The BDS movement is working to break down Israeli society and prevent Israeli individuals from developing the only democracy in the Middle East—a country where Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, or any other people for that matter, can practice their religion freely.
CAMERA on Campus was thrilled to sponsor and participate in the Building Bridges, Not Boycotts Anti-BDS Conference held at the United Nations, where Pro-Israel organizations came together to stand strong together against the discriminatory movement.
Interviewed by the Associated Press, Gilad Skolnick, director of campus programming for CAMERA, said that of the 26 U.S. college campuses that voted on BDS resolutions last year, 12 were approved and 14 were rejected.
“So while it is a problem, BDS is often times a symptom of hatreds and anti-Semitism that starts on campus so CAMERA’s strategy is to set up before that happens so that it doesn’t become an issue,” Skolnick said.
MC Noa Tishby, Israeli actress and producer, introduced the first ever international anti-BDS movement in the United Nations. Tishby made clear that the Ambassadors against BDS will not accept the BDS movement, which is based on lies. The focus of the summit was to present the truth to the world.
Amongst a variety of speakers, Matisyahu brought his pro-Israel voice to the United Nations. In an invigorating moment, Matisyahu sang Jerusalem and could not have been more powerful:
“Jerusalem, if I forget you
Fire not gonna come from me tongue
Jerusalem, if I forget you
Let my right hand forget what its supposed to do”
We will not forget our Jerusalem. The BDS movement will not stop the Jewish people from living in our land of milk and honey after three thousand years with no place to be.
Danny Danon, Israel’s envoy to the UN, spoke as well. “It is up to us to stop this campaign of hate,” Danon explained, this conference serving as a metaphorical “Iron Dome” against the constant attacks from the BDS movement. Addressing the “leaders of BDS which call for the elimination of Israel,” Danon exposed them as the “true face of modern anti-Semitism.” They have no true interest in peace and are only devoted to attacking Israel.
He also reminded students, when bombarded by the BDS movement and anti-Israel messages on campus, to “remember this picture,” the picture of over 1,500 pro-Israel advocates convening at the United Nations. This summit does not just serve as a statement to the BDS movement that “you will never win,” he said, but as an inspiration for Jews and Zionists as well—stand for truth and know you never stand alone.
“This is not just a one-time conference,” Danon continued, this is only part of our fight to not let “the BDS demonize Israel…this is the time to take action.”
Danny Danon does not just talk the talk. Shortly after this conference, Danon showed us a great example of how to walk the walk.
While the BDS movement is trying to prevent Israeli advancements and stop Israeli individuals from taking part in the international world, Danny Danon made history at the United Nations. He became the first Israeli to head a committee at the United Nations since it was established in 1945.
Palestinians and other nations tried to stop the appointment, but Danon succeeded to fill this position after months of diplomatic wrangling. Israel is a world leader in international law and in fighting terrorism and Danon says he is “pleased to have the opportunity to share [Israel’s] knowledge with the countries of the world.”
As Israel’s Ambassador, Danon confronts opposition from groups like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the UN, just as students face harassment from the BDS movement on their campuses.
Discussing how he will run the UN committee, Danon makes his intention to not back down absolutely clear and sets a great example for anyone combating anti-Israel obstacles:
“We will not allow dictatorships and anti-Israel countries to harm our standing in the international community. Those who tried to block our appointment would be well advised to take note of the jurisdiction of this committee, as they have much to learn about international law. We are a full member of the UN and any attempt to deny us of our legal rights in this organization will be met with uncompromising rejection.”
As Noa Tishby stated at the beginning of the anti-BDS conference, we stand for a “devotion to Israel, and a commitment to making the world a better place.” Danny Danon is the perfect example of putting these sentiments in motion. May our generation follow his lead.