BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Broward Commissioners have passed a resolution strongly opposing the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement, known as BDS and encourages peaceful negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Israel.   

“Many communities have passed resolutions in opposition to BDS,” said Commissioner Steve Geller, who brought the resolution forward for Commission approval. "The BDS founder has stated there is no place for Israel in the Middle East and that they don’t want to see that country exist.”

Commissioners unanimously supported the resolution which states that the Board opposes the BDS Movement targeting Israel, including all efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel and efforts to target United States companies that are engaged in legal commercial activities.  The Board passed a similar resolution in January against Airbnb when the company removed certain rental property listings in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The resolution notes that Israel is a key ally and strategic partner in the United States and that the goal of achieving peace between the Israelis and Palestinians has had long standing bipartisan support in the U.S. 

“I think the election in Israel shows what a democratic nation Israel is.  There is a healthy, thriving democracy there and we need to do what we can to keep it that way,” said Commissioner Nan Rich. 

Consul General Lior Haiat attended the Commission meeting and spoke on the subject. “BDS is the new face of anti-Semitism and I’m happy to say that countries around the world are taking a stance against it.  I want to thank you for taking a stance against it.”

“This has the Commission’s full support,” said Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen.

In July the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution opposing the BDS movement targeting Israel, with strong support from the Florida Delegation.

The resolution, stating opposition to the BDS Movement will be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Florida Governor, Florida’s congressional delegation and the Broward County legislative delegation.

DATE:  September 26, 2019

CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe

Public Information Manager, Broward Commission

PHONE: 954-357-8053

EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org