Wise step

In a landmark decision, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church-USA 

(PCUSA) recently called for divestment from US companies operating in Israel or doing business with it, in protest over its continued occupation of the West Bank and its “apartheid” policy towards the Palestinian people.

Israel, of course, jumped to use its tired anti-Semitism tune, also accusing PCUSA of having promoted and spread hatred against Israel.

No admission of guilt, of an unjust occupation and of apartheid policies, just laying the blame on anything and anybody else but itself.

PCUSA’s laudable step comes after repeated attempts by the international community to persuade Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian territories and give the Palestinian people the right to live freely on their own national soil, not an irrational demand by any measure.

The church’s move is not without precedent. Many other entities are practising divestment from companies or products originating in Jewish settlements.

Historically, the apartheid regime in South Africa came to an end through, inter alia, economic pressure, isolation and  financial and economic sanctions.

Economic pressure on Israel might very well work where other means, including diplomatic efforts and endless peace talks with the Palestinians, could not make a dent in Israel’ occupation policies.

PCUSA is doing what many other fair-minded entities — religious, secular, individuals or corporations — should do to try convince Israel that in this day and time occupation is an anachronism, unjustified, against international law and a stigma on any country practising it.

Peace and regional integration is the only way Israel can secure the coveted safety for its people.