Kudos to New York State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, for tossing his container of the latest Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, “Stomping on Israel,” into the trash can. More than that: He announced that he is pulling $111 million from his state’s Common Retirement Fund that was invested in B&J’s parent company, Unilever. He claimed that B&J’s decision to join in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policy meant to destroy Israel, was the reason for this unprecedented move. He stated: “After a thorough review, the New York State Common Retirement Fund will divest its equity holdings in Unilever PLC.
Our review of the activities of the company and its subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s found they engaged in BDS activities against our pension fund’s policy.” Other states have already joined in or are planning to do so shortly. Florida has already announced that its $139 million investment in that giant corporation will be scooped out. When you are withdrawing close to a billion bucks in states’ corporate investments from a single entity, you’re talking big bucks and huge problems for Unilever. A well earned sign of disgust from America.
The original founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, whom we categorize as self hating, “progressive” Jews, told their fans back in July that selling their product in “the occupied territories” was “inconsistent with our values.” As if they had any. And their move did little to affect Jews. the main distributor of the product in Judea and Samaria claimed that this boycott harms Palestinian employees who will ultimately lose their jobs as a result of reduced sales. Over two tons of the ice cream had been distributed every week in Jerusalem and the disputed areas. Say goodbye to those creamy licks… and jobs.
NY Congressman, Lee Zeldin (R-NY), co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus (the Dems don’t have such a group), supported this move by DiNapoli. “I applaud the NYS Pension Fund’s decision to end its financial ties to Unilever. Governor Hochul needs to immediately sever any remaining financial ties NYS has to both Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s and add both companies to the OGS list of institutions and companies participating in the BDS movement.” We agree. And the sooner Hochul acts, the better. Her hesitation in this matter is troublesome, to say the least. Is AOC leaning over her shoulder with threats to run for governor, herself if Hochul emulates DiNapoli? It’s worked, so far with Senator Schumer.
Although many authentic Jewish groups, including the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations have applauded this move, J Street, a huge supporter of the Palestinians and a thorn in the side of Israel, has remained silent. Ditto for T’ruah and the Jewish Voice for Peace, all fierce BDS supporters. It is important for all supporters of Israel and democracy to join in the fight against the philosophy of the above named groups. They see Israel through the eyes of Jew haters, as oppressors of Palestinians and their right to exist. Seek them out and speak the truth to them. And heap praise on Tom DiNapoli for his courage to do the right thing in New York State. He’s a hero.
