The BDS Movement
The Palestinian-led BDS movement is a global campaign initiated in 2005 following a call from Palestinian civil society for the international community to use the tactics of boycott, divestment and sanctions to oppose Israel's regime of settler-colonialism, military occupation and apartheid.
Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the Palestinian BDS call urges nonviolent pressure on Israel, including through pressuring international companies or institutions that are propping up Israel's system of oppression, until it complies with international law by meeting three demands:
1) End the colonisation and occupation of all Palestinian land, and dismantle the apartheid wall.
2) Recognise the fundamental rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality.
3) Respect, protect and promote the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties.
BDS Campaigns
Barclays: Don't Bank On Apartheid
We’ve uncovered that Barclays Bank holds over £1billion in shares, and provides over £3 billion in loans and underwriting, to 9 companies whose weapons, components and military technology are used by the Israeli military in armed violence against Palestinians. By providing investment and financial services to these arms companies, Barclays facilitates the provision of weapons and technology for Israel’s militarised repression of Palestinians.
Alongside War on Want and Campaign Against Arms Trade, we’re calling on Barclays Bank to #StopBankingOnApartheid
Find out more and get involved.
Apartheid Off Campus
UK universities invest in a range of companies complicit in Israeli apartheid. This includes companies supplying Israel with weapons and military technology used against Palestinians, and companies active in Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise.
Students across the UK are building vibrant divestment campaigns on their campuses, coming together to demand an end to universities complicity in injustice.
To find out more, visit our Apartheid Off Campus page
Boycott Puma
Puma is the main international sponsor of the Israel Football Association – which governs and advocates on behalf of football teams on stolen Palestinian land. As one of the world’s top athletic brands, Puma’s sponsorship brings international legitimacy to the IFA and helps sustain the infrastructure of illegal Israeli settlements.
Puma markets itself as a company that cares about equality, yet it funds the apartheid the IFA helps sustain.
Consumer Boycott
As consumers we can support justice and human rights by choosing what we buy.
Support the boycott of Israeli consumer produce as part of the Palestinian call for BDS. Don’t buy Israeli avocados, oranges, herbs or dates. The most important thing to remember is always check the label. If it says “Made in Israel” don’t buy it!
You can spread the message with boycott stickers and badges too – you can get these at our online shop here.