NGOs and the BDS Movement: Background and Funding

Background

The BDS campaign resulted from the NGO Forum at the 2001 UN World Conference Against Racism (Durban), which adopted “a policy of complete and total isolation of Israel as an apartheid state,” and called for “the imposition of mandatory and comprehensive sanctions and embargoes, the full cessation of all links (diplomatic, economic, social, aid, military cooperation, and training) between all states and Israel.”

The “Durban Strategy” has become the core of the global anti-Israel BDS — boycotts, divestment, and sanctions movement, led by NGOs and linked to “war crimes” cases against Israeli officials (“lawfare”).  Much of this activity is supported by government-funded political NGOs (primarily European and private foundations).

On November 9, 2009, the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly adopted a “Resolution against Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement.” This can serve as a model for other organizations, including the NIF. The “action recommendations” call on organizations to:

• Declare that the BDS movement be regarded with the utmost urgency;
• Lead an effective response and devise a proactive strategy to the BDS movement…
• Conduct research to develop the most effective messages and strategies for the major sectors of BDS activity;
• Educate [leaders] about the nature, tactics and dangers of BDS;
• Train local leadership on how to counter BDS initiatives in local communities;
• Be on alert for BDS initiatives and support each other as necessary.

NGOs involved in BDS and their funders (partial list)

*The NDC mechanism is funded by Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands; 2008-9

[1]Grant shared with other NGOs; breakdown not provided.