Thank Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer for Standing Against BDS

Last week, Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced a bill to end US participation in unjust boycotts against Israel orchestrated by International Governmental Organizations (IGOs). Since 1979, it has been illegal for companies or individuals in the US to boycott US allies. That law has largely gone unenforced when it comes to the antisemitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to demonize and delegitimize Israel, America’s closest ally.

New bipartisan legislation, called the IGO Anti-Boycott Act, from Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer seeks to expand existing anti-boycott laws to block US companies and individuals from participating in boycotts of US allies orchestrated by IGOs. A report from the Israeli Strategic Affairs Ministry found that many of these IGOs that promote the BDS movement have ties to Hamas and the PFLP, which are US-designated terrorist organizations. And like these terrorist organizations, the BDS movement seeks one thing: the destruction of the world’s only Jewish state. In the process of delegitimizing Israel, which is in itself antisemitic, BDS supporters often engage in anti-Jewish rhetoric and research shows that BDS is often linked to an increase in attacks on Jews around the world.

This new bill would reveal the BDS movement for what it is: a blatant and illegal attempt to delegitimize and embargo America’s closest international ally, Israel. It will undoubtedly face intense opposition from anti-Israel members of Congress.

Let Representatives Lawler and Gottheimer know that you appreciate their efforts to take a stand against the antisemitic BDS movement and that they have your support as they bring this legislation through Congress.

Add your name to say thanks for standing against bigotry and hate.