The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement is a global campaign launched in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian civil society organizations. Its central goal is to apply non-violent economic, cultural, and political pressure on Israel until it complies with international law and Palestinian rights. The campaign is coordinated by the Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC), which serves as the movement’s leadership body.
BDS calls for three main objectives:
- End Israel’s occupation and colonization of all Arab lands occupied since 1967 and dismantle the separation wall
- Recognize the full equality of Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel
- Respect and promote the right of return for Palestinian refugees to their homes and properties, as stipulated in UN Resolution 194
To pursue these aims, the movement promotes boycotts of Israeli goods, cultural and academic institutions, and companies linked to the occupation; divestment by universities, churches, and pension funds from firms profiting from Israel’s policies; and sanctions by governments to hold Israel accountable. It has inspired campaigns worldwide that have led some companies, artists, and organizations to sever ties with Israeli institutions.
The movement’s supporters frame it as a non-violent human rights campaign, drawing parallels to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The movement continues to operate globally through advocacy networks, student groups, and activist coalitions, coordinated in large part through its official website, bdsmovement.net.
You can donate to BDS Movement here.
