The Israel boycott movement differs from the one against South Africa. Its goal was freedom and equality, not the elimination of a state. There is nothing wrong with criticizing the Netanyahu administration. I condemn it myself. But advocating the end of Israel crosses the line into antisemitism. The BDS movement has long called for precisely this. [1] Whatever the intentions of its advocates, this local referendum advances BDS goals.
Boycotting Israel is counterproductive. The predictable response is to circle one’s wagons, thus strengthening the Israeli right and alienating the Israeli public. The BDS movement rejects coexistence and collaboration, thus undermining those working for change and peace in Israel. Jewish educators — and no one else — were recently required to sign a special statement before learning about the Reggio Emilia Approach in Italy. [2] This is a good example of the detrimental effort to isolate Israel and anyone who might support it.
Please vote No to the pro-boycott referendum.
Sources:
[1] See sources cited, https://www.oakpark.com/2026/10/14/the-boycott-question-oak-park-isnt-being-asked
See sources cited, https://www.oakpark.com/2026/10/14/the-boycott-question-oak-park-isnt-being-asked
[2] https://www.oakpark.com/2026/10/18/local-jewish-preschool-educators-italy-trip
Judith Alexander
Oak Park
