Jan 31, 2019
JCRC Advocates Against BDS
Through its anti-BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) advocacy, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) helped Florida take a stand against Airbnb's anti-Semitic policies. Following the company's decision to restrict Israeli Jews living in the West Bank from offering their homes as rentals on its site, Federation, along with other federations in Florida, wrote to Governor Ron DeSantis urging him to oppose this decision. On January 29, Governor DeSantis added the company to Florida’s “Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel” list, which prohibits state investment. Additionally, state employees and contractors will no longer be reimbursed for any expenses incurred through the use of Airbnb while on official state business.
JCRC chair Nancy Zaretsky said, “Our work combating the BDS movement is just one example of the JCRC's voice in action. The recent boycott of Jewish properties in Israel by Airbnb is a classic example of anti-Semitism — just a modern interpretation wrapped in new packaging. We're thankful to live in Florida, a state that meets injustice with action, and we have confidence in Governor DeSantis' position to call Airbnb to task on its policy.”
JCRC is grateful to the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, the Village of Bal Harbour, the City of Miami, the City of Miami Beach and the Town of Surfside for standing up to BDS and passing resolutions condemning Airbnb.
