All articles tagged with #bds
Thom Yorke and Radiohead members discuss the intense controversy and personal struggles related to their stance on Israel and Palestine, with Yorke expressing distress over the backlash and the band reflecting on their complex relationships with the region and its politics.
The Department of Homeland Security clarified that there is no current requirement linking FEMA disaster funds to a state's stance on Israel or the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, despite earlier reports suggesting a policy change. DHS stated that FEMA grants are governed by existing law and policies, and no funds have been withheld or new conditions imposed related to Israel or BDS.
US brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and Domino's are facing sales declines and boycotts in the Middle East and other parts of the world due to perceived support for Israel during the war on Gaza. McDonald's missed sales targets after its Israel branch gave free meals to Israeli troops, leading to boycott calls and sales growth of only 0.7 percent in the Middle East, China, and India. Starbucks saw a slump in sales in the Middle East and the US, while Coca-Cola faced boycotts and a 22 percent sales drop in Turkey. Domino's experienced a sales dip in Asia, particularly in Malaysia, due to its association with the US, an Israeli ally.
McDonald's is experiencing a significant business downturn due to a boycott in the Middle East and other regions, prompted by perceived support for Israel amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict. CEO Chris Kempczinski attributes the backlash to misinformation and emphasizes the local ownership of McDonald's franchises in Muslim countries. The boycott has intensified after McDonald's Israel provided free meals to Israeli military members, leading to boycott calls from pro-Palestinian groups and a lawsuit involving McDonald's Malaysia and the local BDS group. McDonald's has not commented on the lawsuit but stands against violence and hate speech.
McDonald's Malaysia, operated by Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (GAR), is suing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement for defamation and loss of earnings after BDS's social media campaign linked the fast-food chain to the conflict in Gaza, allegedly causing boycotts, profit loss, and job cuts. McDonald's Malaysia denies any involvement in the conflict and has contributed to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund, seeking 6 million ringgit ($1.31 million) in damages. BDS Malaysia has received the summons and is prepared to take the matter to court.
Faculty members at Princeton University have formed the Princeton Faculty for Justice in Palestine (FJP) in solidarity with students and scholars facing attacks for their Palestine solidarity work. They condemn the Israeli siege on Gaza, apartheid in the occupied West Bank, and structural racism in Israel. The FJP calls for the defense of academic freedom, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful assembly, demanding that the university administration consistently and uniformly support these principles. They express support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and the academic and cultural boycott of Israel. The FJP stands in solidarity with Students for Justice in Palestine and opposes intimidation and threats against those advocating for Palestinian rights. They call for an end to Israeli occupation and apartheid and the establishment of a free Palestine.
A report has revealed a concerning surge in antisemitism on US university campuses, with 45 incidents reported in just three days out of a total of 134 documented cases in the past two weeks. The incidents range from concerning behaviors and expressions to calls for violence against Jewish students. The rise in antisemitism has had a direct impact on Jewish students, with many feeling uncomfortable expressing their opinions and experiencing violence or hatred on campus. Efforts to combat antisemitism have been undertaken by organizations and student groups, including thwarting BDS events. Jewish organizations and pro-Israel student activists have come together to promote unity and solidarity, with over 300 rallies in support of Israel taking place across the country.
Pro-Israel groups and Jewish allies are calling for the City University of New York's (CUNY) public law school to lose its funding after a graduating student accused Israel of "indiscriminately raining bullets and bombs" on Palestinians during her commencement speech. The speech also attacked the "fascist" NYPD and U.S. military, claimed laws are "white supremacy," and called for the dismantling of capitalism. Jewish groups and allies widely condemned the speech, with some accusing the speaker of "trading in antisemitic tropes" while others demanded CUNY Law lose its taxpayer funding for hosting the event.