[GVCP] Law to make support of BDS a criminal act in NY

January 5, 2016
Dear GVCP Member,

Hank Stone forwarded this message, and it was clear that everyone needed to see it, and decide whether or not to sign it.  (I signed it.)  

Just to clarify, BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions.  It’s a movement created by Palestinians to put pressure on the Israeli government to change its position about the rights of Palestinians.  Not everyone in GVCP will agree with BDS.  However, I think we can all agree that making support for BDS into a crime is outrageous.  That’s why Hank and I signed, as individuals.  My hope is that many GVCP members will sign on.

The next question is whether or not GVCP should sign on as an organization.  If you have any objections to GVCP signing on as an organization, please let me know ASAP.

Peace,

Arnie Matlin for GVCP  



—— Forwarded Message
From: Hank Stone <hstone@rochester.rr.com>
Reply-To: Hank Stone <hstone@rochester.rr.com>
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 2016 14:16:31 -0500
Subject: [peaceactiontaskforce] Fw: Law to make support of BDS a criminal act in NY

I signed.

From: Judith Bello <mailto:judith@papillonweb.net>  
Subject: Law to make support of BDS a criminal act in NY
 
There is a law under consideration in New York State to make support for BDS and, actually, any public dissent against Israel, a crime.  This is ridiculous, but it sets a terrible precedent and everyone should sign the petition against it and forward widely.  There is a link to the actual bills on the website

Say No to Anti BDS Legislation in NY <http://palestinesolidaritycollective.net/2015/12/13/anti-bds-legislation-in-new-york/>

The legislation would create “A LIST OF PERSONS IT DETERMINES BOYCOTTS ISRAEL,” and defines boycotting Israel  as


“ENGAGING IN ACTIONS THAT ARE POLITICALLY MOTIVATED AND ARE INTENDED TO  PENALIZE, INFLICT ECONOMIC HARM ON, OR OTHERWISE LIMIT COMMERCIAL   RELATIONS  WITH THE  STATE  OF  ISRAEL  OR   COMPANIES BASED IN THE STATE OF ISRAEL OR IN TERRITORIES CONTROLLED BY THE  STATE OF ISRAEL.”


Who will it affect?

  • Individuals or Community groups that support Palestinian human  rights by supporting a boycott of Israel.  
  • Contractors and other businesses seeking partnerships with New York  State.  
  • Non-profit organizations that receive New York State grants.

Say No to Anti BDS Legislation in NY
<http://palestinesolidaritycollective.net/2015/12/13/anti-bds-legislation-in-new-york/>


Judith Bello
The Deconstructed Globe <http://deconstructedglobe.com>  
The Upstate Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars <http://upstatedroneaction.org>

—— End of Forwarded Message

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