Deep Disappointment in Olympia Food Co-op over Israeli Products Boycott

The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle is deeply disappointed with the Olympia Food Co-Op’s decision to boycott Israeli products without a thoughtful, inclusive discussion with its members and the community at large. We are working with Jewish leaders in Olympia, including Rabbi Seth Goldstein, to support them as needed.

This boycott fails in its aim to help Palestinians by damaging Israel’s economy. Approximately 20% of Israel’s labor force is made up of Israeli Arabs as well as Palestinians living in the West Bank; they and their families suffer as a result of BDS (boycotts, divestments and sanctions) initiatives. We believe that businesses that care genuinely about a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should support both Israelis and Palestinians—for example, by carrying Israeli products and donating a portion of the proceeds to organizations that promote peaceful relations between the two peoples. We believe that change is achieved not by divisive boycotts and divestments, but rather by education and peaceful dialogue.

What You Can Do

We are concerned about the message that this boycott may send to other businesses. We ask you to do your part to help stop the spread of boycotts and divestments throughout our community. Here are some ways that you can help:

• Shop specifically at stores that stock Israeli products
• Go out of your way to thank the management, in person or in writing, for carrying Israeli products
• Ask friends and family members to purchase Israeli products in their communities, and to be sure to thank the management for carrying these product
• Purchase products from www.IsraeliProducts.com, which donates 100% of its net profits to Israeli charities
• Visit www.InvestInIsrael.gov.il to invest in an Israeli business

Thank you for doing all you can to support Israel and its people.