Reading the letters from the ‘No’ supporters, one thing stands out: not one actually defends the Illinois law that shields Israel from boycott. Instead, opponents change the subject, arguing that the referendum violates Oak Park’s Welcoming Ordinance.
I encourage everyone to read the actual 2017 Welcoming Ordinance, adopted to protect immigrant rights. It begins:
“WHEREAS, the Village of Oak Park (‘Village’) welcomes diversity and believes that all individuals living in or visiting the Village should be treated fairly and with respect and dignity … [and] wishes to further enhance the Village’s relationship with immigrant communities and make the Village of Oak Park an immigrant-friendly Village;
WHEREAS, this Ordinance discourages unlawful discrimination and strongly supports the equal treatment of all individuals regardless of national origin …”
Opponents are using this language to attack the referendum. But are they suggesting that the national origin of Jewish Oak Parkers is Israeli?
Oak Parkers know that antisemitism and all forms of racism must be opposed. But this referendum is not about Oak Park’s Jewish residents or Israeli citizens living here. It is about an Illinois law that gives Israel special protection from boycotts over human rights violations.
A Yes vote sends a clear message to state representatives Ford and Lilly and state senators Harmon and Lightford: repeal this law. It offers no benefit to the people of Oak Park or Illinois.
If we remain silent, this law stays on the books, prioritizing special protection for Israel over the fiscal interests and ethical standards of Illinois taxpayers and pension holders.
Vote Yes. No country should be above accountability.
Source:
Mona El-Shamaa
Oak Park
