CURRAN SPONSORS BILL TO SUPPORT ISRAEL FROM BOYCOTT EFFORTS

Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st AD) continued his ongoing support for Israel sponsoring legislation (A.8220) that prohibits New York State from contracting with any individual, business, or organization that is affiliated or supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS), a global movement dedicated to cause financial harm and social, cultural, and political isolation to the State of Israel. In June 2015, Curran sponsored Assembly Resolution (No. 705), which identified the BDS movement as a demonstrably anti-Israel entity, and to state its rejection by Albany legislators.

Explaining his motivation for sponsoring this new bill, Curran described his grave concern over the role of BDS in the growing anti-Israeli sentiment appearing on college campuses throughout the country, and in New York State.

“Israel is one of our nation’s greatest allies, not just in the Middle East, but globally. It is our responsibility to take a stand against BDS, and any organized effort to delegitimize the State of Israel and marginalize its government and citizens,” said Curran. “My position and support for the State of Israel and its people are rooted in my upbringing and education. BDS poses as a grassroots movement to promote justice, when in actuality, it is a well-organized and well-funded campaign committed to destroy Israel. On campus, Jewish students, or those who come out in support of Israel, face regular intimidation, and occasionally violence that results from the grossly distorted view of Israel portrayed by BDS activists.”

Curran’s bill would prohibit New York State from entering into contracts with corporations or individuals that actively boycott Israel. The legislation would accomplish this by amending the state finance law in relation to purchasing restrictions on persons boycotting Israel, and amending the retirement and social security law in relation to investing certain public funds in companies that boycott Israel.

“I support constitutional freedoms to free speech and public demonstration, but the tone and escalation of anti-Jewish sentiments on our college campuses is very disturbing. As elected officials, we have an obligation to undermine the efforts of BDS to desensitize our young people to anti-Jewish hatred, or intimidate local governments to act against one of this nation’s greatest allies. As Americans committed to defend liberty and fight for truth, we have a responsibility to prevent BDS and others like it from gaining a foothold in our educational and cultural institutions. This bill will help accomplish this goal.”

See also Curran’s support for Israel with his comments last year commending Long Island’s congressional delegation and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer for opposing President Barack Obama’s deal with Iran.

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