The calendar year 2016 was a bad one for BDS, with setbacks at universities and the state level. But the Obama Administration’s unexpected decision to abstain from a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Israeli ‘settlements’ has the potential to…
read moreIn the wake of the US presidential election BDS supporters joined far left anti-Trump protestors, while a BDS supporter became the leading candidate to head the Democratic National Committee. In academia the Middle East Studies Association proposed redefining itself as…
read moreThe first violent BDS protest of the fall semester has now occurred, as Midwestern colleges and universities begin offering direct support to campus activists, including the BLM and BDS movements, through training programs. The growing trend to regard Palestinians as…
read moreThe 2016 academic year began with BDS activities moving into new areas on campus, Capitol Hill, and the progressive movement, spreading rejection of Israel in both intellectual and academic terms. The conclusion that BDS itself is a ‘settler colonial’ movement…
read moreAugust saw dramatic BDS developments as Movement for Black Lives accusations that Israel has committed “genocide” alienated Jewish supporters. Hacked files showing the Open Society Foundation supports BDS, and that World Vision employees in Gaza had diverted millions of dollars…
read moreIn July BDS took center stage at US Presidential conventions. But important differences between the Republican and Democratic platforms regarding Israel reflect changes in the parties and US politics. BDS in British politics also suffered a blow with Brexit and…
read moreThe BDS movement suffered important setbacks in June. The membership of the American Anthropological Association voted down sweeping BDS resolutions but by a tiny margin. More US states also joined in opposition to BDS, through legislative and executive action. In…
read moreThe academic year closed with dramatic protests to shut down pro-Israel and free speech events. But other developments, the rejection of a BDS resolution and further association with the movement by the United Methodist Church, and the appointment of BDS…
read moreIntroduction April saw confrontations emerge between faculty opposed to BDS and academic organizations that have adopted BDS resolutions, including legal action, between graduate students and university administrations, and within political parties. At the same time, university administrations continue to express…
read moreThe BDS movement suffered major losses in March as politicians and legislators condemned the movement. Particularly important were condemnations from all remaining US presidential candidates, representatives of European governments and Christian leaders. University trustees in the US also condemned BDS…
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