Editor’s Note: Several pieces of legislation are currently being weighed by the California Legislature to counter the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. Two companion measures by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) were introduced in January and another measure by Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) was introduced earlier this month. In the Op-Ed below, Rabbi Michael Barclay of Temple Nir Simcha in Westlake Village tells why anti-BDS legislation is necessary.
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By Rabbi Michael Barclay
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, California — In 1941, the Nazi regime ordered all Jews over the age of 6 to wear a badge of a yellow star; to mark them as different and as enemies of the state; which was carried into the rest of occupied Europe within the year. It was a special label…a mark designed to hurt, humiliate, and attempt to control the lives of the Jews; and it quickly became an easy way for anti-Semites to act out on their hatred. It was the moment when the racist anti-Semitism of Europe became institutionalized and fully legitimized, and was the beginning of the end for freedom in Europe. It was the pinnacle of a societal hatred that had been building over the previous years and had already included boycotting Jewish businesses; forcing non-Jews to divest any interests they may have in Jewish owned businesses, and placing extra sanctions and tariffs specifically against Jewish businesses.
If you look, it is easy to see that this process is happening again, and we must stop it before it is too late.
For those who believe that this comparison is extreme, I invite you to review not only the history of Nazi Germany; but the recent history of the past year. The BDS movement, which at first was considered ludicrous by many people when it started, has gained such momentum that on Nov. 11, the European Union voted to put a “special label” on all products being imported from Israel made in the West Bank. Once again, a visible mark is being created to let the world know that something Jewish should be rejected.
There are those who might say that economic pressure on another nation is appropriate; but this is much more than economic pressure, and it is insidious. Economic pressure is brought about through tariffs and taxes; but instead we are seeing anti-Semitism being veiled as anti-Israel actions.
Since its creation, Israel is the first safeguard against anti-Semitism and all forms of racism in the world. If you believe that the hatred of anti-Semitism found during the Holocaust could never happen here, then simply look at the global statistics. According to the Anti-Defamation League, over 1.09 billion people harbor anti-Semitic attitudes; less than 50% under 35 have heard of the Holocaust; and over half of Jewish students in colleges in the United States have personally experienced or witnessed physical examples of anti-Semitism in the 2013-2014 school year.
This is not a call to action only for Jews, but for all people of conscience…and especially for our legislators and leaders. Led by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R- Huntington Beach), a bi-partisan coalition has presented AB 1552. This bill before the California Legislature will prohibit California from contracting with businesses that engage in boycotts against Israel. AB 1552 seeks to reinforce California’s economic interests and ensures that relationships with trading partners and allies are not undermined by companies here and abroad.
Assemblyman Allen has repeatedly pointed out accurately that “California and Israel have historically stood together as allies due to our unique bond founded on shared values,” and that “it is unconscionable for our state to do business with companies that play politics and boycott our critical allies”
Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D- Encino), from the opposite side of the aisle as Assemblyman Allen, supports it in order “to make sure California sends a clear message that taxpayer funded state contracts will not go to organizations or companies that engage in discrimination against U.S. democratic allies, especially Israel.” Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), also from the opposite side of the aisle, supports it because it creates “consequences for bigots who currently prosper from doing business with the most economically powerful state in the country”.
These leaders recognize the power of even a tacit support of BDS, and the need as political leaders in our nation to consciously fight against the insidiousness of this “movement.” When we accept, even tacitly, the behavior of companies that harm Israel, our allies around the world get concerned about how we will ultimately treat them, and question their own alliances with the United States. These bi-partisan California legislators are not only fighting for what is ethical and righteous; but in presenting this bill, they are fighting to strengthen all U.S. alliances around the world.
We cannot let California, or our nation, legitimize racism and hatred as the EU recently did with their yellow star labeling; or as was done in Germany decades ago. We cannot allow the BDS movement to continue to its obvious conclusion: a conclusion of hatred, discrimination, and darkness. By supporting AB1552 we have the opportunity to stop this darkness and create a world of light that is better for our children.
We must strengthen our representatives in their getting AB 1552 passed in a bi-partisan way; and we must reach out to our legislators and politicians to make it clear that we not only request, but demand that they act righteously as human beings and seek to end this BDS movement.
May our leaders have the courage and strength to come together across party lines and support this important bill; eliminating the racism and hatred of BDS, and bringing light into darkness.
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Rabbi Michael Barclay is the spiritual leader of Temple Ner Simcha in Westlake Village (www.NerSimcha.org) and the author of Sacred Relationships: Biblical Wisdom for Deepening Our Lives Together” (Lit Press, 2013). He can be contacted via RabbiBarclay@aol.com.