ISRAELI SETTLERS ARE SELLING US STOLEN GOODS.

Some people would have us believe that boycotting Israel in a similar way to the legendary Anti Apartheid Boycotts and demonstrations which helped to bring down the White Supremacist State of South Africa would not work. On its own they are possibly right but I believe that it would be an invaluable way of keeping the focus on the Apartheid State of Israel as well as hurting their economy and what’s more vital it would serve to remind them of their pariah status in the rest of the civilized world. It would also help boost the morale of those who are opposed to Israel and its crimes; the feeling that involvement in a good cause brings; however small cannot be easily dismissed and I’m sure that many respectable anti racist anti apartheid people would benefit from such action. People who are horrified at the deeds of Israel would be able to do something to help and believe me that is a great feeling; as the great poet Shelley memorably said “remember ye are many they are few” the South African Boycott spread to reach every corner of the world and so can this; read those labels and go for it!

One of the places where a boycott would undeniably have an effect is the unlawful Israel settlements of the occupied territories in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) recently launched a leaflet calling on people to boycott goods from these settlements; the leaflet was called appropriately enough; “Would You Buy Stolen Goods?” the Israeli settlers have in a totally devious and corrupt scam been labelling their goods “Product of the West Bank” in the hope that people would think they were Palestinian produce. For those of you who might still be a bit unconvinced about the power of a boycott of this kind I would recommend that you surf the internet and see how it is gathering momentum and if you want to see proof of its potential seek out Israeli supporter’s blogs and articles. Their wrath and discomfort at these developments is growing rapidly, they are raving and ranting their defiance and spitting feathers about this because they know no matter how they try to conceal it that this has the potential to damage Israel badly and it is a great cause. Read every label and don’t touch anything that has been tainted by the State of Israel; help the Palestinians in your own small way; I guarantee it will make you feel good.

- Would You Buy Stolen Goods? is available at www.tuc.org.uk/extras/settlementgoodsleaflet.pdf and the briefing for trade union officers is available at www.tuc.org.uk/extras/settlementsbriefing.pdf
- For more information on the TUC policy on the Middle East go to www.tuc.org.uk/congress/tuc-16991-f0.cfm