State-Level Anti-BDS Legislative Initiatives

In a feature policy paper in the Jewish People Policy Institute's (JPPI) Annual Assessment for 2016, I examine the recent trend of anti-BDS state-level legislative initiatives in the United States. To date, 11 states have passed binding pro-Israel and anti-BDS legislation, another state (New York) passed an executive decision, 3 more states passed non-Israel specific anti-discrimination laws that block BDS and another state is close to passing similar legislation. Most of these passed with overwhelming and bi-partisan support.

After breaking down and comparing the various models, and giving a state-by-state comparison, I conclude that while these legislative successes are important and should continue, they should let Israel supporters think they alone will defeat anti-Israel activists. The real achievement is that these block a key tool in the anti-Israel activist's arsenal, force the BDS movement into a reactive position and provide a cushion of breathing space for pro-Israel activists.

It is imperative in this time that the pro-Israel community work proactively and creatively to reclaim and re-frame the positive narrative surrounding Israel's legitimacy.

The policy paper includes policy recommendations for the American pro-Israel community as well as the government of Israel.

To read the paper, see here.

To read the entire JPPI Annual Assessment for 2016, see here.

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