View more of the Sun's opinion section
Former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley has never been accused of not saying what she means. Recently, she testified before the Nevada Legislature about the vile and viscious practice known as BDS — boycott, divestment and sanctions — which sounds high-minded but is designed for the sole purpose of destroying the state of Israel, something her enemies have been unable to do since her birth in 1948.
Shelley is right and so is each state that so far has condemned the BDS movement and taken steps to stop it cold! Nevada lawmakers are considering similar legislation that would put the Silver State squarely on the side of Israel and against those who seek her demise.
I agree with her completely and commend her opinion to every decent citizen of Nevada.
— Brian Greenspun
When I arrived in Washington for the start of my congressional service in 1999, many things about how the federal government worked surprised me. There was not much that Republicans and Democrats agreed upon, and the partisan battles on issues from health care and financial regulation to energy and even national security were intense. There was really only one issue I found that united Republicans and Democrats across party lines: support for Israel.
My support for Israel was congenital, but many of my colleagues arrived in Washington without giving the United States’ closest ally in the Middle East much thought. The more they learned about the Jewish state, however, the more they supported our close alliance.
Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East. It is the only country in the region that protects gay rights, and the place where women are truly treated as equal before the law. It is the only country in the region that protects the freedoms we value in the United States: freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and so much more. In Israel, as in the United States, discrimination based on national origin is outlawed, too.
Today, nearly two decades after my first election to Congress, the shared values that form the underpinnings of the U.S.-Israel relationship remain strong. The interests we share with the Jewish state – a safe and secure Middle East, a commitment to basic human rights and dignity, and the rule of law – remain the same, too.
Now, having failed to convince our policymakers to abandon our close ally and friend, Israel’s detractors have taken a new tack. The latest smear campaign against Israel uses admirable language about human rights and decency to pressure companies to boycott, divest and sanction (BDS) Israel out of existence.
Despite their claims, proponents of this latest attack on Israel do not seek a better life for the Palestinians, nor do they aim to create a political environment favorable to a lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Their true aim is Israel’s destruction. Omar Barghouti – a founder of this hateful campaign said, “Definitely, most definitely we oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine.”
So far, 16 states around the country have seen this vile campaign for what it is and enacted laws to protect taxpayer money from supporting it. Now, we in Nevada have our chance. Senate Bill 26 is currently making its way through our Legislature in Carson City.
If passed, the bill would require companies contracting with state and local governments to certify in writing that they are not participating in this discriminatory campaign. The bill would also prevent state money from being invested in companies engaging in this nefarious effort to delegitimize the state of Israel. The bill exempts the state pension fund from these requirements but requires the fund to report on any BDS-related holdings.
Israel’s detractors will argue that this bill seeks to inhibit free speech. But they still have not explained how it affects their right or their ability to malign the Jewish state. Under this law, they remain free to call for Israel’s destruction. The rest of us just won’t be paying for it.
As in Congress, a large bipartisan majority in our legislature supports this bill. It reaffirms our values, stating loudly and clearly that Nevadans stand with Israel against discrimination. Supporting Israel is more than just good policy, though, it is also good business.
In 2015 alone, Nevada exported more than $140 million in goods to Israel. Over the past 20 years, that total is nearly $1.3 billion. Israel is Nevada’s 17th largest trading partner, and many of our companies and universities rely on Israel for their business and their innovation.
I urge all Nevadans to call their state representatives and ask them to support Senate Bill 26.
Our state has long stood up against bigotry and hatred. We have united behind causes that matter to us as Nevadans and as Americans. This issue is no different. This campaign seeks to demonize and ultimately destroy our ally, Israel. We must not let it succeed.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy