Latest news with #OmarBarghouti
Al Jazeera
a day ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
'Every one of us has a responsibility' to divest, to boycott
Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the BDS movement, says it's the public's duty to press governments and corporations to end their complicity in Gaza's genocide. This comes after a report by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, naming dozens of companies profiting from violence against Palestinians.
BreakingNews.ie
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Foreign Affairs Committee calls on Israel to allow Palestinian human rights defender travel to Dublin
The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee has called on the Israeli government to allow a Palestinian human rights defender to travel to Dublin. The Committee has written to the Israeli government asking it to lift a de facto travel ban on Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, so he can address the Robert Tressell Festival in Dublin on Saturday, May 24th. Advertisement The festival, named after the Irish author of The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists, is also due to hear from US senator Bernie Sanders, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, and British trade unionist Mick Lynch. Labour foreign affairs spokesperson, Duncan Smith TD, said that the letter has cross party support and was delivered to the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority. "The plight of Omar Barghouti, who, although a permanent legal resident of Israel, accused of no crime, is being prevented from leaving that country raises very serious concerns," Mr Smith said. 'Mr Barghouti is renowned internationally as a leading human rights defender in Palestinian civil society. His treatment is an indication of the apartheid system Israel operates, which entraps and denies rights to Palestinians as it commits a genocide in Gaza and kills thousands in the West Bank. Advertisement 'Such a systemic denial of rights also raises serious concerns for the future safety of Palestinians within Israel," he added. Robert Tressell organising committee chairman, Seamus McDonagh, said that Barghouti has been invited to participate in the festival as a representative of the Palestinian people. "That Israel refuses to adhere to international law, even to its own law, and allow Omar to travel is of no surprise, but is yet another example of its actions as a rogue state," he said. Those taking part in the day of debates and discussions In Liberty Hall also include ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy, journalist Patrick Cockburn, INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy, TDs Marie Sherlock, Sinead Gibney and Ruth Coppinger, historians Brian Hanley and Liz Gillis and housing activists Aisling Hedderman and Lucky Khambule. Musical acts include Faró, Leen and Niamh Parsons. The theme of this year's event is Facing Down the Carnival of Reaction. The Art of Solidarity, an exhibition of historic trade union banners and other cultural items, will be on display for the duration of the festival.
Leaders
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Watch: A Heartbreaking Video on Boycott Israel Strikes Social Media
A heartbreaking boycott video went viral on social media featuring touching images for Gaza children accompanied by a heart-melting tune and a catchy chorus that greatly provided an emotional anchor. The lyrics depicted how Israeli-linked brands are key partners in Gaza's genocide through their support to the Israeli occupation. The video calls all people to help Gaza by boycotting all global brands that offer any kind of support to Israel. The Lyrics of the Song A child lies cold on Gaza's sand His fate engraved by ruthless hand The world turns blind, yet cannot deny The brands that help the children die You sip your Coca-Cola sweet, But hear the cries beneath your feet. The Pepsi fizz may cool your tongue, But fuels the guns where death is sung. With every bite of Nestle's treat, You taste the loss of life's defeat. The Timberland upon your sole, Treads on the dreams that once were whole. Rise, and break the silent chain, No longer feed this endless pain. Each boycott strikes a louder chord, For peace that is stronger than the sword. And IBM, with tech so fine, Still hides the blood in every line. Each dollar spent, each coin you send, Brings closer to an unjust end. Rise, and break the silent chain, No longer feed this endless pain. Each boycott strikes a louder chord, For peace that is stronger than the sword. And IBM, with tech so fine, Still hides the blood in every line. Each dollar spent, each coin you send, Brings closer to an unjust end. Rise, and break the silent chain, No longer feed this endless pain. Each boycott strikes a louder chord, For peace that is stronger than the sword. Join the fight with heart and mind, Reject the brands that rob the blind. For every coin you choose to spare, A life is saved, a breath of air. Stand tall, united, free from hate, Let Justice be the hand of fate. For when we rise, the truth shall tell: We end the reign of war and hell. Gaza War Since the beginning of Hamas-Israel War in Gaza in 2023, the Israeli strikes have killed at least 50,983 Palestinians and wounded more than 115,338, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza have urged countries, activists, and even individuals to launch boycott campaigns as a way to press on global brands to cut relations with Israel. Unprecedented Progress for Boycott In a recent interview with Al-Jazeera Documentary, Founder of the Boycott and Divestment Movement (BDS), Omar Barghouti, stated that two years ago, there were no countries supporting the military embargo on Israel, not even South Africa. However, 'Today, we have 53 countries that officially called for the military embargo on Israel,' Barghouti said. Barghouti mentioned that McDonald's is suffering tremendously because of the BDS campaign. In the cultural sphere, Barghouti highlighted that approximately 7,000 publishers and writers have joined the cultural boycott of Israel. 'Are you a student or an academic or a nurse, or an engineer, or a social activist? it really depends on where you are, because BDS is not just about products boycott, it is that obviously, but it is also about divestment which requires more power,' he said. Bangladeshi Public Oath for Boycott Over 1 million Bangladeshis flocked to streets on Saturday to join the country's largest Gaza solidarity rally and call for boycotting all Israel-related products, according to Arab News. The people raised the flags of Bangladesh and Palestine and chanted 'Free Palestine,' 'Stop the Israeli aggression,' and 'Boycott Israeli products.' The rally brough together politicians, celebrities, artists, poets and popular social media influencers under the organization of the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. The event served as a strong call on world leaders and international community to bring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others responsible for committing a bloody genocide in Gaza to justice. In this regard, politicians called for international accountability and immediate end to Israel's bloody offensive on Gaza, noting that such aggression has killed more than 50,900 people and wounded 116,000. 'We will boycott every product, company, and force that sustains Israel's occupation … We will start from our own homes, leaving an imprint of this pledge in language, history, education, economy, and society,' the declaration of the rally read. Furthermore, protesters asked the government to reactivate the 'except Israel' clause in Bangladeshi passports, which had prevented nationals from traveling to Israel. Although the fact that there are no diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Israel, the previous administration of Sheikh Hasina has emitted the clause in 2021. Related Topics: Israeli Military Fires Reservists over Gaza War Criticism Hamas to Free Hostages if Gaza War's End Guaranteed, Senior Official Says Hamas, Israel Reach Ceasefire Deal to End Gaza War Short link : Post Views: 113
Leaders
13-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Omar Barghouti: 53 Countries Officially Call for Military Embargo on Israel
In an interview with Al-Jazeera Documentary, Founder of the Boycott and Divestment Movement (BDS), Omar Barghouti, talks about the significance of boycotting Israel-related products and institutions. Military Embargo Barghouti stated that two years ago, there were no countries supporting the military embargo on Israel, not even South Africa. However, 'Today, we have 53 countries that officially called for the military embargo on Israel,' Barghouti said. The founder also noted that Intel Corporation was forced by BDS to quit a $25 billion project near Tel Aviv, stating that 'BDS played a key role in that.' Barghouti mentioned that McDonald's is suffering tremendously because of the BDS campaign. Universities Boycott As for universities, he said that two years ago there was only one university that cut relations with Israel, and it was the University of Johannesburg (JU) in South Africa. 'Today, we have tens of university that have either cut relations or are in the process of divesting or cutting academic ties with Israeli universities,' he added. Cultural Boycott In the cultural sphere, Barghouti highlighted that approximately 7,000 publishers and writers have joined the cultural boycott of Israel. 'Are you a student or an academic or a nurse, or an engineer, or a social activist? it really depends on where you are, because BDS is not just about products boycott, it is that obviously, but it is also about divestment which requires more power,' he said. In addition, Barghouti highlighted the importance of academic, cultural, and sports boycott. Collective Action 'There are many aspects of it that almost anyone can participate in, but the most important thing about BDS is that it is a collective action,' Barghouti said. Barghouti also indicated that each individual can boycott like 100 companies at the supermarket, but it does not lead to anything. 'It is the collective action against a few companies that can lead to a real impact, so that is very important,' he said. Related Topics: 'Those Fighting for Peace in Gaza Deserve Prize', Says Nobel Peace Laureate Saudi Arabia Urges Global Action to End Gaza Blockade Israeli Military Fires Reservists over Gaza War Criticism Short link : Post Views: 114
The Independent
22-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Co-founder of sanctions movement addresses pro-Palestine protest in Dublin
It is 'un- Irish to give up hope', a co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has said as he urged protesters in Dublin to continue their support for Palestine. Thousands of people participated in a solidarity march through the Irish capital on Saturday, calling for the Government to impose sanctions on Israel. Demonstrators, some wearing keffiyehs and waving banners and Palestinian flags, stopped for a series of speeches outside Ireland's national parliament at Leinster House. Speakers led chants of 'free, free Palestine' and addressed the large crowd on the re-escalating conflict in the Middle East. The protesters called for the end of Israel's military activity in Gaza, for states to stop arming Israel, and the cessation of use of Irish airspace for transporting weapons. The rally, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), is the 14th national demonstration of its kind since October 2023 and is supported by several trade unions and civil society groups. The IPSC has also called for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban the import of goods from illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, along with the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill. The Government has committed to implementing the Occupied Territories Bill with changes limiting its scope to trade, but it is not on the legislative calendar for this term. Protesters also carried a giant sphere in the style of the logo of Ireland's Central Bank with the words 'stop funding genocide' painted on it. Israel chose the Central Bank of Ireland to be the designated authority to approve prospectuses for Israel Bonds in the EU. Pro-Palestinian supporters want the Bank to stop approving their sale. The group also wants a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and for the Irish Government to roll back on its adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, which it sees as an effort to prevent criticism of Israel. Speakers at the rally included Omar Barghouti, Palestinian intellectual Ghada Karmi, and IPSC chairwoman Zoe Lawlor. Mr Barghouti, who co-founded the BDS movement which stands for boycott, divestment and sanctions, said there was a 'profound moral duty' to continue to support Palestine. Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: 'I'm here to say that given Israel's continued genocide against 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, we need to escalate non-violent pressure on Irish Government, Irish corporations, Irish institutions to end complicity. 'Palestinians are not asking for charity, we're asking for ending complicity – to do no harm to us. 'The Irish Government continues to allow the transit of US weapons to Israel, this has to stop. 'The Central Bank of Ireland continues to profit from genocide through the sale of Israel government bonds, this has to stop.' Mr Barghouti added: 'The Government is blocking the Occupied Territories Bill and the Divestment Bill, this has to end. They have to take measures to end complicity. 'Some people in Ireland might say 'we've been demonstrating for 17 months throughout this genocide, we don't see any hope'. 'But it is so un-Irish to give up hope. The Irish have resisted colonialism for centuries under enormously difficult hardships and they've never given up hope. 'Similarly, Palestinians for 100 years, we've been resisting oppression and doing everything we can to live in peace, justice, dignity, equality and self-determination like everyone else. 'We cannot give up, it is a profound moral duty to do no harm. So we need to escalate people power and pressure to end complicity.' Senior figures in Israel's government have accused leaders in the Irish coalition of encouraging antisemitism, with the Israeli embassy in Dublin announcing last year that it would close. Israeli politicians have criticised Ireland's decision to intervene in South Africa's case against Israel, with Dublin asking the International Court of Justice to broaden its interpretation of what constitutes genocide. The protest came days after hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a sit-down protest on O'Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre on Wednesday, causing significant delays to transport in the Irish capital. At Saturday's rally, there were brief scuffles between some of the demonstrators – who came from disparate groups and were not necessarily associated with IPSC – and Irish public order police. A spokesman at the event said at least one attendee had been arrested but An Garda Siochana was unable to immediately confirm that.
