5 communities across Scotland that are boycotting Israel
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement has existed since 2005. It was initiated by a coalition of more than 170 Palestinian civil society organisations in an effort to put pressure on the Israeli economy in the mould of the anti-apartheid boycott of South Africa.
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But a more concerted and coordinated effort in Scotland started on May 15, 2024 – Nakba Day, which commemorates the wholesale destruction and displacement of Palestinian society and Palestinians by Israel during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
Now, there are five communities across Scotland that have dedicated AFZ groups and many individual businesses across Scotland that have signed up too.
Aberdeen AFZ
(Image: Dave Black)
Launched in the latter half of 2024 with the help of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), the Aberdeen group has signed up 40 businesses – ranging from restaurants and barbers to a whisky shop and a tobacconist – to its apartheid-free zone.
Organisers like Dave Black emphasise its grassroots, community‑driven essence, with locals meeting in cafés to spread the message and gain more sign-ups.
Govanhill AFZ
(Image: Tony)
Established with the help of community organisers, Govanhill's boycott group has seen 54 local businesses – cafés, corner shops, restaurants –
formally commit. Many were already informally boycotting companies like Coca‑Cola. But the group aimed to make that solidarity more visible, grounded in a shared frustration at the situation in Gaza.
Leith AFZ
The Leith group, Zionism-Free Leith, was started by the Edinburgh branch of Industrial Workers of the World, an international labour union. It looks to sign up business across Leith, runs a number of fundraisers to support Palestinian families and runs regular events.
Isle of Eigg
The small, community-owned Isle of Eigg (population ~120) recently declared a full boycott of Israel through its Residents Association (IERA). The island's only shop ceased stocking Israeli-linked products, including Coca‑Cola, citing its alleged ties to settlements. Organisers have highlighted Eigg's 'history of taking action' and framed the decision as a local step toward 'collective action' that can influence broader policy and stand in solidarity with Palestinians.
Glasgow West End AFZ
The National understands that a new group has just started in Glasgow's West End after being inspired by Govanhill.
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