London, 5 July 2001: A boycott of Israeli products and leisure
tourism was launched at the House of Commons last night. A packed
meeting heard Members of Parliament Lynn Jones and George Galloway
pledge their support for the boycott called by the Palestine Solidarity
Campaign and 22 other organizations.
Organizers say the boycott will send a message to the Israeli
government that the British people are no longer prepared to indirectly
fund Israel's war of aggression on the Palestinian people. They
also ask the British government to stop condoning Israel's failure
to implement United Nations resolutions on Palestine.
The first target will be agricultural produce sold in the main
supermarkets, such as tomatoes, Jaffa oranges, potatoes, avocados,
fresh herbs and organic fruit and vegetables. The boycott will
be lifted when Israel ends its illegal occupation, complies with
UN resolutions and ceases human rights violations.
"This is a non-violent way to raise public awareness...",
Dr Lynn Jones MP said.
George Galloway MP spoke out against the welcome to Downing Street
given to Ariel Sharon last week. "This war criminal is given
the red carpet treatment everywhere he goes instead of being locked
up for human rights abuses."
Professor Moshe Machover said: "People ask whether the Palestinian
economy will be damaged by a boycott. Such worries do not apply
in this case. The Palestinian economy has been throttled by Israel."
He accused Israel of "smuggling contraband", evading
customs and excise regulations as they re-export goods produced
on illegal settlements in the West Bank and Gaza.
Michel Massih, the first Palestinian QC, told the meeting that
every Jaffa orange sold contributes towards destroying the city
of Jaffa.
Poet and broadcaster Michael Rosen said he would have "no
problem" supporting a cultural and academic boycott of Israel.
"Just say no," he said.
Members of Parliament supporting the campaign include John Austin,
Bill Etherington and Neil Gerrard. The veteran parliamentarian,
Tony Benn, is also a signatory along with Harold Pinter, Caryl
Churchill, Emma Thompson, Tom Paulin, Benjamin Zephaniah, Leon
Rosselson, and Alexei Sayle. Among academics supporting the boycott
are Professors Steven and Hilary Rose. Lawyers are represented
by Michael Mansfield QC, Imran Khan and Gareth Peirce. Church
leaders for the boycott include the Reverend Garth Hewitt, Reverend
Steven Sizer and Reverend Dr Michael Prior.