Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions
Holding genocide-supporting companies accountable
The Palestinian BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) National Committee (BNC) is a key player in the global boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement working to bring an end to state, corporate, and institutional complicity with Israel’s genocidal regime.
The Israeli occupation is a system that needs constant funding. BDS works to bring an end to this funding by organising consumer, cultural, academic, trade, and economic boycotts and divestment.
Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign follows the lead of the BNC when it comes to BDS strategy.
WHY ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF TARGETS?
The BNC recommends targeting a small number of companies and products to achieve the greatest impact. Inspired by past successes, they believe that concentrated efforts are more effective.
Focused boycotts can compel large companies to cut ties with Israeli apartheid, sending a strong message to other complicit entities.
In contrast, long boycott lists without credible evidence are inefficient. Through targeted campaigns, supporters can focus on specific companies to maximise collective impact and advance Palestinian liberation.
Essentially: we want to make it too expensive to invest in apartheid and genocide. That is where you come in. Your money funds these companies who in turn fund Israel. By boycotting, you make it too expensive to do business with Israel, cutting off vital funding for their regime.
Are you a business owner? Join the Apartheid Free Zone Movement!
What is the apartheid free zone iniative?
In Ireland, countless businesses, spaces and other groups have declared themselves to be Apartheid Free. Local councils all over Ireland, including Cork City Council, Dublin City Council, Trade Unions and Student Unions have voted to support BDS and the number is growing everyday.
With a record high of 73% support for the Occupied Territories Bill & strong sanctions against Israel for its unimaginable crimes, you can be part of this win for human rights and affirm your commitment to International Law.
How to become an Apartheid Free Zone:
By pledging to support the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign and declaring themselves to be an Apartheid Free Zone, shops, restaurants, businesses, community organisations, trade unions and other groups, and local councils can act now!
- Become aware of the BDS movement, Apartheid, & Apartheid Free Zones
- Sign the pledge at apartheidfree.ie to work towards becoming an Apartheid Free Zone
- Receive your AFZ pack and put the sticker in your premises.
- Review BDS targets & note any present in your business.
- Assess your supply chain or procurement process and discover where (if any) links to the BDS targets or Israel.
- If you have a contract with a company on the BDS list (such as AXA), do not renew it.
- For products or services, seek alternatives where possible
Video about Apartheid Free Zones
CPSC invites you to learn the strategies, materials, processes & teamwork we have used in Cork to encourage businesses to become AFZs. If you are interested in building an AFZ in your locality please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on cork@ipsc.ie to receive valuable resources.
Video on how to avoid handling Israeli goods
Watch this video on how workers can legally object to handle Israeli goods.
Take action, join the activists on the ground
Changing consumer behaviour is one of the most effective way to hold businesses accountable for their role in the occupation and genocide. This requires Palestine activists to raise awareness of the links many big corporations have with Israel.
Every weekend, BDS activists are speaking to the people of Cork passing flyers out and talking to everyday people of Cork and signing businesses up to the Apartheid Free Zone.
By talking to people on the streets every week, you can raise awareness about BDS and show people people can affect the situation on the ground in Palestine.
You can join in these efforts or spread the word about BDS!