Fighting Anti-Israel BDS Movement Directly at the UN

The ACLJ continues to lead the fight successfully against the anti-Israel BDS movement, and next week I’m taking that fight to the United Nations in New York.

The ACLJ has been very concerned about the rise of anti-Israel sentiments in America, including the increased attention being paid to the BDS (Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions) Movement, a long-term global effort created by enemies of Israel to delegitimize the State of Israel by any means possible, often in flagrant violation of the law.

Intimidation, discrimination, and lawfare against the Jewish people and even Christians who support Israel have become rampant worldwide – even in America.

Activities and events fostering an environment of intimidation and marginalization of Jewish citizens have seen a marked upswing on college and university campuses around the country, but the issue is not limited to the academic arena. Businesses that sell Israeli products have been harassed by pro-BDS picketers, labor unions have passed resolutions supporting divestment from Israeli institutions and corporations, and even government agencies have cancelled plans to visit Jerusalem based on absurd claims that Israel’s border security measures—a primary means of defending the country from imminent terrorist threats—are discriminatory.

At the ACLJ, we have responded with a multi-pronged legal and media advocacy strategy, and thankfully we have been 100% successful in every case we’ve taken to combat the anti-Israel BDS movement. In the face of intimidation and fear, we operate critically as attorneys to stand up for the rule of law and religious freedom in the face of anti-Semitism and bigotry.

We have won victories against BDS at University of Chicago Loyola, University of Texas, University of California, University of Michigan, UCLA, and CUNY, in addition to the American Studies Association.  The BDS movement rears its ugly head through unions, academic associations, student governments, and more. But each time we’ve taken them on, they have buckled. They lose; we win.

The law is on our side because the BDS movement violates many non-discrimination laws and policies.

We have collaborated with Stand With Us and the Brandeis Center to review the governing documents of student body governments in every university that has dealt with a BDS issue for provisions helpful in combating BDS. The UNIwatch initiative provides easy access and clearly synthesized information to educate and mobilize students on campuses experiencing difficulty with the various manifestations of the BDS Movement.

The ACLJ has also partnered with other organizations in the launching and maintenance of EndBDS.com, a website that brings together partner organizations and pro bono lawyers throughout the pro-Israel community working to fight anti-Israel activity through united action. EndBDS is meant as a one-stop destination for those fighting the BDS Movement, and the extremism and anti-Semitism that often accompanies BDS, particularly on college campuses.

Now, we are expanding the scope of our work by co-sponsoring – with the State of Israel – the largest ever global conference to fight the BDS movement striving to delegitimize Israel. Next week at the U.N., Ambassadors, lawyers, judges, and academics from across the world will come together to become better educated and equipped to combat the growing anti-Semitic, anti-Israel attacks. I and our team will be directly educating and equipping these community and world leaders to combat the invidious BDS assaults.

We can and will continue to win, but we must remain vigilant. Join the fight. Stand with Israel.

I want you to go to the U.N. with us. To do that, we need you to sign our petition.  I will deliver it directed at the United Nations.  Your voice can make an impact.