October 27, 2015
Media Coverage:
Pro BDS move condemned by the ADC, J-Wire
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has condemned the vote by the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) to formally back the Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. During its Annual General meeting, held on October 25, the APAN unanimously passed a motion which “endorses and advocates a policy of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) of Israeli and international institutions complicit in violations of human rights and international law in Israel and Palestine.” According to media reports, Dr Peter Slezak, an APAN executive member, said that “the motion would result in action, and that APAN would be working on campaigns targeting specific organisations. That’s the next step and we’re sort of on the verge of that.”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“I am dismayed and troubled by the shameful vote adopted by the APAN, endorsed as Israel is engulfed by a wave of murderous terrorist attacks. I am also concerned about the real possibility that as a result of this motion, businesses and organisations in Australia that have some association or dealings with Israel may be targeted for boycott, intimidation and pressure as we saw in the case of Max Brenner. Such discriminatory and divisive conduct has no place in Australia. It is outrageous that the APAN has chosen to promote this biased, thinly veined anti-Semitic campaign which unfairly aims to delegitimize, defame and isolate the Jewish state. While attacking Israel, The APAN, in the press release announcing its advocacy of the BDS, conveniently overlooks the horrific violence Israeli citizens have been subjected to over the last few weeks. Though it claims to oppose anti-Semitism, instead of building bridges and cultivating interfaith dialogue in Australia, the APAN has opted for the path of demonisation and vilification, stoking the embers of division and discord. At a time when young people are being radicalised and urged to commit violence, Australian organisations should champion the cause of reconciliation, not foment an atmosphere of hostility against the Jewish community. We call on political, communal and religious leaders to condemn this counterproductive and offensive vote and to demand that the APAN renounce its support for this appalling campaign.”
For more information, please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 03 9272-5677