Bronx, NY – Following the agreement of a resolution in the United States House of Representatives opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement targeting Israel (HR 246), Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) issued the following statement:

“I applaud Tuesday’s vote in the US House of Representatives to condemn the BDS movement, which passed with overwhelming support and makes clear that the people of the United States continue to support a two-state solution for peace in the Middle East. I am horrified by the attempt of some BDS proponents to compare boycotting Israel to boycotting Nazi Germany, and it is precisely this point of view that brings me to the conclusion that the BDS movement is too often motivated more by anti-Semitism than by Israeli policy under the current Prime Minister. To make this comparison is to spit in the face of Jewish people, many of whom have close relatives who were victims of the Holocaust, and I wholeheartedly reject its bigoted undertones. Furthermore, while there are certainly valid criticisms of current leadership and some of their policies, Israel continues to be the only democracy in the Middle East and is our closest ally in the region. It is also a safe haven for people of Jewish faith and heritage in a region which has usually been openly antagonistic towards them. I am proud that the American people have spoken loudly and clearly in support of Israel and in support of a two-state solution.”