The high-profile SodaStream debacle, which saw actress Scarlett Johansson step down as “global ambassador” of Oxfam centered around this very issue. Ms. Johansson resigned from Oxfam, noting she has “a fundamental difference of opinion” with Oxfam International because the charity opposes all trade from Israeli settlements – and the Jewish world across the political spectrum applauded her. This bill centers around this very issue.
Today in Israel, the right and left are telling Jews around the world “you can no longer try and thread the needle and be welcome here.” Differences of opinion on policy are fine, economic terrorism against Israel is unacceptable. Today the Israeli government is saying in no uncertain terms “you cannot stand with Israel while also supporting a boycott.”
The bill notes that in recent years there has been an increase in calls to boycott Israel: “It seems that [boycotts are] a new front in the war against Israel, for which the state, thus far, has avoided properly preparing. This bill is meant to prevent people or representatives of companies and organizations that call to boycott Israel to act within our territory to promote their ideas.”
Peter Beinart, Alisa Doctoroff, the President of UJA-Federation, Brian Lurie and others can continue to support the boycott against Israel – but they will do so from outside the country. We agree with the Supreme Court and the Knesset that entrée’ should be forbidden to those who support boycotts.
