Palestine Solidarity Campaign groups call on people to take action

THE Palestine Solidarity Campaign groups in Wales have issued the following call for the people of Wales to take action as the groups aim to intensify their actions:

As the world watches the genocide of the Palestinian people with world leaders doing so little, it is time for people of conscience across the world to act. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign groups in Wales have taken up the call from Palestine and we are asking the people of Wales to join us as we intensify our actions for justice with a Wales Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign (BDS).

Throughout Wales, we urge:

a boycott of Israel, including goods, services, academic, cultural and sporting links

local authorities, universities and other investors to end investments in, and purchases from, any company or body complicit in the oppression of Palestinians

consumer action against companies participating in Israel’s oppression of Palestinians.

The BDS campaign

It’s action in support of the long-standing BDS campaign (https://bdsmovement.net/economic-boycott). Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the Palestinian BDS campaign urges non-violent pressure on Israel. This includes putting pressure on companies and institutions to cut their ties with Israel until it complies with international law. A campaign in Gwent is calling on the Greater Gwent Council Pension Fund to divest from companies supplying weapons and military technology to Israel.

Its three demands

1. end the colonisation and occupation of all Palestinian land, and dismantle the apartheid wall
2. recognise the fundamental rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality
3. respect, protect and promote the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties.

Our call

check the label. Don’t buy Israeli consumer produce

don’t bank with Barclays

don’t buy HP electronics

there is a full list of targeted companies at https://bdsmovement.net/Act-Now-Against-These-Companies-Profiting-From-Genocide#-

PSC has uncovered that Barclays holds over £1 billion in shares in, and provides over £3 billion in loans and underwriting to, nine companies whose weapons, components and military technology are used by the Israeli military in armed violence against Palestinians.

Honorary President of PSC, Betty Hunter of Abergavenny PSC, says: “Israel’s impunity must end. If not, the genocide will continue. We must stop arming Israel. We must support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. It is by this non-violent direct action that we can support the Palestinian people in their just cause. We of course continue to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to the genocide.”

We’re inviting people across Wales to join a BDS day of action on Saturday March 9th. Take part by organising or supporting a BDS action near you. Individuals could also write to their local supermarket and ask them to stop stocking Israeli products until Israel complies with International law. To find an action near you, join the Facebook group Palestine Events in Wales.