US Presbyterian Church Warns Companies to Boycott Israel or Face Divestment
Four US companies have been urged by the US Presbyterian Church to stop providing military equipment and technology to Israel for use in the occupations of Palestinian land.
by Maria Mackay
Posted: Tuesday, August 9, 2005, 18:10 (BST)
The Presbyterian Church on Friday warned four US companies to stop providing military equipment and technology to Israel for use in the occupation of the Palestinian territories, or else face a vote by the Church to divest its stock in them.
A church investment committee that met Friday in Seattle accused Motorola, Caterpillar, ITT Industries and United Technologies of selling helicopters, cellphones, night vision equipment as well as other items used by Israel in its forced occupation of Palestinian territory.
The accusations of the Presbyterian Church were dismissed as an “outrage” by a spokeswoman for Citigroup, a sentiment shared by several of the other corporations.
Other mainline Protestant churches have followed in the campaign of the Presbyterian Church using corporate divestment as a tactic in the Middle East conflict.
The Episcopal Church of U.S.A., the United Church of Christ, two regions of the United Methodist Church, as well as international groups like the World Council of Churches and the Anglican Consultative Council have all urged similar economic boycotts of Israel.
The initiative by the Protestant churches and Church groups has strained relations with the Jewish community, who accuse the churches of singling out Israel for blame.
Some members of the Jewish community have reacted angrily to the call for divestment as ignoring the Palestinians’ role in perpetuating the violence. Some have even gone as far as to accuse the churches of anti-Semitism.
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Added: Monday, September 24, 2007, 8:33 (BST)
The continued profanity of the apartheid occupation by Europeans resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocents will reveal itself as the occupation of the Romans did two thousand years ago. The so called "Oppressed" occupiers,signal their committment to human values through the killing of children and think that this is not an abomination in the eyes of God. This blindness to fellow man can only be the path to destruction and the ruination of the zionist domination complex. The deception and lies of the rulers of Israel are but one symptom of the "doublespeak" of evil incarnate.
DR.DAVID COLLINS, Alexandria,Egypt
Added: Saturday, August 25, 2007, 13:24 (BST)
I have been working to help Israelis and Palestinians establish reasonable talking points and other agreements between the two peoples. Of course, one of the most salient issues becomes helpig them set up an economic bridge and a system that will propel the Palestinians into a viable economic system, for which they need Israel. And verily, Israel relies on them.
When I read about the Presbyterian boycott, I think immediately of outsiders who have little understanding either of the roots or hopeful solutions to a very long and complicated situation. And finally, when I read that the church denies the legitimacy of a minniter to perform marriage ceremonies for two gay couples, individuals eager to assume the responsibilities of a noble and deep courtship...then I can only nod understandingly. Only a culture of apprehension, one that wants to deny rights and civility to others can make this kind of ruling. From here on, any boycott or ourtside action that the church would like to take, must be seen in this shadow. As I know in my own case, anything I co, any public action I take, is informed by the values I display in my own community. Here is a chance, in your own communiyt, where you can correct yourselves and provide humane solutions.
judith v. lelchook, alexandria, VA
