Afternoon Tea in Jerusalem Blog

In addition to my work as a business coach, one of my interests is blogging about life in Israel. This is a country full of contrasts – over eight million citizens living in an area the size of Wales. You can see snow and the lowest place on the globe in the same day. Although surrounded by geopolitical extremes, Israel has achieved a decade of high economic growth. My work brings me in contact with an array of new companies, exciting technologies and dynamic characters. Sitting back with a relaxing cup of strong tea (with milk), you realise just how much there is to appreciate in the Holyland. Large or small operations, private sector or non profit, my clients provide experiences from which others can learn and benefit.

BDS – Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions of Israel – has been around for about 15 years in its present structure. Formally, it calls on the world to punish Israel on behalf of the Palestinians.

There is no doubt that its politically correct slogans have attracted many to its cause. Occasionally, a pop group may cancel a tour of the Holy Land. A company may reduce or cease trading with counterparts in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

On the other hand, as I have repeatedly pointed out, it is a movement founded upon hypocrisy. Its leader studied at Tel Aviv University with all facilities open to him. It is a movement that fails to condemn human rights abuses by Palestinian leadership. Above all, it is not looking for change in Israel, but its obliteration from the map.

In the past year, there has been a wake up move, rejecting the fallacy of the BDS argument. Four Spanish cities have reversed resolutions, which had called for sanctions against Israel. A guitarist from the Bruce Springsteen outfit notoriously used an expletive to dispel any notion that he would support a ban on visiting Israel. And foreign investment continues to pour into the Holy Land, as the seen by the growing list of over 350 multinationals with R&D centres in the country.

In parallel, it is fascinating to note the increase in demand for space in industrial areas, located in the West Bank. Ostensibly, these would be the first companies to be face boycott calls if their exports were to reach overseas markets. And yet, we learn that the opposite seems to be true, especially when the trade is directed to the very countries BDS supporters had seen as natural allies; China, India and much of Africa.

It is noteworthy to look at the Barkan region, where there is a waiting list of 60 factories. Many of the current facilities ensure that Arabs and Jews work together. And by law, all employees have to receive full employment benefits, which far outweigh anything offered under the Palestinian Authority.

BDS is replete with the bile and hate of the worst elements of politically correct movements. It has impacted on specific individuals, companies and artists. Fortunately, it worst aspects seem – for now – to be over.

As a final thought, maybe if Israel’s detractors would lay down their weapons, then the Palestinian economy would achieve the  3.8% economic growth that Israel reached in 2016. Now that would be a true and direct benefit to the average person on the street in Gaza and in Nablus.

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