We’re seeing more and more establishment institutions taking pro-Palestinian positions and then getting heat. In recent days the Newseum has folded, and so has the Church of Scotland. The US Campaign to End the Occupation is concerned that the Boston Globe is about to come under fierce pressure for its landmark editorial honoring the BDS movement. It states:
On May 11, The Boston Globe published a ground-breaking editorial calling BDS a “movement that… aims to place pressure on Israel through peaceful means,” calling such means “something to be encouraged.” This marks the first U.S. mainstream paper staff to defend BDS. You can imagine the fierce criticism they will face.
The US Campaign is encouraging folks to write to the Globe. Two of the campaign’s talking points leaped out at me:
For years, Western audiences have expected Palestinians to respond to Israel’s incredible violence with nonviolence. That’s precisely what BDS is — a nonviolent response to Israel’s violence.
If the US government and international community were holding Israel accountable for its violations of international law instead of supporting and financing them, civil society actions like this would not be necessary.
These are very powerful arguments. The reason the situation is so volatile in Israel/Palestine is that governments have failed their responsibility. And brave civil society movements have taken up that responsibility because they see fellow human beings being oppressed. (Rachel Corrie and Furkan Dogan were doing what governmental organizations should have been doing when they were killed.) Palestinians have shown incredible restraint over decades of occupation. That’s why I support BDS, because it’s nonviolent pressure in the context of desperate conditions, under which people actually have a right to take up guns.
“nonviolent pressure” works on both sides.
I would prefer to see a breakthrough that will bring to negotiation.
Instead those acts, will only bring the same amount of pressure from the other side.
And who will gain….. the Palestinians, No , the Israelis No.
Only those who don’t want to see any progress or negotiation.
Those who push radical ideas, that have no connection to reality and will not bring any side anywhere, from Both sides.
Consider sending a message of support to the Boston Globe if you have a bit of time:
letter@globe.com
While this is a good thing,I fear they will retract their position on BDS. It’s quite frustrating to watch people and organizations attacked by pro Israel groups. They say the most vile things.
We never know which Arab or Muslim groups are really Arab or Muslim inspired and which ones are paid cut outs and set up fronts by Zionist.
But Max is on the job! Killer research he does.
http://www.councilforthenationalinterest.org/news/israellobby/item/2747-weddady’s-free-arabs-american-islamic-congress-and-the-pro-israel-funders-who-helped-them-rise
Monday, 13 May 2013 11:32
Weddady’s Free Arabs, American Islamic Congress and the pro-Israel funders who helped them rise
Written by Max Blumenthal
The New York Times Company, which owns the Boston Globe, announced on February 20, 2013, it is selling the paper and its related assets