BDS’s aims clear: the destruction of Israel
Re: Rise Of The Anti- BDS Movement, Robert Fulford, April 16; Try Visiting Palestine, letter to the editor, April 21. In attacking Robert Fulford’s critique of the real motives behind the boycott, divest and sanction (BDS) movement, Steve Berube unwittingly proves Fulford correct.
Fulford had cited former Spanish prime minister Jose Maria Aznar’s claim that what BDS really aims for is the destruction of Israel as the state of the Jewish people.
Berube’s argument is one giant contradiction. While claiming that BDS supporters “believe Israel has the right to exist” (how generous), he himself leads an organization that strongly endorses the BDS movement’s call for the “implementation of the (Palestinian) right of return” to Israel. This “right of return” would turn Israel into another Arab- majority state — thereby fulfilling the ultimate goal of the BDS movement: the elimination of the Jewish nation.
We have Robert Fulford to thank for drawing attention to the truth. Janet Horowitz, Toronto.
On what grounds can Steve Berube claim that SodaStream had a bad “reputation as a fair employer of Palestinians”? Not only did SodaStream provide gainful employment and equal- paying jobs to close to a thousand Palestinians, both men and women, but the company also provided workers with competitive employment benefits and generous health insurance packages. This is the exact model that encourages peace building, advances mutual interests and shared values, and promotes co-existence.
Shamefully, thanks in part to BDS pressure tactics, these Palestinians lost their jobs. Can Berube name even one Palestinian company that employs and cares for hundreds of Israeli Jews?
Finally, contrary to his claims, BDS advocates do not affirm Israel’s right to exist as they support the Palestinian “right of return,” which is a demographic ticking bomb that would see millions of refugees and their descendants flood Israel, rendering it no longer a Jewish state. Mike Fegelman, executive director, HonestReporting Canada, Toronto.
I find it ironic that Steve Berube, co-chairman of the United Network for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel, who according to his published letter resides (safely I assume) in Riverview, N.B., courageously suggests that Robert Fulford spend time in Palestine.
It’s also quite interesting that our confused, hypocritical and self-righteous anti-Israel friend with his invented extensive knowledge of Israeli-Palestinian issues puts forward the impression that SodaStream, apparently the victim of the BDS movement operated in an illegal settlement and did not have a good reputation as a fair employer of Palestinians.
Says who? From the reports I’ve read, most of the 600 West Bank Palestinian employees who lost their well-paying jobs with SodaStream after the plant moved to Israel’s Negev desert sought work permits to remain with the company and have the ability to travel to and fro. David Honigsberg, Toronto.