When one thinks of the Gaza strip, violence and conflict are the first things that come to your mind. Omar Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian activist believes that the conflict can only be resolved through a non-violent struggle. He is the co-founder of the BDS (Boycott Disinvestment and Sanctions) movement that calls for a social, economic and political boycott of Israel.
Omar has also written many books on the subject. He says, “Our aim is to force Israel to return the occupied territories, end the ill treatment of Palestinians and allow the refugees to return to the country. Though 12 percent of Palestinian citizens stay in Israel, they are treated as second class citizens and are not given many of the rights available to Jewish citizens. Our movement believes in a non violent movement.”
Omar says that the movement does not believe in targeting individuals, it believes in attacking institutions and companies that deal with Israel. “We led campaigns that forced multinational firms such as Orange and Viola to reconsider their business interest in Israel. Our movement found a great deal of support within Israel as well, forcing them to pass an anti boycott law. It showed that a growing number of people within Israel were becoming more aware. Jewish communities the world over are supporting our cause."
Talking about India’s recent tilt towards Israel, Omar says, “India was always pro the Palestinian cause. In the recent years, that has changed because of growing Islamophobia and a belief that as India emerges as a major player in the world, it is important to court Israel. I think that should worry any Indian citizen since it is not a model for a pluralistic democracy such as India.”
How does a total boycott of Israel work with Palestinian citizens in the country? “Most of the Palestinians staying in the occupied territories are folks who have lost their farms and land to Israeli occupiers and are forced to seek employment in Israeli companies. The Palestinians support the BDS movement since they understand that any movement will warrant a price to pay and they are willing to make sacrifices for the success of the movement.”
The victory of the far right in the Israeli elections recently has helped the movement says Omar. “It has been a catalyst for the BDS movement.”
