In January 2017, CUSJ joined the Canadian BDS Coalition (BNC), which endorses the Palestinian Civil Society Call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). The Coalition’s Basis of Unity (BOU) statement affirms that non-violent punitive measures (that is, boycott, divestment and sanctions) should be maintained until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law.
The Coalition was started one year ago, as the Canadian Boycott Coaltion, a name which was subsequently changed to better reflect the Coalition’s focus as expressed in the BOU. Its mission is to:
- Promote, support and help coordinate BDS activities in Canada;
- Provide Canadians with resources to help them understand and take action to support the Palestinian call for BDS;
- Promote and defend Canadians’ right to express support for BDS.
CUSJ President Margaret Rao, who participated in a humanitarian visit to Israel and Palestine in 2016, announced this new alliance with optimism: ‘Together, we will be the change! We are seeking a just, compassionate and peaceful country and world.’
We invite you to check out our name in the list of members.