Israel academic boycott

Despite the substantial funds that have been devoted to fighting anti-Israel forces on campuses, they have not been diminished.

"While alleging abuses, they ignore the reality that Palestinian universities were created only after 1967 during Israeli control and continue to develop and function."

The scholars declared that they would not “accept invitations to visit Israeli academic institutions."

Israel, according to diplomatic officials, made clear it was opposed to the move in the “strongest terms,” and said it viewed the step as “very grave.”

University of California President and former US secretary of homeland security director Janet Napolitano has already come out in favor of the proposed definition.

On about 200 campuses, there are annual Israel Apartheid Week rallies calling for the destruction of the State of Israel. Many of the events are formally sponsored by academic departments.

The correct response to bigotry is never to let it pass in silence.

Education leaders say that an academic boycott against Israel is felt in subtle ways, such as when academics refuse to attend conferences in the country.

BDS has no interest in protesting an occupation. If it did it would be boycotting Apple products, which are made in China.