A solemn call to boycott Israeli oppression

By Muhammad Akmal Abdul Ghani

The call to boycott certain countries or companies over political differences is not new.

The Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM), a British organisation, became the centre of an international movement that opposed South Africa’s system of apartheid.

In 1961 the AAM recorded their biggest win when South Africa was forced to leave the Commonwealth. The following year, Resolution 1761 was passed, calling all member states to impose a trade boycott against South Africa.

Imagine what we can achieve today if we put our hearts and minds together to boycott Israel.

The Impact

Earlier this year, Israel’s Finance Minister, Yair Lapid told the local Army Radio that the impending economic consequences of boycotts will be felt by all Israelis to the point that every “Israel citizen will feel (the consequences) straight in the pocket”.

Lapid also said the annual cost of  boycotts to the economy was close to $20 billion and the loss of nearly 10,000 jobs.

Weeks later, Netanyahu convened a high-level ministerial meeting to discuss the losses Israel was already suffering due to several boycotts.

Last year’s boycott on dates and grapes grown in the occupied Jordan Valley resulted in a $29 million loss. Jordan Valley’s agricultural committee head, Zvi Avner reported that sales of peppers and grapes to Western Europe decreased by about 50% and fresh herbs by 40%.

Early last month, the US Federal Aviation Administration halted the flight of three US carriers to Israel for safety reasons. Europe’s aviation regulator also followed this ban by urging airlines not to fly into Tel Aviv. This move had a negative economical impact on Israel’s economy and image as a country.

Denska, Denmark’s largest bank recently announced its boycott of Israel’s Bank Hapoalim due to Israel’s activities in Palestinian territories.

Even G4S, the largest security company in the world, announced the termination of contracts with Israel for protection and security of the settlements.

If so many are calling it quits, what are we still waiting for?

A Call For Humanity

On July 9 2005, 171 Palestinian non-governmental organisations (NGOs)  started a global campaign called the BDS Movement.

The Boycott, Divestments, and Sanctions Movement applies economical and political pressure on Israel so that they will comply with the end-goals of the movement, which is the end of the Palestinian siege and occupation by Israel; the equality of Arab-Palestinian citizens living within Israel; and the right of return for Palestinians currently seeking refuge in other countries.

Many well-known celebrities like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Zayn Malik of One Direction, Madonna and Rihanna have pledged their support for Palestinians under siege by Israel. Others like Roger Waters, Elvis Costello and Santana have refused to hold concerts in Israel.

Humanity is what drives them to boycott Israel and bring awareness to their fans around the world of what is happening in Palestine.

I implore you to seek inside your heart and join the call to boycott Israel and its cause.

Is it Black & White, or Grey?

I admit the decision to boycott is not an easy one especially when a country’s economy depends on big multinational corporations (MNC) for its growth and survival.

However, it must be noted that we do not want to boycott these companies per se, rather Israel itself. With a boycott, we hope these companies will finally withdraw their support for Israel.

I have yet to see any proper reasoning that our economy will suffer great setbacks due to boycotting pro-Israel MNCs.

If it does hurt our economy, well maybe that is the price we have to pay in order to teach these MNCs a lesson they will never forget.

What’s next?

Some of my friends wonder about the real effects a boycott campaign would have on Israel. Unfortunately, all they ever do is wonder.

It is disheartening to see how they continue to consume products produced by pro-Israeli corporations while their fellow Muslim brothers and sisters under siege are suffering. I suppose refusing to think about it helps in keeping one free of guilt.

Yet I am happy that there are others taking matters into their own hands by refusing to buy products from corporations that “gallantly and valiantly” contribute to the Israeli cause.

Some even contribute half their allowance to support Palestinians and their cause. To these unsung heroes, I salute you.

No matter how small the effort, we Muslims must do what we can to help alleviate the ongoing oppression and aggression by Israel against Palestine despite the countless calls for a ceasefire.

Instead of questioning, arguing and wondering, why don’t you start today by checking what you can boycott and learning what you can replace it with.

Muhammad Akmal Abdul Ghani is the Media Head of PEMBINA Alor Setar.