Rotten Fruit of Israeli Apartheid Delivered to Agrexco Headquarters in Milan, Italy

On June 17, activists from the Stop Agrexco campaign, calling for the boycott of Israel?s leading produce exporter, took part in an action at the Italian headquarters in Milan.

Entering the Italian offices of the company, the activists delivered gift baskets of rotten fruit and vegetables to symbolize the Palestinian agricultural products rotting at Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank. While produce from the plantations of Israeli settlements built illegally in the Occupied Palestinian Territories makes its way to European markets via Agrexco - the company, 50% owned by the State of Israel, exports 70% of all agricultural products grown on confiscated land - the Palestinians find the road blocked by Israeli checkpoints.

Also in the baskets were bottles labeled “Jordan Valley Water”, which were practically empty to represent the water stolen from Palestinians in this northern West Bank area rich in water resources. Palestinians are forbidden to dig wells and collect rainwater, and since 1967 Israel has blocked their access to 162 water wells. Israelis living in illegal settlements instead enjoy discounts of up to 75% on water rates: the approximately 9000 settlers in the Jordan Valley consume one quarter of the resources used annually by all 2.5 million Palestinians in the West Bank.

The action at Agrexco headquarters in Milan is part of the protests against the propaganda event, “Unexpected Israel “, highlighting Israeli technology and innovation. While Israel attempts to change its image on the squares and streets of Milan, and the Israeli and Italian governments sign bilateral agreements on agriculture and water management, activists denounced Agrexco, a company that not only profits from Israeli policies of colonization and apartheid aimed at driving the Palestinians off their land, but creates a direct economic incentive to continue the status quo.

The campaign against Agrexco is part of the 2005 Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel, inspired by the international boycotts that helped end the apartheid regime in South Africa. The campaign calls on consumers to boycott Agrexco products and on retailers to cut commercial ties with Israel?s economy of occupation.

(Source: warisacrime.org)

Top ten myths about Israeli policy

by Roi Maor

In the next few weeks, I will write a separate post about each of the top ten myths about Israeli policy, tackling the obfuscation and confusion that often characterize discussions of official Israeli positions and actions, at home and abroad. My top ten list appears below

Inspired by the fascinating series on constitutional myths in the United States (well, fascinating for American politics junkies like myself), by Garret Epps in the Atlantic, I have decided to create my own list of myths. This list refers to myths about current government policy in Israel. It therefore excludes the variety of cultural, social and historical myths surrounding Israel, in order to focus on the obfuscation and confusion that often characterize discussions of official Israeli positions and actions, at home and abroad.

The list is not ranked in any particular order. The various myths have been selected in order to highlight different policy issues, although relations between Jews and Palestinians get a very prominent representation, with half the items in the list. I tried to include myths that are both relatively widespread, and significant in shaping discussions of policy.

In the next few weeks, I will write a separate post about each myth, explaining its origins, significance and the reality it conceals. Here is the list (if you have suggestions for more items, feel free to add them in the comments, adhering to 972’s policy on commenting, of course):

Myth #1: Policy towards Palestinians and Arab states is governed by security concerns.

Myth #2: Separation between Jews and Palestinians is not based on a racist ideology.

Myth #3: In response to a flood of illegal immigrants, the government is working to reduce the number of work migrants.

Myth #4: Israel’s social safety net is better than that in the US.

Myth #5: Israeli Arabs receive fewer benefits because they do not have to serve in the military.

Myth #6: The government is afraid of the settlers and incapable of standing up to them.

Myth #7: The ultra-orthodox reap benefits from disproportionate political influence.

Myth #8: Women’s rights in Israel are largely the same as in other Western countries.

Myth #9: The High Court of Justice defends civil liberties and human rights.

Myth #10: All Jews are encouraged to immigrate to Israel

One million signatures for an independent Palestinian State

The EU citizens have the right to participate in the making of policy decisions aiming at strengthening democracy and human rights around the world, and to help the oppressed peoples of the world to have a better life.

The injustices suffered by the Palestinians under the Israeli occupation, including the settlement policy, demolition of homes, land confiscation, displacement and denial of right of return, oppression, racism and human rights violations, are totally unacceptable. 

As citizen of the European Union, who respects democracy and human rights, I request from the political leadership of my country and from the EU Parliament , the immediate recognition of the Palestinian State within the1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its Capital.

SIGN