On Wednesday November 11 the European Union approved a measure labeling Jewish-made goods from Judea and Samaria, East Jerusalem and the Golan in a clear anti-Semitic move.
Prior to the guidelines being approved, official representatives of the State of Israel as well as initiatives from the U.S Congress and Senate called upon the EU to abandon the proposed move due to its discriminatory nature and clear sign of anti-Semitism.
In the bipartisan letter by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), a Republican presidential candidate, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), signed by 36 senators to Federica Mogherini, vice president of the European Commission Senator Cruz expressed his deep concern over the move. “As allies, elected representatives of the American people, and strong supporters of Israel, we urge you not to implement this labeling policy, which appears intended to discourage Europeans from purchasing these products and promote a de-facto boycott of Israel, a key ally and the only true democracy in the Middle East”. “We believe strongly that these efforts are unwarranted, dangerous, and damaging to the prospects of a negotiated solution to this conflict”.
The House letter, led by U.S. Reps. Douglas Lamborn (R-Colo.) and Randy Weber (R-Texas), was also signed by 36 lawmakers. The letter stated that “As members of the United States Congress we are concerned that such measures will undermine decades-long American efforts to achieve a bilateral negotiated peace accord between Israel and the Palestinians.” The EU’s guidelines would “constitute the de-facto boycotting of Israel, its economy and commodities, due to the burden on importers to apply and adhere to them.”
Both letters were initiated by The International Legal Forum, as well as the main arguments it includes in corporation with the Zionist Organization of America. This initiative is part of the strategic efforts of the International Legal Forum to take a proactive stance to defend the State of Israel from attacks aimed at delegitimizing it. Attorney Yifa Sega, Director of the International Legal Forum stated: “If the labeling is enacted it will constitute a major victory for the BDS movement which initiated and orchestrated this whole effort. BDS hides behind a cleverly devised marketing tool masquerading as protection of human right but in fact aims to indiscriminately violate an entire population’s right to earn a living, receive education and culture, and even exist.
This is anti-Semitism “in sheep’s clothing” and the EU must not enable it.” This move is intended to impose more diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel during the current period of regional instability and is tantamount to boycotting Israel. Although it was clear that the EU had no intention of reconsidering this action, this action in itself is important as it is another step forward in raising international support for the State of Israel in the face of continued attempts to undermine its legitimacy. Doug Lamborn Letter 10.11.2015
