What is it?BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. In the Israel-Palestine context, BDS refers to a call issued by over 170 Palestinian organizations in 2005 asking that the international community implement boycott and divestment initiatives to bring change in Israel and Palestine. The initial Palestinian call was signed by a broad coalition that included unions, academics, political parties, cultural groups, and civil society organizations.
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BDS ExplainedBDS is a form of economic activism that is premised on the idea that violations of Palestinians’ rights result not only from Israeli government policies and actions, but also from corporate and institutional policies and actions that support and sustain Israel’s occupation and violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Boycott and divestment actions therefore target institutions and companies (Israeli and international) that profit from or are complicit in the violation of Palestinian rights with the goal of changing corporate/institutional and Israeli actions. In all cases, BDS actions target institutions—not individuals—for their complicity in Israel’s occupation and/or human rights abuses.
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BDS ArticlesThe goal of BDS is to end the occupation and secure peace and security for all; it is a non-violent tool. By affirming this tactic, we reject violence and revenge and suggest peaceful ways of ending the occupation. Our analysis shows this is an effective tool.
This page has a number of articles in support of BDS. |
UNJPPI BDS PolicyIn June, 2021, the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (UNJPPI) Coordinating Team unanimously affirmed Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) as an effective, non-violent means to end Israel’s military occupation of Palestine. UNJPPI affirms BDS is in alignment with its mission:
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UNJPPI BDS StrategyThis strategy aims to get more United Church of Canada (UCC) members excited and engaged in boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) on a local level as a peaceful means to achieve peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.
Follow this page for resources to help you engage with BDS. |
BDS ResourcesUNJPPI Actions |