By: Kasey Lynae
On January 15, 2024, a group of protesters gathered in New York City once again to demand a cease-fire in Gaza, a region in the Middle East. The protesters accused Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a hospital in New York City, of “complicity in genocide” and shouted “Shame!” at the hospital while patients received treatment. At times, the protest grew tense, and three people, including a 16-year-old boy, were arrested. The protesters also targeted a nearby Starbucks and a McDonald's restaurant.
These groups have roots in a movement called BDS, which calls for boycotting, divesting, and sanctioning Israel. But what in the world is BDS, and where did it come from?
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS) is a Palestinian-led campaign that calls for the boycott of Israeli and international companies. BDS promotes boycotts, divestments, and economic sanctions against Israel.
Although almost completely unheard of, BDS is not a new movement. Of course, it will pick up speed now, like BLM did back in 2020. Palestinian civil society groups, including trade unions, women's organizations, and refugee networks, started the BDS movement in 2005.
Israel is delegitimized by the movement, which is anti-Semitic. According to supporters, the movement is a nonviolent way for Israel to comply with international law and respect Palestinian human rights. You know, that’s why they hit up Cancer Centers and disturb peace everywhere they go.
Politicians who support the movement include Bernie Sanders, Rashida Talaib, and Ilhan Ohmar - BIG SHOCKER.
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