Central Idea

• An article in a German newspaper accused Indian poet Ranjit Hoskote of “anti-Semitism” and supporting the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement.

What is BDS Movement?

• BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement was launched in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian groups.
• It aims to garner international support for Palestinian people’s rights.
• BDS describes itself as an “inclusive, anti-racist human rights movement” opposing all forms of discrimination, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
• It draws inspiration from the South African anti-apartheid movement.

BDS Goals

• BDS calls for nonviolent pressure on Israel until it complies with international law, with three key demands:
  1. Ending Israel’s occupation and colonization of Arab lands and dismantling the Wall.
  2. Recognizing the rights of Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality.
  3. Respecting, protecting, and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, as per UN Resolution 194.

Strategies of BDS

• BDS involves boycotts of Israeli government, associated institutions, and companies involved in human rights violations.
• Divestment campaigns urge institutions to withdraw investments from Israel.
• Sanctions campaigns seek to pressure governments to fulfill legal obligations to end Israeli apartheid.
• BDS focuses on a smaller number of carefully selected companies and products for maximum impact.

Israeli Government’s Response

• Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has linked BDS to anti-Semitism.
• BDS argues that criticism of Israel’s violations of international law should not be equated with anti-Semitism.
• Israeli Minister Gilad Erdan led efforts against the economic boycott of Israel but downplayed the threat.

Economic Impact of BDS

• BDS has led to some brands and celebrities refusing to work in Israel.
• Impact on an entire state’s economy is challenging to measure due to various factors.
• BDS aims to become a powerful tool in ending western support for Israeli apartheid and settler colonialism.

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