The State of Israel faces attacks on many fronts. Its enemies are relentless in striving to hurt Israel in every possible way. One area of attack is in the area of economics. There are concerted efforts to boycott companies that do business with and in Israel, and to boycott Israeli products. The so-called BDS movement strives to hurt Israel economically and politically. Its actions do nothing to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians, but rather tend to harden antagonisms and make peace ever more unlikely.
Most recently, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream has decided to halt its ice cream distribution to Israel's West Bank/settlements. While this move will have very little real impact on Israel economically, it serves to fuel the BDS movement in their efforts to undermine the State of Israel.
Those of us who genuinely care for Israel and for the advancement of peace between Israel and the Palestinians should repudiate the misguided decision of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. We can register our displeasure by not buying their ice cream. We can email Ben and Jerry's directly and let them know our disappointment (https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/contact-us) We can let family and friends know that Ben and Jerry's has made a decision that maligns Israel and undermines peace.
When anti-Israel boycotts have been attempted in the past, they have generally backfired. They have not advanced the cause of Palestinians. They have not stopped the ongoing flourishing of Israel's economy. Those companies that have joined the BDS movement have tarnished their own reputations and have damaged their own businesses.
This lesson should be learned by all friends of Israel. Let's avoid buying products of the boycotters. Let's buy Israeli products as often as we can. Let's give Israeli-made gifts to our friends and neighbors. When we hear that a particular Israeli product or company is being boycotted, let's buy as much of these products as we can, and let's encourage everyone we know to do the same. If millions of friends of Israel will resist the boycotters, we can deflect the negative campaigns of anti-Israel propagandists.
The enemies of Israel never seem to tire from their barrage of attacks and vilifications. The friends of Israel must be strong, active and effective in defeating their nefarious designs. We can play a role on behalf of Israel by defending the good name of the Jewish State. We can and will succeed--one customer at a time.