On Nov. 3, Oak Park residents will consider a ballot measure asking whether Illinois should repeal its law banning state pensions from investing in companies that boycott Israel. I count myself among the growing number of Jews who support boycotting Israel in response to its genocidal annihilation of Gaza, illegal occupation, and mounting human rights violations against Palestinians.
As an expert on antisemitism, I strongly reject the claim, voiced by opponents of the measure, that boycotts discriminate against Israelis as a nationality or feed antisemitism by making Jews feel unwelcome in Oak Park. Boycotts are time-honored forms of political pressure and democratic participation. This one targets the policy and ideology of a state, not Jews as a people or Israelis as a group.
I understand why some Jews who support Israel may find such campaigns upsetting. But political disagreement, however personal or deeply felt, is not the same as bigotry or discrimination. Many Jews, including myself, welcome calls to boycott Israel as an expression of inclusivity, equality, and justice. Others are free to disagree. But they should debate Israeli policies on their own terms, rather than smothering that vital conversation with heavy-handed accusations of antisemitism.
Unfortunately, such tactics are all too common these days. The Trump administration and allied anti-democratic actors have used them as a cudgel against freedom of speech and political dissent in universities, government, and civil society. Illinois’ anti-boycott law belongs to this legacy of repression. Americans concerned about democracy — regardless of their views on Israel and Palestine — should work to repeal such measures.
Some critics say Oak Park has no business addressing conflicts halfway around the world. I disagree. As Americans, our tax dollars support Israel’s genocide. But this is also a local issue. The right to boycott is vital for our constitutional freedoms, and our democracy.
In my book Safety through Solidarity, I propose a different strategy to fight antisemitism. By building coalitions between Jews and all marginalized groups, we can fight for a truly just and vibrant multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive. As Jews, we have little to fear from this ballot measure. Those who would convince us otherwise — and divide us from our neighbors in the process — pose a greater threat.
Ben Lorber
Chicago, Portage Park