Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, head of Shurat have one foot in the terror world and momentum from 2005. While still in HaDin, works to expose the lack of due one foot in the legitimate world. They its infancy, the counter-BDS movement diligence, with a view toward winning cannot act without bank accounts. We has demonstrated tangible results in the high compensation for victims of terrorism have the opportunity to go after them.” ongoing economic war. In short, the BDS and stopping the finance of proscribed Omar Barghouti, an Israeli resident and campaign is running scared. terrorist entities. co-founder of the BDS campaign, runs Benjamin Weinthal is fellow for the Foundation Shurat HaDin has a track record of success the BNC. for Defense of Democracies.  against targets involved in illicit terror BDS assaults on the legitimacy of Israel’s finance. In one case in 2017, the organization existence − or what has become known in won a $178.5 million judgment in US court anti-BDS circles as “delegitimization” − against Iran and Syria for their material is the chief concern for Darshan-Leitner, support of Hamas. The court ordered the Gavrieli and Har-Zvi. Sunni terrorist entity to pay damages to Darshan-Leitner said the delegitimization the family of Chaya Zissel Braun, a baby attacks are prevalent on college campuses, girl with US citizenship who was murdered where students are learning to become near a station of the Jerusalem Light Rail future “leaders” in government. in 2014. Hamas publicly called the terrorist “The students are being brainwashed,” a “martyr” and a “son” of Hamas. she said. The Ramallah-based BDS National Committee Steinberg’s NGO Monitor zooms in (BNC) experienced the effectiveness of on ground-zero of the anti-Israel NGO Shurat HaDin when the US-based online world: European NGOs and their funding fund-raising platform DonorBox rapidly streams. Steinberg does, however, see suspended and then closed its account due progress in confronting the anti-Israel to suspected terrorism links. In December NGO sector. “For the last five or six 2018, Darshan-Leitner’s organization sent years, the Israeli government has taken an “emergency letter” to DonorBox, and [these] NGOs seriously. It is raised at the account was suspended within a week. bilateral [government] meetings [with DonorBox tweeted after it closed the other countries]. That is a change. We BNC’s account: “This council [BNC] is see our work being highlighted.” composed of a few organizations that the Steinberg sees the adoption by many  Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, the US govt does not allow us to do business European countries of the International founder of the Shurat HaDin Israeli Law with.” Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Center (Courtesy)

June 2019 ‹› 20 Fighting BDS online How DigiTell is working to change anti-Israel sentiments on social media

• By ILANIT CHERNICK

he fight against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, as well as against antisemitism, is not easy, Tespecially on social media platforms where such sentiments are rampant and uncensored. Lies about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are spread through propaganda – fake images and posts – with the gap between anti-Zionism and antisemitism growing ever smaller. The two are becoming interchangeable on social media, and in many respects it’s been found that anti-Israel agendas encourage and strengthen antisemitic sentiments. In a bid to fight BDS, hate speech and antisemitism online, the Strategic Affairs Ministry formed DigiTell, an independent network of pro-Israel social media influencers who play an integral part in defending Israel online and fighting against antisemitism.  According to Ido Daniel, director of digital An anti-BDS poster calling on Palestinians to free Gaza from Hamas (Strategic Affairs Ministry) strategy at the Strategic Affairs Ministry, the network spans six continents, with dozens of organizations, influencers and grassroot showcasing Israel with land marked as initiatives all dedicated to this cause. having been supposedly “‘taken away’ from “The ministry recognized there was a Palestinians, which is a fabrication unto itself, strategic gap in the fight against Israel’s and contradicts international law and agreements protractors,” Daniel said. “As individuals reached with the Palestinian Authority.” The The DigiTell network they were doing great work, but there was a anti-Israel lobby “deliberately ignore these lack of a coordination and cooperation between facts in order to manipulate public opinion doesn't work for the them. The ministry has the ‘luxury’ of having against Israel and its legitimacy, especially government. They the ability to bring everyone together to the when dealing with its borders.” same table, and from there the rest is history.” DigiTell’s goal is to empower the pro-Israel have been defending Daniel explained that the anti-Israel lobby activists online, the State of Israel and “is working in a coordinated fashion, as we “We accomplish this through a number showed in the release of the Hate Net in of ways,” Daniel said. “First, hosting our the Jewish people for June 2018, showing the close ties boycott annual conference to bring together DigiTell groups share with each other. For instance, face to face interactions, get to each other years we have seen in the past that European anti- better, create relationships and launch joint Ido Daniel Israel groups have shared messaging, mottos ventures together.” and information to create unified campaign At the end of the day, he said, “they are against Israel.” not only colleagues but have become good Israel activists and government bodies, such Asked about the threat that BDS poses friends.” This is what makes this network as during the recent arson attacks in Israel’s online, Daniel said that they have founds so special. south,” he continued. “As a result, we chartered “dozens if not hundreds of instances... of the The ministry also provides support in several a bus and took them – photographers and anti-Israel camp spreading disinformation ways to the DigiTell network. filmmakers – to see firsthand the damage done, and hate speech.” “As an example, we recognized there was and speak with officials in the field to receive The classic example, he noted, is a poster a lack of communication between online pro- their personal insights on the devastation

BDS ‹› 21 including with firefighters, local residents, national park rangers, the IDF – and even a now defunct Hamas terror tunnel. The DigiTell network then shared it under the hashtag #FreeGazafromHamas, which was, and is to this day, extensively used online.” DigiTell has also been involved with many of the campaigns run by the pro- Israel movements. According to Daniel, this includes the release of a surprise campaign #NoWayToTreatAChild on the UN’s Universal Children’s Day, to raise awareness about how Palestinian groups “use children in their terror attacks and spread hate speech online, on TV, and in their school textbooks. We’ve seen more than eight million people reach for this campaign on Twitter alone.” DigiTell was also involved in campaigns following Airbnb’s decision not to advertise homes in West Bank settlements. The DigiTell network, Daniel told the Post, doesn’t work for the government. “They have  DigiTell launched an online campaign following the launching of Iranian defending the State of Israel and the Jewish missiles from Syria at Israel. (Strategic Affairs Ministry) people for years,” he said. “All we do is bringing them together and give them access Ostrovsky explained that the Internet has in such as Roger Waters and Linda Sarsour, to information they need”. many ways become a cesspool of antisemitic Ostrovsky said that “although we are unlikely DigiTell activist Arsen Ostrovsky, a leading hate, where lies, willful distortion of truth to alter the entrenched views of ‘activist pro-Israel advocate and executive director of and vilification against Jews and the State celebrities’ like Roger Waters and Linda the Israeli-Jewish Congress, became involved of Israel – manifested through the BDS Sarsour, we nonetheless need to expose their in DigiTell “because it offers an outstanding Movement – are real, direct and intense. lies, attacks and hypocrisy so that they do and unique global platform that connects and The attacks, which come from an array of not go unanswered.” empowers leading pro-Israel advocates from different sources, are often coordinated He noted that “these celebrities have huge around the world in order to exchange best and further exacerbated in today’s era of followings, but with many followers also practice ideas and help amplify our collective ‘fake news’ and real time posting. The sheer unfamiliar with the nuances and complexities message in support of Israel.” magnitude of such attacks spread quickly, of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or naïve in making it impossible to keep up. their support of the celebrities political views. Although BDS has a minimal impact on Israel It is therefore imperative to keep this group in practice – “which by all objective measures in mind in our messaging, as an opportunity is thriving economically and diplomatically, to reach out, engage and educate them.” albeit that is not from lack of effort from Ostrovsky said that in the short time since BDS activists” – the greater danger is that if DigiTell’s inception in early 2018, he has left unchecked online, “the BDS Movement been involved in a number of the network’s will continue to set the agenda and fan the “highly successful campaigns, including raising flames of hatred and antisemitism.” awareness over the Hamas-led Gaza riots in For Ostrovsky, the main the key challenge the past year, reinforcing the link between in combating BDS and the anti-Israel lobby BDS and terror, as well as shedding light on online is trying to remain vigilant, “selecting Hamas abuse of Palestinian children with the which battles to fight or respond, while at #NoWayToTreatAChild campaign during the the same time being proactive and setting United Nations Universal Children’s Day.” a positive narrative.” By providing “such Ostrovsky emphasized that “it goes without a unique global platform to exchange best saying our global network of pro-Israel activists practice ideas, DigiTell also allows us to [was] highly engaged during the Eurovision calibrate our strategies in order to have a Song Contest and the period preceding it, to unified message that we can then amplify in repel the highly intense attacks of the BDS  Ido Daniel, director of digital fighting BDS and supporting Israel.” Movement and in order to use the Eurovision strategy at the Strategic Affairs Ministry Asked about combating misinformation platform to promote and reinforce the beauty (Ben Moore) and fake news spread by celebrity activists and diversity of Israel.”

June 2019 ‹› 22 the newspapers to correct their articles.” Van Koningsveld’s most important advice Attending the Strategic Affairs Ministry to activists “is to reach out to other pro- conferences has provided van Koningsveld Israel activists and work together. You can’t with pro-Israel friends from around the world. fight this battle on your own, because the We stand stronger “As a Dutch youth organization, we used BDS supporters are very loud and active together. United to have a relatively small reach,” he said. on social media. Also: choose your battles. “It’s great to have friends all over the world You don’t need to respond to every little we have millions who are facing the same challenges and lie people spread about Israel. Sometimes of followers and share our work and strategies, to increase you ignore things, sometimes you can also our reach and effectiveness.” choose to respond with humor, as I did with this comes The advantage, he said, is that “We stand when a BDS-supporting Dutch MP with stronger together. United we have millions of a Palestinian flag got questioned by the the potential to followers, and with this comes the potential Israeli police when walking around Temple counter the lies and to counter the lies and antisemitism that’s Mount last Friday.”  being spread by the BDS movement. It’s antisemitim spread great to have a large group of like-minded people to talk to about campaigns or your by the BDS social media strategy. “When we work together, we have more Hidde van Koningsveld followers than these activists. This is why, as the pro-Israel community as a whole, we DigiTell activist Hidde van Koningsveld, need to unite and set aside differences.” based in Holland and chairman of CIJO, When dealing with “famous” BDS activists the biggest pro-Israel youth movement in like Waters or Sarsour who “spread hate the Netherlands, has made it his mission against Israel, we need to closely monitor together with the organization to fight against what they say and call them out on their anti-Israel hatred and antisemitism. lies and antisemitism.” “We’re privileged to be a member of the However, according to van Koningsveld, DigiTell network, which enables us to work “that doesn’t mean we should react to every together with other pro-Israel activists from little thing they say. It’s also very important to around the world and work on campaigns proactively spread our own positive message to fight the hatred the BDS movement is about Israel.” He went on to explain that spreading around the world,” he said. “I “each member of the network decides on got involved in DigiTell in March 2018, their own campaigns and messages, but  Arsen Ostrovsky, executive director at the very first conference in Jerusalem.” gets as much support as needed from the of The Israeli-Jewish Congress (Courtesy) He noted that the threat of BDS is not DigiTell network.” economic. “The biggest threat BDS poses is Asked for tips, Daniel, Ostrovsky and the public relations field,” van Koningsveld van Koningsveld shared helpful advice for explained. “BDS spreads lies about Israel that those not in DigiTell who are trying to fight stick with ‘regular’ people on social media the online anti-Israel bias. and even the mainstream media. We also saw Daniel emphasized that “every action this with Eurovision. All in all, Eurovision counts,” and recommended pro-Israel activists was an extremely successful event. We [the to join social media, “from writing and Netherlands] won, no country boycotted liking pro-Israel comments, to reporting the event, the Queen of Pop [Madonna] anti-Israel hate speech, sharing pro-Israel performed during the final. Millions of people content, and following all of DigiTell’s watched the Eurovision competition and the member organizations social media pages hotel rooms in Tel Aviv were fully booked.” as well, to stay up to date. The second Van Koningsveld highlighted that “the only thing, join Twitter and Instagram. It’s the small success the BDS movement had in The new – and old, when it comes to Twitter Netherlands, after months of campaigning – battleground for pro-Israel advocacy.” against Eurovision, was that some national Ostrovsky encouraged those in the midst newspapers repeated their false claim that of the social media battle “not to let the the Tel Aviv Expo was built on a ‘destroyed haters get to you, just tell the truth and Palestinian village.’” The activist said they try to broaden the conversation to convey  Hidde van Koningsveld, chairman “are working on countering this claim by a positive story about what you love most of CIJO, the biggest pro-Israel youth providing factual information and asking about Israel.” movement in the Netherlands (Courtesy)

BDS ‹› 23 Christians who stand with Israel combat BDS

• By BRIAN SCHRAUGER Thousands of Christian supporters of Israel march in Jerusalem in the annual mong Christians who stand with Feast of Tabernacles parade (Marc Israel Sellem) Israel, none comes so close to being monolithic in their support than evangelicals. A concentrate on educating their constituents than $1.6 billion to provide support for A2017 poll by Lifeway Research revealed that about the nation of Israel. the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” 67 percent of evangelical Christians have “The BDS movement relies on lies and says Yael Eckstein, the new president of a positive perception of the Jewish state. bigotry to advance its agenda, we combat IFCJ, who took over for her father in the That is a lot of people. According to those by teaching the truth and preaching aftermath of her father’s unexpected death France’s Sébastien Fath, there are about tolerance,” says Shari Dollinger, co-executive from cardiac arrest on February 6. 630 million evangelicals in the world. In director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI). Eckstein, 34, adds that almost all of the 2014, Pew indicated there were as many “CUFI combats BDS through education funds were raised from Christians. The as 81 million just in the United States. and advocacy on campus, in churches and real objective, she explains, “is not fund- On the face of it, that translates into a through social media. While we do not raising or even providing humanitarian aid.” huge support base for the modern Israeli focus on specific conferences or events Instead, “our mission is bridge building, state. By the numbers, there are 422 million on BDS, it is an issue that is discussed strengthening trust, communication and evangelicals around the world, including at our major gatherings. Combating BDS respect between Christians and Jews around 54 million in the US. is a core element of our policy agenda.” the world. The Fellowship’s more than Figures like these have persuaded many It is an approach that has borne significant one million donors are expressing their Israelis to regard evangelical support as fruit for CUFI. Its efforts in social media, love for Israel and the Jewish people by more significant than that of any single special events across the United States, providing humanitarian aid and comfort nation. While in Brazil in December 2018, involvement on 330 university campuses, and to those in need.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, television programming have garnered over As for BDS, both Dollinger and Eckstein “We have no better friends in the world six million members. And, says Dollinger, acknowledge the threat. than the evangelical community, and the it “reaches tens of millions” every month. “BDS is an antisemitic movement aimed evangelical community has no better friend Another global voice for evangelicals who at doing through boycotts what the terrorists in the world than Israel.” support Israel is the International Fellowship have failed to do with bullets, namely, There is, of course, more to the story. of Christians and Jews (IFCJ). Founded destroy the state of Israel,” says Dollinger. The Lifeway Research poll indicated that by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein in 1983, 96% “It is a movement that seeks to normalize a whopping 97 percent of evangelicals of its donors are Christians. Unlike most antisemitism. By wrapping themselves who support Israel have never visited it. groups that represent Christians, however, in the lexicon of human rights, the BDS Two-thirds do not have a Jewish friend. its leaders are Orthodox Jews. movement seeks to make it acceptable not Perhaps for these reasons alone, the With a focus on raising financial support just to criticize this or that Israeli policy, primary focus of organizations that represent for social needs in Israel and sponsoring but to question the Jewish right to self- evangelical support for Israel do not focus immigration of Jews to Israel, IFCJ’s determination. In fact, the movement is on the global Boycott, Divestment, Sanction approach to educating its constituents is composed of antisemites who hide in plain campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state centered more on ‘how’ rather than ‘why.’ sight.” and to cripple its economy. Instead, they “In just over 35 years we have raised more According to Eckstein, “every human

June 2019 ‹› 24 destruction of the Jewish state. as it applies to Palestinians. On the other The question for evangelicals who stand hand, awareness of social justice for Israelis with Israel, and especially for organizations is all but absent. that represent them, is this: Are the arguments That’s why CUFI has two initiatives made by BDS and its proponents winning focused on evangelical millennials: CUFI converts among those evangelicals? The On Campus, an educational endeavor, and answer is… the Israel Collective that brings influential …Maybe. leaders of millennials to Israel to encounter According to the Lifeway Research poll, social justice issues first hand. 76 percent of evangelicals who are 55 to 64 For its part, IFCJ makes a point of its years old have a “positive” view of Israel. support for all Israelis. But millennials, those 18-34 years old? “We are a humanitarian organization that The percentage of those with a “positive” supports all Israelis,” Eckstein notes. “The view drops more than a third to 58 percent. criteria we use to decide who receives aid  Yael Eckstein, president of the Why? is need, not ethnicity or religion.” By doing International Fellowship of Christians The vast majority of millennial evangelicals so, “we make it much more difficult for and Jews (Courtesy IFCJ) agree “that Christians should do more to the BDS movement to spread its lies to love and care for Palestinian people.” A Christians around the world.” clear majority also believe “that Palestinian It doesn’t hurt that Eckstein herself is people have a historic right to the land of a millennial. “We are not building this Israel.” Indeed, two-thirds believe “the organization on my personality,” she modern re-birth of the State of Israel has emphasizes, “but instead on our mission.” been an injustice to the Arab people,” and On the other hand, “it definitely helps Every human being that “modern Israel has been unfair to the that I am a millennial woman leading this Palestinian people.” Jewish organization made up almost entirely is made in the image At the same time, about two-thirds of Christian supporters. When I talk to of God – and God deny the proposition “that the Christian millennials, I’m speaking directly to my church has fulfilled or replaced the nation peers, in a common language and with a loves justice. But of Israel.” On the other hand, 72 percent common cultural understanding.” agree “that God’s promise to Abraham and In short, the focus of today’s stand against BDS is a perversion his descendants was for all time.” BDS by Christians who support Israel is a What emerges, then, are two concerns fight to educate and communicate in the of justice regarding the upcoming generation of cultural language of evangelical millennials. evangelicals: they care about social justice It is a battle that has only just begun. Yael Eckstei for Palestinians, and they need some degree Brian Schrauger is editor-in-chief of of shoring up about the plain meaning of the Jerusalem Journal and its primarily being is made in the image of God – and promises God made to the Jewish people publication, ChaimReport.com  God loves justice. But BDS is a perversion spelled out in the Bible. of justice, insulting the God-given dignity John Haller is a trial attorney in Columbus, of the people of Israel. Its real driving force Ohio. He is also a well-known analyst of is antisemitism. In fact, BDS is the worst social-political trends in evangelicalism. kind of injustice because it is masquerading “Increasingly, today’s evangelicals are as justice.” moving away from emphasizing biblical Indeed. knowledge,” says Haller. “This does not On its website, BDS states its objective is bode well for evangelical support for “ending [Israel’s] occupation and colonization Israel among the upcoming generation of of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall.” evangelicals, both in the US and around The word “all” is the giveaway. the world. Evangelicals have stood with Even though it adds the sentence, Israel because they know their Bibles. “International law recognises (sic) the They know that the Torah proclaimed West Bank, including East Jerusalem, God’s blessing of the land to Israel as an Gaza and the Syrian Golan Heights as irrevocable covenant. What is needed more occupied by Israel,” BDS refrains from than anything to stop the drift of millennial saying it endorses that limited claim. Its support away from Israel is clear Bible objective is “ending Israel’s ‘occupation teaching on the subject.”  Shari Dollinger, co-executive and colonization’ of all Arab lands.” The greatest concern among millennial director of Christians United for Israel In fact, then, its goal is nothing less than evangelicals is social justice, especially (Courtesy CUFI)

BDS ‹› 25 (IStock)

International legal network sets back BDS across the globe

• By YONAH JEREMY BOB those who work mainly as a private commercial “It can be very instrumental for consulting lawyer…but are trying to do what they can to on a legal issue,” said Segal. “LNI’s members’ one-year-old international legal help” on the side, and “are very passionate” level of commitment varies. Sometimes they network called Legal Network about fighting BDS. are more available than others.” She noted that Initiative (LNI) has set back LNI’s goals include the empowerment of many view the network’s activities as more efforts across the globe of the the global pro-Israel legal network through exciting than their regular work, and that some ABoycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) sharing information, expertise and advice. It participants eventually “bring their law firms campaign against Israel. will also establish an online platform of relevant on board and contribute pro bono time” in an The network is a cooperative partnership case law, legislation and best practices for its even larger way. between the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, the members to use. Another benefit of the platform The pro-Israel legal network has already International Legal Forum (ILF), and a wide is to avoid duplicative efforts by enabling bore fruit. Just this year for example, Airbnb range of pro-Israel legal professionals from ongoing communication between members reversed its decision to boycott Israeli listings all over the world. so that everyone knows who else is working in Judea and Samaria following intense pressure Strategic Affairs Minister Gilad Erdan launched on a given issue and what they have done from at least several different LNI members the initiative at the first annual LNI conference to date. Also, LNI provides a mechanism of on a number of different legal grounds. in early 2018, along with the ILF’s director, distributing grants for legal research. Angel Mas of ACOM, a Spanish lawyer Yifa Segal, who is coordinating the efforts who is part of the network, said that the BDS of the network. issue in Spain is even more political than in This year’s conference, set to take place other countries since BDS supporters had June 18-20 in Jerusalem, includes international successfully penetrated both national and legal experts and high-profile keynote speakers Podemos party has used local parties dating back to 2015. including Dr. Felix Klein, federal government One of the parties in Spain’s governing commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany; its presence in Spanish coalition, Podemos, was formed and financed Elan Carr, special envoy for monitoring and institutions to promote by Venezuela’s former president Hugo Chavez combating antisemitism; and Irwin Cotler, and Iran, and its founding members were leaders Canada’s former minister of justice and attorney boycotts against the of the BDS movement, according to Mas. general and current chair of the Raoul Weinberg Jewish minority in Spain. The party takes “very hostile and aggressive Center for Human Rights. Not only Israeli citizens action against the Jewish state, and the issue I spoke to Segal as well as Angel Mas of is one of its top priorities even though” its Spain and Pascal Markowicz of France, two and companies, but platform addresses other issues, he said. senior participants in the network, to get a anyone who supports Mas said that the party “immediately gave feel for what kind of impact the network is unqualifie d recognition to the Palestinian state,” having on the ground in areas where it operates. or associates with the and that this was “the first issue they raised “People can come from a local organization Jewish state in the national congress.” working on public relations, local media, or a Besides the party’s prominence at the national legal organization,” Segal said. “Then there are Angel Mas level, he said it also controls the mayors’

June 2019 ‹› 26  The Airbnb logo is seen on a mini-pyramid under the glass of the Pyramid of the Louvre in Paris (Charles Platiau/Reuters)

for also free of them, not just Israeli products.  Although he said that even if his group did Yifa Segal, Director of the International Legal Forum (Courtesy) not succeed much in pushing back against BDS influence on social media, his group has French laws allow courts won 40 cases against BDS declarations and to penalize those who has not lost a single case. In addition, he said that in the three cases publicly and actively where government officials or NGOs appealed, boycott Israeli culture, his group won against the BDS initiatives also goods and sporting events on appeal. There are even four cases where complaints his group made to law enforcement have led Pascal Markowicz to criminal investigations of BDS activities, the most famous of which relates to attempts to boycott musical star Matisyahu during a offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and performance in Spain. all of Spain’s main cities, numbering about “At the end of the day, in Spain we live in a 100 municipalities. democracy, which guarantees no discrimination He said that the party has “used its presence due to race, religion, belief or national origin, in Spanish institutions to promote boycotts and clearly these declarations went against against the Jewish minority in Spain,” since it the constitutional mandate,” he said, adding attacks “not only Israeli citizens and companies, that the BDS supporters have morphed their  but “anyone who supports or associates with efforts to try to focus on academic boycotts Angel Mas, President & CEO ACOM (Courtesy) the Jewish state. We had to take very prompt and other forms of boycotts to avoid judicial action…it was a matter of survival here… scrutiny, and that his group will still need to confronting initiatives, financed with our own adapt to such new tactics. taxes, which would exclude us from social, On another track, French lawyer Pascal political economic and civic life.” Markowicz of CRIF said that French laws Anti-Israel NGOs in Spain are funded by allow courts to penalize those who publicly millions in public subsidies per year, Mas said, and actively boycott Israeli culture, goods and and that to combat this, Jews in Spain needed sporting events. to “create some lawfare and legal capabilities One example he gave was the Alencon’s trial to confront the almighty state in court.” in Normandy in which five boycott activists, By a combination of seeking to educate the including the deputy mayor, were fined by the political system that BDS does not advance local court in September 2013 for cleaning out peace and dehumanizes Israel and Jews, as Israeli fruits and vegetables at a local supermarket. well as lawsuits, he said that they succeeded in Markowicz said that this decision was later blocking most of the 2,000 anti-Israel initiatives affirmed both by the Court of Appeals of Caen and declarations which BDS supporters had as well as by the French Supreme Court in planned. March 2016, and it marked the first time that An example he gave of a BDS initiative in a political official was penalized by a court Spain was local government officials, or NGOs for efforts to delegitimize Israel. with their backing, posting fliers on local stores If these stories are any indication of the anti-  Pascal Markowicz, head of the BDS saying that those areas were “apartheid free.” BDS network’s success, that success is likely legal taskforce of the umbrella group He said that Spanish Jewry knew this was code only to grow further in the years to come.  of French Jewish communities (Courtesy)

BDS ‹› 27 WE DON'T NEED NO EDUCATION

ROGER WATERS , WHO FOR YEARS HAS ACTED AS THE POSTER BOY FOR BDS, WAS INCLUDED ON THE SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER'S LIST OF TOP ANTISEMITES IN 2018. WATERS, WHO PRESENTS HIMSELF AS A HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST, HAS DEVELOPED AN UNWARRANTED OBSESSION WITH ISRAEL WHILE IGNORING VERY REAL HUMAN RIGHTS INFRINGEMENTS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD. IN RECENT YEARS, WATERS HAS AGGRESSIVELY TRIED TO PRESSURE ARTISTS AGAINST APPEARING IN ISRAEL ALTHOUGH ENTERTAINERS, SPONSORS AND VENUE OPERATORS HAVE ASKED HIM TO STOP MIXING MUSIC AND POLITICS. MADONNA, WHEN SHE APPEARED AS A GUEST ARTIST AT THE EUROVISION IN TEL AVIV, PRESENTED THE MESSAGE IN HER SONG “MUSIC MAKES THE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER.”

 Roger Waters, draped with a Palestinian keffiyeh (Reuters)

June 2019 ‹› 28 • By LIAT COLLINS

think his hatred of Israel has literally driven Roger Waters insane – and it’s not a pretty sight. There I was on Independence Day on May 9, Ipeacefully binge-watching Israeli comedies on television and relaxing after the barrage of nearly 700 rockets that had been launched from Gaza on the South of the country at the beginning of the week when I made the mistake of checking Facebook to see what everyone else was doing. Amid the photos of friends at barbecues, the beach and hiking through gorgeous nature reserves, I came across a post by the British group Sussex Friends of Israel sharing a video by Waters. Bitter Waters. Bizarrely wearing a bath robe, with unbrushed hair and red-rimmed eyes, Waters began to spew his by now well-known BDS creed, expressing support for a Swiss petition to pull out of the Eurovision Song Contest  in Tel Aviv. An inflatable pig with a Star of David painted on it was displayed during a Roger Waters performance of The Wall in Belgium in 2013 (Courtesy) Nobody should post a video on social media before they are fully awake and dressed. Even former superstars like the Pink Floyd now, but normally what they’re going is, singer. And they certainly shouldn’t do it ‘antisemite!’” Waters yells. if they’re going to liken Israelis to aliens Waters’s “second F” is “Fable,” and he – the extra-terrestrial kind, not the more To use the lyrics of one proceeds to parody The Emperor’s New familiar Jews as colonialists trope. Clothes. “’Mommy, mommy, why is the Waters starts out by saying he’d heard of his songs, Waters emperor of Israel parading his ethno- about the Swiss petition from his good friend thinks he ‘can tell supremacist bullshit around naked?’ Enough Omar Barghouti. Barghouti is the leader heaven from hell, blue with Netanyahu-hu-hu.” of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions The “third and final F” is “Faith.” As movement against Israel. Interestingly enough, skies from pain.’ But he he taps his exposed chest, Waters declares his commitment to boycotting the country can’t. He is clueless Barghouti’s message restores “faith in my was not strong enough to keep him from fellow human beings, faith in their capacity studying at Tel Aviv University and even for love and empathy,” because “136,000 of applying to do a doctorate there. Barghouti our Swiss brothers and sisters have signed still has a lot to learn. and delivered a petition demanding that the He reminds me of the Palestinian Authority of humanity but insanity. Which brings me Eurovision pull out of the finals in Tel Aviv.” and Hamas leaders who object to normalization back to Waters and his video. The ugly face of BDS was personified. As but are happy to use Israel’s top medical Scratching his face and staring at the my brother put it, it looked like Waters had facilities. The PA’s Jibril Rajoub, for example, camera, Waters declares that Barghouti’s gone over to the Dark Side of the Moon. To is a (former?) terrorist and chairman of email reminded him of “three choice ‘Fs,’” use the lyrics of one of his songs, Waters the Palestinian Football Association and of the first being “Film.” “There’s the film, thinks he “can tell heaven from hell, blue the Palestinian Olympic Committee, among and that film was the Invasion of the Body skies from pain.” But he can’t. He is clueless. other positions, who was suspended by the Snatchers, and Eurovision reminds me of Last year, backing conspiracists who claimed international football association FIFA the Invasion of the Body Snatchers, because that reports of Bashar Assad’s chemical last year following his call to burn Lionel it seems it may have been taken over by, weapons attack on Douma in Syria were Messi shirts to protest a (later canceled) um, I believe it was aliens. I know, it’s staged, Waters called the White Helmets – friendly game between Argentina and Israel. giving aliens a bad name, but at the end the Syrian volunteer group nominated for a He is currently reported to be receiving of the movie, Donald Sutherland points at Nobel Peace Prize for its search-and-rescue treatment at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical somebody like this” – Here, Waters points work – a “fake organization” producing Center. I repeat my call to end medical at the camera while making a silent scream propaganda for “jihadists and terrorists.” tourism for terrorists. This is not a gesture face – “The body-snatchers are doing that Calling for the boycott of the Eurovision

BDS ‹› 29 does nothing to promote world peace or even regional peace. On the contrary. We don’t need no Roger Waters. Israel’s a free MUSIC MAKES country and bashing the prime minister and government – even before a new THE PEOPLE coalition has been formed – is something of a national sport. Especially after massive COME TOGETHER rocket bombardments and increased threats of terrorism.

PINK FLOYD released its seminal album The Wall in 1979. Of greater importance historically, it was the year Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the shah in Iran. And of personal significance, I moved to Israel, singing along to Gali Atari and Milk & Honey’s Eurovision-winning “Hallelujah.” A few years ago, when Waters issued a similar call for a cultural boycott, Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli, proving she’s not just a pretty face, demanded Waters remove a photograph of her used in the video art during his performances. “If you’re boycotting – then go all the way,” she  (Orit Panini) tweeted at the time. Madonna performs at the Tel Aviv Eurovision 2019 With poetic justice, while Waters rants about boycotts, Refaeli was one of the four with a simmering territorial dispute to closer. I was encouraged by the kosher hosts of the Eurovision at Expo Tel Aviv. win the Eurovision, there would not be Iftar meal shared by Jews and Palestinians Waters was bashing his head against a brick an organized global campaign to prevent in Hebron, as The Jerusalem Post’s Tovah wall. More than 40 countries participated it becoming the host the following year. Lazaroff reported. The event was organized in this year’s Eurovision, thousands of By pushing exclusively for the boycott of and sponsored by the Judea and Samaria tourists arrived for the event, some 1,500 Israel, Waters is strengthening terrorism Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a journalists flocked here to cover the show and backing those who want the Jewish joint Israeli-Palestinian group that aims and surrounding events and an estimated state to disappear. Those who truly value to strengthen economic ties between 200 million viewers around the world coexistence, democracy and freedom, visit Palestinians and Jews, to benefit all. watched the broadcasts. and make peace and music. Watching Waters’s video, I thought of Waters, who for years has acted as the poster Admittedly, peace with the Palestinians another “F” word: “Falsehood.” The Boycott, boy for BDS, was included on the Simon seems far, far away, but demonizing one Divestment and Sanctions movement presents Wiesenthal Center’s list of top antisemites side of the conflict while the other gets itself as pro-peace and pro-Palestinian rather in 2018. Like other BDS supporters, Waters, away with murder doesn’t bring it any than anti-Israeli in nature. It also promotes who presents himself as a human rights a false analogy with South Africa in the activist, has developed an unwarranted apartheid era. This insults the memory obsession with Israel while ignoring very of what black South Africans endured; real human rights infringements elsewhere defames Israel, where Arab citizens not in the world. only have the vote but can be elected to In recent years, Waters has aggressively Brick by brick, falsehood parliament and serve as judges; and feeds tried to pressure artists against appearing by falsehood, Waters the lie that the Jewish people have no in Israel, although entertainers, sponsors religious or historical connection to the and venue operators have asked him to is trying to build an Land of Israel. stop mixing music and politics. Most invisible but dangerous Brick by brick, falsehood by falsehood, recently, Madonna, when she appeared Waters is trying to build an invisible but as a guest artist at the Eurovision in Tel wall between Israelis dangerous wall between Israelis and the Aviv, presented the message from her song and the Palestinians Palestinians. Not one built to keep terrorists “Music makes the people come together.” out; a wall constructed to block normal, The BDS campaign singles out Israel peaceful relations. for delegitimization. Were Spain, France, The much-troubled Waters is a fallen star. Cyprus or any other European country No wonder he’s worried about aliens. 

June 2019 ‹› 30 Concert – Together for Israel Our goal is to empower the pro-Israel network

• By ALAN ROSENBAUM says that Concert is not a quick-fix organiza- tion. “Concert is a long-term project, which srael faces the long-term threat builds infrastructure, relationships, and of delegitimization,” says Micah trust,” he says. “It’s not something where you Avni, chairman of Concert – To- send out two tweets and you’re going to have gether for Israel, an organization results tomorrow morning. In today’s world 'Ithat has joined with the Israeli government that’s difficult for people to comprehend.” and pro-Israel community to counter the Concert has its own network of donors and delegitimization of Israel. organizations that fund its activities, and re- “While Israel thrives, and on many lev- ceives matching funds from the Israeli gov- els has never been stronger,” explains Avni, ernment which “gives us leverage in what we “there is a growing sentiment around the are doing.” world that we don’t have a right to be here or Jewish organizations are ultimately happy to exist. If we sit back quietly and ignore that to receive assistance from Concert. “If you threat, it will continue to grow.” are willing to take action and provide fund- Concert was established in 2016 by a ing that can help them grow – and you are not group of concerned philanthropists, pro-Is- getting in the way – then people are open to rael activists, retired generals and diplomats that,” says Avni.  to counter the global Israel delegitimization One of Concert’s primary goals is to make Micah Avni: Our goal chairman of Concert – Together for Israel (Courtesy) movement and improve Israel’s standing in sure that pro-Israel organizations and com- world public opinion. munities around the world have a significant “In 2016, over 100 disparate pro-Israel or- say in these efforts, and help empower them ganizations and the Israeli government were in doing what they are doing. all working independently, in an uncoordi- Now that the research infrastructure is up nated fashion, and as a result, having rela- and running, Avni says that Concert has start- tively little impact,” Avni explains. ed funding projects to bring opinion leaders I was blown away In 2018, the Ministry of Strategic Affairs to Israel this year. A lawyer by training and under the leadership of Minister Gilad Er- the founder and CEO of Peninsula Group, a by the tremendous dan entered into a long-term, strategic part- publicly-traded Israeli commercial finance impact of social nership with Concert in order to address this institution, Avni has undertaken the job on a challenge. voluntary basis, though he laughingly admits media in spreading Avni became involved in the struggle that it is “an intense volunteer position.” against delegitimization of Israel after his Avni explains that Concert has a board of incitement for terror father, Richard Lakin, was brutally murdered directors and shareholders who are responsi- Micah Avni by terrorists in 2015. ble for overseeing the organization. He goes “After my father was murdered,” he says, to great pains to point out that Concert uses “I became active on a number of issues. I completely legal means to attain its objec- was blown away by the tremendous impact tives – everything the organization does is le- Avni says that while Concert needs to be of social media in spreading incitement for gal and transparent. On the funding end, the aggressive and proactive in rooting out dele- terror. I met with the big pro-Israel groups. government has oversight from the Ministry gitimization of Israel, ultimately, “our ‘killer I found organizations that were not working of Finance. A steering committee composed app’ is the positive message that Israel is a together, and I saw that with minimal work, of government representatives oversees the vibrant and free democracy committed to if you are focused and people are working company’s board of directors. Jewish values and social justice.” together, that you can have a tremendous im- Avni points out that in today’s climate of Concert’s ultimate goal is the continued pact. When I saw that the government was rising antisemitism, the task of combating permanent acceptance of Israel as a legiti- interested in this, I thought that I could take delegitimization is not easy. “There’s no sil- mate state in the world. “This will happen not some of my knowledge and energy and push ver bullet,” he says. “The idea to get people because of Concert,” he says, but because of this forward.” to work together to exchange information “how we act as a people, and as a state.” The goal of Concert, says Avni, “is to try to and ideas – to see what’s worked in one ge- Nevertheless, he adds, “Concert is going help enable the pro-Israel network to be more ography and another, or one type of ideology to have a massive impact in getting this mes- effective, to empower the network.” Avni that hasn’t been done before.” sage across.” 

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