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WJC Welcomes Pennsylvania’s  Anti-BDS Legislation

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World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder on Monday welcomed Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to sign a bill requiring state-affiliated companies to certify that they do not boycott or discriminate against sovereign states, including Israel, calling it a “productive and just response to a counter-productive and unjust campaign against the Jewish state.”

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder on Monday welcomed Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to sign a bill requiring state-affiliated companies to certify that they do not boycott or discriminate against sovereign states, including Israel, calling it a “productive and just response to a counter-productive and unjust campaign against the Jewish state.”

“Governor Wolf’s diplomatic pledge to stand up against ‘economic punishment in place of peaceful solutions to challenging conflicts’ is a welcome move in the face of the discriminatory and damaging campaign being waged against Israel,” Lauder said. “Detractors of Israel single out the Jewish state for punishment, denying it of its right to sovereignty and self-defense, allowing history to be re-written rather than engaging in dialogue and a deeper understanding of the difficult situation that has faced the region for decades.”

“The World Jewish Congress thanks Pennsylvania and the other 14 US states who have taken the initiative to legislate a productive and just response to a counter-productive and unjust campaign against the Jewish state,” Lauder added. “We encourage more US states, and governments worldwide, to choose the path of peace, and cease supporting the boycott and demonization of Israel that prevent a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

The World Jewish Congress, American Section, had urged Governor Wolf to push for this legislation, and sent him a letter on Friday, saying, “We are heartened to see Pennsylvania affirm its support for the Jewish state – the only fully democratic country in the Middle East. As Israel’s right to exist is questioned, it is heartening to see its friends and allies rally behind it with full support.

“By not investing in those who seek to demonize Israel, we know you recognize not just Israel’s right to exist but the importance of the country’s contributions in medicine and technology and its leadership in fostering equality and opportunities for all. We appreciate your leadership in promoting the continuation of a strong relationship between the U.S. and its ally Israel,” the letter concluded.

This bipartisan bill passed by an overwhelming majority of 181-9 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and 47-1 in the Senate.

Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and South Carolina have passed similar resolutions, and the New York governor has issued an executive order not to engage in business with companies that boycott Israel.

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