The Truth About BDS

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement is one of the most controversial boycott movements in modern history. In recent decades boycotts have emerged as a powerful force for dismantling oppressive systems and fostering positive change. However, not all boycott movements achieve this goal, and some may even have detrimental consequences. One such contemporary movement is the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement, which seeks to exert economic pressure on Israel by boycotting its products, divesting from companies that do business there, and imposing sanctions on the country. In order to gain a full picture of the BDS Movement, one must examine its origins, objectives, and the harmful consequences it has had on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and for Palestinians themselves. While the BDS Movement claims to promote Palestinian rights, it actually causes more harm than good to the Palestinian economy and hinders progress towards peace. By uncovering the secrets the BDS Movement doesn't want you to know through an examination of its various facets, goals, and motivations, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of the negative impact this controversial movement has had on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Only then can the international community consider alternative approaches to fostering a lasting peace in the region.

Big Ideas

1. Boycotting can be an effective form of social change.
2. The narratives behind the BDS Movement do not fully capture the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.
3. The BDS Movement is an obstacle to peace.

Essential Questions

1. What makes a boycott effective?
2. How does narrative inform the goals and motivations of BDS?
3. Do the goals and motivations of BDS promote or undermine peace?