Federation Stands Strong Against BDS and Roger Waters

Yesterday, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation placed a full-page message in The Miami Herald addressing Pink Floyd co-founder and vocalist Roger Waters, who performed in Miami last night. It marks a continued effort of Federation’s JCRC to educate and engage the community to combat the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) tactics used to delegitimize Israel. Waters is an outspoken supporter of the BDS movement against Israel and uses his performances, as well as media outlets and frequent public statements, to espouse virulent anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic rhetoric.

The BDS movement is a global campaign to isolate and demonize Israel through economic, cultural, and political pressure. Its ultimate goal is to eliminate the existence of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. While BDS advocates claim to be seeking a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the movement undermines the internationally supported peace process and decreases chances for a negotiated two-state solution.

In addition to Federation’s ad, there was further coverage by The Miami Herald in an online article along with local news stories that aired last night on Channels 7 and 10 and a follow up story in today's paper. Yesterday’s widespread attention was the culmination of a highly targeted digital marketing campaign in reaction to Waters’ planned visit.

In numerous ways throughout the year, JCRC continues to educate both high school and college students, mobilize the community to combat BDS initiatives and advocate on legislation to impose punitive measures on entities engaged in BDS activities against Israel.

We are hopeful that Waters and others like him will find themselves increasingly isolated as more and more people come to understand the hatefulness that lies at the foundation of their actions.

To help support the State of Israel and stand strong against hatred and the BDS movement, please consider the following:

1. Educate yourself and your peers on anti-Semitism and BDS.
2. Actively seek out Israeli-made products for purchase and promotion.
3. Reject companies, artists and products that promote hate and support BDS.
4. Like the JCRC Facebook page.
5. Join us in visiting Israel on the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Israel at 70 Mission, April 16-22, 2018.

For more information on how you can get involved in JCRC, contact Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council Carol Brick-Turin at 786.866.8485 or [email protected].