North Dakota becomes 35th state to counter anti-Israel BDS

The North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck. Credit: Farragutful via Wikimedia Commons.

(JNS) — North Dakota has become the 35th state to pass a law countering the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.

The legislation — with nine sponsors and signed by Gov. Doug Burgum — prevents those contracting with the state from participating in boycotts of Israel and bars the state from investing in companies that “would have the effect of requiring or inducing any person to boycott Israel.”

William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, praised the “nearly unanimous” passage of the law, which, he stated, demonstrates “North Dakota’s firm commitment to Israel, as the goal of the BDS Movement is to end Israel’s existence as a Jewish state.”

“The BDS movement and its organizers do not seek peace in the Middle East, but rather to destroy Israel and the promise of the Jewish homeland through targeted economic warfare,” he added.

Other states that have passed anti-BDS legislation in recent years include Arkansas, Texas, Iowa, Utah, Missouri, Idaho and West Virginia.