Resource Center for Nonviolence supports BDS- the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement
The Steering Committee of the Resource Center for Nonviolence approved this statement by consensus at its meeting January 12, 2016.
The Resource Center for Nonviolence advocates free speech, public education, community organizing, and nonviolent action seeking freedom, human rights, and self-determination for all people. The staff and steering committee of the Resource Center for Nonviolence support the following Mission and Position Statements of the Palestine Israel Action Committee:
Palestine Israel Action Committee (PIAC) Mission Statement: The Palestine Israel Action Committee (PIAC) works through education, advocacy and action for justice, equality and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis based on human rights, international law, and relevant UN resolutions.
PIAC Position Statement:
In support of Palestinian self-determination, we oppose US military, diplomatic, financial, corporate, and all other contributions to Israel’s occupation and apartheid policies. We support Palestinian civil society’s call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.
We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle to end all forms of Israeli occupation, including military, legal, economic, cultural, and political oppression. We respect and promote the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes as stipulated in UN Resolution 194. We insist that Israel recognize and implement the full equality of Palestinian citizens of Israel.
We oppose Islamophobia, all forms of racism, and any expressions of bigotry directed at any person or group. We stand opposed to anti-Semitism in all its forms. We reject the charge of anti-Semitism when used spuriously to silence legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and practices.”
The staff and steering committee of the Resource Center for Nonviolence believe the practice of nonviolence begins with personal and cooperative action to stop cooperating with violence that we are part of.
Boycott and Divestment are nonviolent actions to withdraw support from United States and multinational corporations that implement the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Golan Heights, that wage military siege and attacks on Gaza, and suppress human rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel. Organizing for Sanctions is political action that expects the United States government to cease supporting the Illegal and oppressive occupation of Palestinian people and land.
This statement is addressed to the American people as a call to action, and to the Israeli government and all corporations and institutions that carry out the occupation and apartheid policies and practices of the Israeli government, until they cease these policies and practices.
We join with religious and civil society groups in the United States, and with the European Union, in responding to this call from Palestinian religious and civil society groups. Governments have failed to resolve the issues. People will play this constructive role to build human rights and equality for all Israelis and Palestinians.