Nationwide Pushback Against BDS Movement Translates Into Attack on Free Speech

FEATURING MARCY WINOGRAD – A bill passing through California state legislature would single out groups that promote the boycotting or sanctioning of goods to punish a country for it policies. Aimed at the Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions movement against Israeli brutality toward Palestinians, the bill has now been made more general with no specific mention of Israel. Still, it is clear to both supporters and opponents that the increasingly successful BDS movement is the target.

The California effort parallels similar efforts in states around the country where pro-Israel organizations have successfully lobbied representatives to protect Israeli businesses. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, refusing to wait out a legislative process, simply signed an executive order in early June blacklisting groups that support BDS and banning them from receiving state funds.

Marcy Winograd, former congressional candidate, blogger on Huffington Post and LA Progressive, and member of Jewish Voice for Peace and is one of the leaders of a statewide coalition to stop anti-BDS legislation in California.