Divestment is an economic strategy used by various groups, including college students, to pressure organizations or entities to change certain practices considered unethical or harmful. In this context, the term “divest from ties to Israel” means that these students are demanding their colleges or universities to withdraw any existing investments or financial connections they have with Israeli institutions or companies.
Many student groups support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, a global campaign promoting various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets what the campaign describes as Israel’s obligations under international law, defined as withdrawal from the occupied territories, removal of the separation barrier in the West Bank, full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and “respecting, protecting, and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties.”
The students’ campaign could mean requesting that their institutions stop purchasing goods from Israeli companies, withdrawing investments in Israeli or international companies involved in the occupied territories, or cutting ties with Israeli academic institutions. Those who back such measures believe that they will put pressure on Israel to change its policies towards Palestinians.
However, it should be noted that these divestment calls can be highly controversial and not universally supported. Critics argue that they’re overly simplistic, can undermine the peace process or result in unintended economic consequences. They also often highlight violations of human rights in other countries, suggesting a double standard. Furthermore, others emphasize the importance of positive engagement over boycotts or divestment in resolving
College protesters want their schools to divest from ties to Israel. Here’s what that means.
Divestment is an economic strategy used by various groups, including college students, to pressure organizations or entities to change certain practices considered unethical or harmful. In this context, the term “divest from ties to Israel” means that these students are demanding their colleges or universities to withdraw any existing investments or financial connections they have with Israeli institutions or companies.
Many student groups support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, a global campaign promoting various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets what the campaign describes as Israel’s obligations under international law, defined as withdrawal from the occupied territories, removal of the separation barrier in the West Bank, full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and “respecting, protecting, and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties.”
The students’ campaign could mean requesting that their institutions stop purchasing goods from Israeli companies, withdrawing investments in Israeli or international companies involved in the occupied territories, or cutting ties with Israeli academic institutions. Those who back such measures believe that they will put pressure on Israel to change its policies towards Palestinians.
However, it should be noted that these divestment calls can be highly controversial and not universally supported. Critics argue that they’re overly simplistic, can undermine the peace process or result in unintended economic consequences. They also often highlight violations of human rights in other countries, suggesting a double standard. Furthermore, others emphasize the importance of positive engagement over boycotts or divestment in resolving
