Launch of Boycott Campaign against
Israel
LONDON, 5th July 2001
A boycott of Israeli products and leisure tourism was launched at the
House of Commons last night. A packed meeting heard Members of
Parliament Lynn Jones and George Galloway pledge their support for the
boycott called by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and 22 other
organizations.
Organisers say the boycott will send a message to the Israeli
Government that British people are no longer prepared to indirectly
fund Israel's war of aggression on the Palestinian people. They also
ask the British government to stop condoning Israel's failure to
implement United Nations resolutions on Palestine.
The first target will be agricultural produce sold in the main
supermarkets, such as tomatoes, Jaffa oranges, potatoes, avocados,
fresh herbs and organic fruit and vegetables. The boycott will be
lifted when Israel ends its illegal occupation, complies with UN
resolutions and ceases human rights violations.
"This is a non-violent way to raise public awareness...", said Dr Lynn
Jones MP.
George Galloway MP spoke out against the welcome to Downing Street
given to Ariel Sharon last week. "This war criminal is given the red
carpet treatment everywhere he goes instead of being locked up for
human rights abuses."
Prof. Moshe Machover said: "People ask whether the Palestinian economy
will be damaged by a boycott. Such worries do not apply in this case.
The Palestinian economy has been throttled by Israel." He accused
Israel of "smuggling contraband", evading customs and excise
regulations as they re-export goods produced on illegal settlements in
the West Bank and Gaza.
Michel Massih, the first Palestinian QC, told the meeting that every
Jaffa orange sold contributes towards destroying the city of Jaffa.
Poet and broadcaster Michael Rosen said he would have "no problem"
supporting a cultural and academic boycott of Israel. "Just say no",
he said.
Members of Parliament supporting the campaign include John Austin,
Bill Etherington and Neil Gerrard. The veteran parliamentarian, Tony
Benn, is also a signatory along with Harold Pinter, Caryl Churchill,
Emma Thompson, Tom Paulin, Benjamin Zephaniah, Leon Rosselson, and
Alexei Sayle. Among academics supporting the boycott are Professors
Steven and Hilary Rose. Lawyers are represented by Michael Mansfield
QC, Imran Khan and Gareth Peirce. Church leaders for the boycott
include the Rev. Garth Hewitt, Rev Steven Sizer and Rev. Dr. Michael
Prior.
End
