Thread by @elderofziyon

@lahoare I think you are missing the point of what the BDS movement's goals actually are.

The actual boycotts are symbolic. The goal is to demonize Israel in public opinion for the next generation.

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@lahoare By repeating the lies that Zionism is racism, Israel is an apartheid state, Israel must be boycotted for human rights abuses, and so on - over and over again - it makes an impression on college students and people who don't follow Israel closely.
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@lahoare When an artist boycotts Israel, it makes a HUGE impression on people who want to identify as supporting social justice.

When an academic group calls to boycott Israel, it puts an aura of respectability on hating Israel.

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@lahoare That's the real goal. Make the very idea of being pro-Israel toxic. Put proud Zionists on the defensive. Make people question any dealing with Israel as if they are immoral.

Sad to say, the @jdforward is a major contributor to that mindset.

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@lahoare @jdforward The only real response is for the pro-Israel crowd to be "out and proud" to be Zionist. Unapologetically so.

If every statement that is pro-Israel is followed by a "but..." it legitimizes the BDSers - even the pro-Israel crowd cannot support the state!

@lahoare @jdforward People like @NuritBaytch and @HenMazzig are perfect examples. They are as liberal as can be, they can criticize Israel when appropriate, but their overwhelming love for the country and ability to look at it in perspective show what Zionism from the progressive side can look like.

@lahoare @jdforward @NuritBaytch @HenMazzig In summation, BDS is not about boycotts. It is to make Israel toxic. It has been fairly successful by that standard. And it must be fought, by showing that Zionism is very compatible with progressive thinking.

/end, I think