OPINION: Standing Up to the Anti-Israel Movement

As a New Yorker, I have shuddered with concern as the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has attempted to influence our students on college campuses around New York.

In its refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and its denunciation of cooperative ventures between Israelis and Palestinians, the BDS movement undermines efforts to attain a negotiated two-state solution—the only chance for both peoples to achieve national self-determination.

At a time where so many regions around the world are ravaged by war, it seems both laughable and honestly baffling that this movement singles out Israel for condemnation—a country that has repeatedly demonstrated willingness for peace and an impressive commitment to human rights. As a proud supporter of Israel and a progressive myself, I felt compelled to do something to stand up to a movement that subverts and corrupts the “progressive” label to mask its shameful bigotry.

This is why I am so proud to have been the prime sponsor of last week’s New York state Assembly Resolution K705-2015 rejecting the BDS movement and reaffirming the enduring bond between New York and Israel. At a time of rampant partisanship, it was truly heartwarming to see Democrats and Republicans uniting in support of Israel and I would like to thank the bill’s 74 co-sponsors for their steadfast support for this cause and for the people of Israel. 

Resolution K705-2015 represents a necessary first step in opposition to a prejudicial movement that seeks to delegitimize the state of Israel. But it is naive to consider the BDS movement now defeated. In the coming months and years it is vital that all those who want to see peace in the Middle East and who want to see a secure state of Israel alongside a viable and responsible Palestinian state continue to stand strong against BDS and those who wish to back this so-called movement.

Walter Mosley is the assemblyman representing parts of Brooklyn including Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, North Crown Heights and portions of Bedford Stuyvesant.