Changes in DHS Policy on Disaster Relief

The Department of Homeland Security seems to have modified its stance on disaster relief funds concerning cities that boycott Israel.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency had earlier indicated that it would deny funding to cities or states that limited or cut “commercial ties” with Israel. However, following some online backlash, DHS made it clear that there were no FEMA requirements that were tied to Israel. The updated policy has now removed the references to Israeli boycotts.

“People who engage in racism should not receive a dollar of federal funding.”

The statement from DHS said, “Currently, there are no FEMA requirements related to Israel.” It also emphasized that no states have lost funding due to this issue, nor are there new conditions imposed.

Even though the policy has been revised, DHS insists it will continue to uphold all anti-discrimination laws and regulations.

The statement also added, “FEMA grants are subject to existing laws and policies, rather than political tests. DHS enforces all anti-discrimination laws and policies related to the BDS movement, which is explicitly based on anti-Semitism. Those who are involved in racism should not receive federal funding.”

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement is described as a pro-Palestinian campaign focused on opposing Israeli actions towards Palestinian citizens and the ongoing occupation of territories.

Furthermore, DHS maintains that the BDS movement is “explicitly based on anti-Semitism,” according to a report from the University of Pennsylvania Journal of Law and Social Change.