New York, NY – Dianne Lob, Chair, and William Daroff, CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations commends the United States Supreme Court for dismissing the challenge to an anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Arkansas law that prohibits economic discrimination against Israel. The Court’s dismissal affirms lower court rulings that these laws do not violate First Amendment free speech protections and do not prohibit public criticism of Israel.
“The Court’s decision is a clear victory in the fight against antisemitism and discrimination of all kinds. It is an important step in ensuring that companies that refuse to do business with Israel, particularly as part of the international BDS movement, are held accountable for their biased actions. More than half of US states have similar laws that bar such behavior, which unfairly discriminates against Israel.
“We are also grateful that the State of Arkansas joined the majority of US states engaged in the fight against antisemitism after Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders formally signed into law the state’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.
“The Conference of Presidents proudly stands against antisemitism and discrimination against the Jewish homeland. We are pleased that the justices settled this issue and encourage the remaining US states to take the critical step of adopting similar laws, executive orders, or resolutions. We urge all states to stand up against hate to make clear that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in the United States.”
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