The last year has shown that the call is now more urgent than ever, and BDS can be effective in helping force an end to the Israeli occupation of Gaza.
While it is no secret that much of the United States' massive aid package to Israel helps finance the country's illegal and inhuman occupation of Palestine, one of the better-kept secrets is the role played by many well-known American, as well as international, corporations in enabling that occupation. Perhaps we don't necessarily own a Motorola cell phone or regularly operate a Caterpillar bulldozer; but many of our universities' endowments and retirement pension funds are actively invested in these companies.
Many, many Americans are unknowingly supporting war profiteers.
Here are some of the worst offenders:
Motorola Inc. -- Motorola, the cell phone company, plays a key role in many of sectors of the occupation. Motorola Israel, a subsidiary of Motorola Inc, is the central provider of bomb fuses to the Israeli Air Force. In addition to manufacturing parts for weapons, Motorola is largely responsible for the Israeli Defense Force's communications and surveillance technology. The surveillance "watch towers" that punctuate the separation barrier that segregates Palestine from the outside world are all operated by Motorola technology.
Caterpillar Inc. -- Caterpillar (CAT) Bulldozers destroy Palestinian homes and olive trees (one of the primary sources of livelihood for many Palestinian families) to make room for illegal Israeli settlements, the separation barrier, and "Jewish-only" roads. American International Solidarity Movement activist Rachel Corrie died when she was crushed under a CAT Bulldozer.
Hewlett Packard (HP) -- Hewlett Packard owns Electronic Data Systems (EDS), which is in charge of the technology monitoring checkpoints inside of Palestine. In addition, HP monitors the Israeli Navy's entire information technology operating system, which enabled last year's attacks on the Freedom Flotilla.
General Electric (GE) -- General Electric sells engines to Israel for a variety of military aircrafts.
United Technologies -- United Technologies produces Blackhawk helicopters. These helicopters are used to attack Palestinian cities and refugee camps and are responsible for the lion's share of Palestinian civilian deaths.
In addition, many retirement pension funds, most notably TIAA-CREF are hugely invested in several of the offending corporations. Several investors of conscience have started the "TIAA-CREF" divestment campaign , raising awareness around transparency issues with the fund and, most importantly, demanding that TIAA-CREF divest from these companies.
So what can you do?
Research any and all investments. Sign the TIAA-CREF petition . Avoid Motorola cell phones and HP Printers. Don't buy Ahava beauty products. Do buy Palestinian olive oil.
Money speaks louder than megaphones--BDS!
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