Jewish Voice for Peace, 19 organizations banned in Israel

CAIRO – 7 January 2017: Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) organization has been placed on the BDS blacklist in Israel by the Strategic Affairs Ministry, Haaretz reported on Saturday. The members of JVP as well as the members of 19 other rights organizations will not be allowed to enter Israel.

The boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement "works to end international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians and pressures Israel to comply with international law," as stated on the movement's website.

The list is expected to be finalized and submitted to the Interior Ministry in March. A joint team of both ministries had set parameters to bar delegations, key members and leaders of such organizations including officials and establishment representatives from entering Israel.

The Executive Director of California-based JVP Rebecca Wilkomerson commented that the measure was not surprising, according to Haaretz. She added that "as someone with considerable family in Israel, this policy will be a personal hardship. But I also believe it is an indicator of the BDS movement's growing strength and hope that will bring us closer to the day when all people in Israel/Palestine will live together in equality and freedom."

JVP was formed in September 1996. According to its current mission adopted in 2009, the organization "opposes anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab bigotry and oppression. JVP seeks an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians; a just solution for Palestinian refugees based on principles established in international law; an end to violence against civilians; and peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East."

"JVP has a tense relationship with liberal Zionist groups that consider themselves “pro-Israel” and “pro-peace” but take strong positions against the BDS movement," according to Haaretz.

The BDS movement against Israel was formed in July 2005 by over 170 Palestinian non-governmental organizations in support of the Palestinian cause.

Blacklisting BDS movement members had started before U.S. President Donald Trump announced on December 6 that the American Embassy would move to Jerusalem, recognizing the city as the Israeli capital. The decision caused the eruption of international objection and protests in the Palestinian territories. Clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces resulted in 10 deaths and over 2,000 injuries.