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Today's Top News
Food Co-Op in Rachel Corrie's Hometown Boycotts Israeli Goods
The Olympia Food Co-op announced last week that no more Israeli products will be sold at its two grocery stores.
Americans are far more supportive of Israel than Europeans, and most initiatives to boycott Israeli goods or to divest funds from companies working with Israel are unsuccessful in the United States.
Last week, the board of directors of the Olympia Food Co-op in Washington state decided that no more Israeli products will be sold at its two grocery stores in the city. (Photo by: AP) But such projects have recently become more widespread, especially among students - although most divestment decisions by student bodies are not implemented on the colleges' management levels.
Last week, the board of directors of the Olympia Food Co-op in Washington state decided that no more Israeli products will be sold at its two grocery stores in the city.
"We met last Thursday for the board members meeting and a pretty large group - about 40 people - presented the boycott project and answered our questions," Rob Richards, a board member, told Haaretz. "A couple of board members were concerned about what will be the financial effect on the organization, but it's minimal. For me personally there is a moral imperative that goes beyond any financial concern. So we decided to adopt the boycott which went into effect the next day."
Asked whether the boycott includes all products made in Israel, or only in settlements, Richards explained: "As far as I know - it concerns any Israeli products. We exempted "Peace Oil" - it's a joint product produced by the Palestinian farmers. Any product that is made by the company that works to improve the conditions of the Palestinians will be exempted."
Richards says the decision drew no protests.
"There was very little feedback from the staff that was against the boycott, but it seemed as minority opinion. We have two members on the board from the Jewish community who were supportive of the boycott - it's pretty progressive town. I know that's not universal at the Jewish community."
There is a list of conditions that will lead to the end of the boycott, he says.
"I am trying to be realistic - the Olympia Food Co-Op boycott is not going to change the Israeli policy, but I believe that these small drops will eventually have an effect. I would like to see more co-ops joining the boycott and more voices involved," he added.
It is probably no coincidence that Olympia is the hometown of the International Solidarity Movement activist Rachel Corrie who was killed seven years ago in Gaza - a Caterpillar bulldozer ran over her as she tried to prevent demolition of a Palestinian house. Last month, the student body of Evergreen State College in Olympia, where she studied, passed two resolutions which called for the college foundation "to divest from companies that profit from Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine," and the second one called to ban the Caterpillar company equipment from campus.
"The fact that it is the home town of Rachel Corrie's parents and that it is represented by Rep Brian Baird (who has been to Gaza and is outspoken against Israel) makes this ripe for issues," said Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi of The Israel Project, a pro-Israel organization. "So does the fact that it does not have a very organized pro-Israel community. This went under the radar screen at a time when most groups were focused on Iran sanctions and other macro issues. It is clear that the people who voted on this did not hear both sides of the issues. What is needed is education on facts."
An Israeli diplomatic source told Haaretz that the boycott issue is being checked, and although it seems like a marginal incident. The source added that "we are concerned about every attempt to delegitimize Israel."
The Olympia Food Co-Op boycott is only a tiny part of an effort that the BDS (boycotts, divestment and sanctions) movement is mounting on U.S. companies. On Monday, Jewish Voice for Peace activists planned to attend the TIAA-CREF annual meeting the company headquarters in New York City to deliver thousands of signatures calling on the company to divest its money from Caterpillar, Elbit, Motorola and some other companies, that, as JVP puts it, "profit from the violation of international law through home demolitions, the destruction of life sustaining orchards, the construction of roads and transit that only Israelis can use, the killing of civilians by drones, and many other injustices."
In some places the mainstream Jewish community has reacted vigorously against boycott attempts, but many Israel supporters are worried that the battle "might be already lost at the campuses."
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55 Comments so far
Show AllConsidering what happen to the Jewish people 60 years ago, and the scar that I am sure it left on all the world, you would think they would not participate in doing the same thing to the Palistines. The United Nations made a deal, and got the Jewish people a Country of their own, that is what they wanted, and no one else wanted them, even after what happen the world still held a predjudice towards them which was sad... but true. Anyway for them to keep trying to steal other peoples land, and push them into a corner where they can't fly, or boat, or drive, out of their tiny strip of land, which thanks to the people in Isreal is getting smaller and smaller. The people in Isreal just want more, and the Palistien people are in their way, so they attack them, strarve them, it is really bad what they are doing. When the Jewish people can't learn from their own horror it makes it bleak for predjudice to stop anywhere in the world.
Sad, isn't it. Zionists have put the world into the position of having the only moral or practical solution is to de-countrify Israel.
To be correct, the leadership of Israel wants more, and is it any surprise when one considers that today's Likud Party is the bastard progeny of the Irgun and Stern Gang?
They were outlaws then, they remain so today.
Albert Einstein warned as much in 1948:
"The public avowals of Begin's party are no guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future...
...Within the Jewish community they have preached an admixture of ultranationalism, religious mysticism, and racial superiority. Like other Fascist parties they have been used to break strikes, and have themselves pressed for the destruction of free trade unions. In their stead they have proposed corporate unions on the Italian Fascist model....
...The discrepancies between the bold claims now being made by Begin and his party, and their record of past performance in Palestine bear the imprint of no ordinary political party. This is the unmistakable stamp of a Fascist party for whom terrorism (against Jews, Arabs, and British alike), and misrepresentation are means, and a Leader State is the goal."
It's not just the 'leadership', it's what Zionism started as, it's what Zionism continues as, and what Zionism will always be. It's supported by the majority of Israelis, and condoned by the majority of Jews. The 'leadership' is a reflection of the support.
It is always a mistake to describe any aspect of human endeavor in such broad and absolute terms. Granted, there appears a dramatic shift to right among Israelis. However, the very same has occurred domestically, as well---the percentage of those identifying themselves as Liberal in the United States has dropped to only about 20%. And?
As is the case here, there are also those within Israeli who vehemently object to the policies and direction adopted by the Israeli state. Perhaps you have not heard about the organization Peace Now? Have you never heard of, or read, the publication Tikkun? There are too many other organizations to go on naming.
The point is, stereotyping does little to illuminate or contribute to the advancement of truth.
Peace to you
Ending stereotyping doesn't entail ignoring reality. This is the old "anti-Semitism" mud sling dressed up in nice words. It was a lie then and a lie now.
So cough it up - show me the polls with the "dramatic shifts" in attitude in Israel. Don't have any? Thought so.
You Zionists will push any lie at the drop of a hat.
try this for starters:
http://www.peacenow.org.il/site/en/peace.asp?pi=32&docid=536&pos=1
An old tragic story for the victims and similar for the Native Americans who still suffer the yoke of the white invasion and occupation of America. And so too for the millions of African descendants whose ancestors were forced to this land. Their plight is equally unjust. Why do European descendants in the Americas rarely, if ever, address these two historic wrongs? Black and native folks always talk about what whites equally avoid mentioning. Are they that invested in the status quo after all? If you are, rightly, going to acknowledge the Jewish Holocaust, the horrific treatment of the indigenous people of Palestine, why not the American Genocide of the American Indian? The legacy of African slavery and the contemporary suffering of both groups?
Excellent point!
Slavery and the genocide of native Americans has been confessed. Most Americans except this and believe this. As native Americans and blacks are small minorities in this country they will probally never get the justice they seek but at least it is recognized what was done is wrong. Most Americans support Israel even though there crimes are continuing every day. They steal, beat, murder, starve... The Palestinians everyday. The Israelis are a small minority in Arab land. They are only able to commit their atrocities with US military equipment and billions in aid. As Israelis will always be the minorities in this land the crimes will continue until th Israelis are stopped. They can never overrun the middle east like white European immigrants did the Native Indians. There aren't enough Jews to do it.... So it'll just continue on and on... Like it has
Huh?
From dboylon: "Slavery and the genocide of native Americans has been confessed. Most Americans except (sic) this and believe this."
Are you kidding? I know young folks up here in New England who think the Abenaki were just passing through to hunt and fish a little here and there on their way to...I don't know, maybe the Montreal Jazz Festival? And therefore, this land was just laying here waiting for settlements by the white "explorers".
Hey there's that word "settlement"...hmmmm. Isn't that what some of us are boycotting about in Palestine?
Here's another one. Barbara Kingsolver, otherwise an accomplished author of such imperialist put-downs as The Poisonwood Bible, actually said in her book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle", when referring to the native tribes that were violently thrust off the lands where her family homestead now sits, passed the whole issue off with this (para)phrase "Oh, but that happened so long ago." I haven't quite forgiven her for that statement.
We might be powerless to change a lot of things. It might be too late for humanity. But by God can we at least, in this 11th hour, finally get out of denial and be accountable for our selves, our ancestors, our mistakes? Just being honest about a past trauma starts the healing for everyone.
I'm not sure if Brian Baird has become more outspoken because he is not going to run for congress again, or if his being outspoken has caused him to decide not to run again. There may be no causality here but given the pressure that many in congress feel, it does raise the question.
Maybe this will start something, but a proposal to boycott Israeli goods wouldn't have a snowballs chance in hell in the bourgie-liberal-run food co-op here in Pittsburgh.
They even busted a union organizing effort a few years back.
I've even seen Isreali-grown red and green organic peppers there - which is objectionable for reasons other than just being that they came from Isreal.
Globalized capital seems to be the "natural" outcome of centuries of Western colonialism. The absurdity of transporting goods across continents when they could be grown locally. Boycott the entire agenda.
I thought the only thing that Israel exported was death and hatred?
And weapons. Also, bankers.
Especially weapons.
Weapons made in the U.S.
Purchased with money given to Israel by the U.S. government.
Which came from the pockets of U.S. citizens.
And lies, lies, lies.
Just watch AIPAC come down on this like a ton of zionists.
Ms Mizrahi's oh, so reasonable, "...did not hear both sides of the issues. What is needed is education on facts...", is sure to be followed by an avalanche...a deluge...a cataclysm of "facts" and "informed opinions" and accusations of anti-semitism manufactured, provided and (tax-exemptedly) financed by the directorate.
Nice to hear some good news for a change. The Olympia Co-op is to be commended.
An "Israeli diplomatic source" said the boycott issue was being "checked"? As in investigated, as in cornered (in a chess game)? What happens to you when you are "checked" by the Mossad or Shin Bet? Ask Rachel Corrie. Oh yeah, we can't...
This is what happens when they "check out" someone:
Israel plans to send bill to Palestinians over boycotts
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-plans-to-send-bill-to-palestinians-over-boycotts-1997295.html
This is wonderful news, for Palestinians, Israelis, and Americans. For the Palestinians, they get some evidence that others in the world do know of the plight and suffering, and are taking actions to help them. For the Israelis, they get public pressure to become a law abiding, normal nation. For the Americans, they get an example of how it is possible to think about the news and act in accord with American values. It is a win-win-win situation.
The time has come in America to protest , use your first amendment rights, the 4th amendment is under attack by the unconstitutional Washington spy machine, 3200 agency's, Washington Post.
I am telling you right now , as God is my witness, if an agent approaches me with an NSL letter,I am am not going to read it, I am going to tear it up. Then I am calling my lawyer on speed dial, cause their gonna leave or take me to jail.
FYI: The actual name of Rachel's school is The Evergreen State College. "The" is part of its name.
What an odd comment from that diplomat...re: not wanting to "deligitimize Israel."
Israel is doing quite well in doing that to itself.
Thank you Food co-op.
They always have to portray themselves as the victim, particularly, when they are the agressor. And that persecution complex is going to be the end of them. Along with their paranoia. And arrogance. And self-righteousnes. And denial. And psychopathy.
I first heard the story of Rachel Corrie on CNN. I let it run all day, waiting for more news. It never came - might have another day. Here was a young girl protecting a home and she was run over by a giant bulldozer. Run over by a bulldozer!! And there was no story.
I have boycotted CNN ever since.
The Jews had a horrible experience, along with 10 million Russians, I forget how many million Christians [more than the Jews], and about 1300 priests. As far as I know, only the Israelis were permitted to push Palestinians from their own lands, deeds in hand, into concentration - oops, "refugee," - camps, where they still are.
If I knew what products come from Israel, I would boycott them, too. Einstein was right. They act like Fascists.
Any products starting with the barcode 729 come from Israel.
Settlement products boycott list:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/5365149/Boycott-products-from-Israeli-settlements
Media List + list of products sold in the US by brand:
http://www.israelcc.org/NR/rdonlyres/E2FAE07B-B9F5-4BC0-94B1-FE931251A6CB/0/ajc_support_israel_combatantisemitism.pdf
Israel wineries selling in the US
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS208010+22-Jan-2009+PRN20090122
Also Home Depot, Bernie Marcus, the founder, is a big-time Zionist. Trader Joe's and Kroeger's also carry Israeli products
Watch DemocracyNow.org--they cover the Corrie story often.
I stopped watching CNN, ABC, MSNBC--all those M$M shitheads a long time ago.
About time too......
As a member of the oly food coop for 20 years I am pleased w/ the board’s decision to boycott Israeli products. I’m also pleased to see that the story was picked up by Haaretz.
It took years to force the South African government to recognize the rights of black South Africans. The actions of the Israeli government are inexcusable and need to be checked. In the long run justice will prevail.
I’d like to share an action alert I received today w/ fellow commondreamers.
…………………………………
Action Alert: Support the Olympia Food Co-op Now!
We Need Your Support Urgently!
Already, there is a movement afoot to condemn the Co-op for taking this important stand. Board and staff are receiving aggressive emails and phone calls, and we need to show them that there is local support for the boycott. Please, thank the Olympia Food Co-op and its board of directors for supporting human rights in Palestine:
Send brief emails of thanks to board@olympiafood.coop
.
Show your support for this boycott by signing our petition!
Go to the Co-op, write a thankful comment card and drop it in the box, and be sure to thank any staff members and volunteers that you see!
Visit us at www.OlympiaBDS.org to learn more.
Olympia BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) is a grassroots network of community members in Olympia, WA, joining the call by Palestinian civil society for a non-violent, global movement of boycott, divestment, and sanctions of Israel, until it meets the requirements of human rights and international law.
Thanks for listening!
Olympia BDS
http://www.olympiabds.org
……………………………………….
Please sign olympiabds’ petition and send our coop a brief letter of encouragement. also encourage businesses in your own community to support the boycott - divestment - sanctions movement against israel.
…peace…
Thanks for providing that info. I just sent them a 'thank you' e-mail.
A bar code starting with "729" indicates that this product is produced in Israel.
Grassroot action: make little stickers and place them on the product: "Made in fascist ISRAEL"
I was reading in the paper not that long ago that it was signed into law that the US has to keep the Isreali level of defense at a certain standard. That is millions of dollars a day. The U.N. declared Israel to be an unlawful occupation force about, I think, 50 years ago and that status has not changed. That means that the U.S. is a major supporter of an unlawful regime, what a surprise!
Israeli request for more arms from US raises fears of regional violence
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israeli-request-for-more-arms-from-us-raises-fears-of-regional-violence-1994956.html
USA and ISRAEL = global terrorist No1
"An Israeli diplomatic source told Haaretz that the boycott issue is being checked, and although it seems like a marginal incident. The source added that "we are concerned about every attempt to delegitimize Israel.""
Israel is always the victim ~sigh~
The reason why they're checking this out is because they're probably planning to sue them over this.
Israel plans to send bill to Palestinians over boycotts
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-plans-to-send-bill-to-palestinians-over-boycotts-1997295.html
Now, Wholesale Foods, Trader Joe's, Kroegers, Home Depot - to name a few, should also be boycotted for carrying Israeli products and/or pumping money into the Zionist regime like Home Depot's Bernie Marcus.
Zionism is the CURSE of the planet.
Israel is its own hostage.
Boycott the lot.
Boycott? You have to boycott where it counts. That means for me NO INVESTMENT and NO DEALINGS with any bank with Zionist/Jewish connections.
Remember when Hillary, the wife of Slick Willie, was competing with Obama as to is the biggest slave to Israel?
Yes Freddie, I do remember.
Sickening, wasn't it?
Chelsea
Congratulations Olympia food Co-op. Very courageous. I've already sort of lost a long time Jewish friend over this, and one of my landscaping/gardening clients are very pro-israel I fear, and i haven't decided whether or not to continue working for them. I haven't had to work for them since the flotilla incident but am scheduled next month. They are friends also, but have indicated a fierce pro-Israel stance, on Facebook of all places. If I and like-minded members were to start a movement at our Co-op here in Arcata, CA it would get personal in my community so fast. So hard to be true to ourselves, leads to marginilization in the community. I know the Olympia co-op is going to go through a lot of deep discomfort within it's members and community. I suppose the first step is to consolidate the Palestinian solidarity folks here so we can present an articulate case for a boycott... I wish us all perserverence through these times... namaste
I wish you all the very best,as i know how vociferous the Israeli lobby are,also how vindictive,and unforgiving,so with all that against you i applaud you.
I live in London and even a post attacking Israel ,bring's so much bile against me,and they do not even know me,so all my respect goes to you as your possible job may be at risk,so i wish you well and tell you that we are not alone,it only seems it,when seeing the power of AIPAC.
Camelrocker,
You may have lost one Jewish friend--but you have gained another--well at least here on CD!
I am Jewish as my late Mom is Jewish.
This situation is not about being anti-Jewish, this is about being anti Israeli GOVERNMENT/AIPAC.
Many Jewish individuals are for the rights of Palestinians and want them to have their own state prosper and live in peace . They can't help it that their government sucks--just as we are victims of our own government too--in my case the US government.
Chelsea
I really like your post, Chelsey.
It differentiates between Jewish people and "anti Israeli GOVERNMENT AIPAC".
I am a U.S. citizen and am also opposed to my country's endless militarism and wars.
on the ground Gaza video: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article25972.htm
Israel's use of inflammatory words like 'delegitimize' is calculated to create an emotional outlash instead of reasoned response. Boycotts did not 'delegitimize' South Africa, but they did cause that country to change its policies.
Good on Rachel Corrie's home town!
We should follow their example.