MembersThe Palestinians Hurt by BDS Pressure on Sodastream

Israel Today speaks with Palestinians who lost their livelihood thanks to those who claim to champion the Palestinian cause

By Aviel Schneider |

SodaStream produces a popular device that carbonates water. Last September, the Israeli company was forced to close its factory in the Jewish settlement of Ma’ale Adumim near Jerusalem and move to the Negev in Israel proper.

This was due to an international campaign by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. SodaStream became a juicy target for BDS after the company featured a snazzy commercial with American actress Scarlett Johansson on the world’s biggest stage: the Super Bowl in 2014.

BDS calls for boycotts of products that are manufactured in Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria (the so-called “West Bank”). The movement, which Israeli officials describe as anti-Semitic, doesn’t care that its policy harms the Palestinians far more than it hurts Israel.

In fact, the former factory in Ma’ale Adumim was a model of coexistence: 500 Palestinians worked side by side with 750 Israelis. These Palestinians, who were grateful for their jobs, were the best ambassadors for peace. At that time, Israel Today...

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