Israel advocacy group launches anti-BDS initiative for local councillors

A new initiative was launched this week by Israel advocates in Britain aimed at countering boycott and divestment campaigns at the level of local government.

‘We Believe in Israel’, a project of the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM), officially unveiled its ‘Local Government Friends of Israel’ network with a reception at the Local Government Association’s annual conference in Harrogate.

The goal of the initiative is “to combat boycott attempts and to build links between British and Israeli local authorities.” According to BICOM’s Luke Akehurst, “local councils are facing increasing pressure from anti-Israel campaigners” seeking to advance “boycott motions.”

“This network will ensure we can stand up to anti-Israel activity in councils”, Akehurst added.

Organisers claim to have the backing of 450 councillors. The launch event featured Claudia Mendoza, the head of policy and research at the Jewish Leadership Council, and Marie Van Der Zyl, Board of Deputies vice president.