The UK Guardian published an article over the weekend that enthusiastically highlighted the achievements of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to target Jewish-owned businesses like one known as “Israel Neighbor.”
One striking example is Shouk, a well-known kosher restaurant in the Washington, D.C. area. Its owner stated that he had to shut down and lay off 300 staff members due to a boycott against Israeli-style eateries.
Instead of questioning these tactics, which are illegal in several states, the Guardian’s Dave Smith wrote a favorable piece on BDS, overlooking the anti-Semitic implications of focusing on kosher establishments.
I wrote:
Schork’s situation is not an isolated one. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza over the past two years has weakened the previous agreements that kept Israel largely shielded from intense global scrutiny. There are escalating demands to exclude Israeli and associated firms, to prohibit sporting and cultural events in Israel, and to cut ties with academic bodies. From stadiums to boulevards, concert halls to political forums, the boycott initiative is transitioning from the periphery to the center stage.
“There were boycotts, harassment, everything,” reflects Dennis Friedman, 46, a Jewish American and co-founder of Shuk alongside Israeli Ran Nussbacher. “Continuing operations became impossible. I feel awful because Shook wasn’t a political venue; it was a gathering space. It’s unfortunate to be unfairly targeted and mischaracterized.”
…
While criticism of Israeli policies isn’t new, the conflict in Gaza has acted as a catalyst, breaking down taboos and encouraging dissent in ways that push national sentiment into uncharted waters. Many observers feel we are approaching a pivotal moment similar to the global movement against apartheid in South Africa.
Smith referenced J Street president Jeremy Ben-Ami to argue that the tactics used by BDS against these companies aren’t anti-Semitic. However, Ben Ami and J Street often seem to stand against Israel. They support anti-Israel candidate Zoran Mamdani in the New York mayoral election while excluding pro-Israel progressives.
Additionally, the article mentioned failed boycott attempts at Eurovision and FIFA.
