American Jews Boycott Israeli Officials
Some Jewish Communities and Jewish Organizations have begun boycotting Israeli officials. In December 2022, Prime Minister Netanyahu formed a coalition with right wing members of the Knesset that has spurred backlash in the United States.
Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, faces protests and boycotts — not from Palestinians — but from Jewish Organizations across the country.
Hundreds protested Smotrich’s speech to the Israel Bonds organization at the Grand Hyatt Washington.
Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, was one of the leaders of the protest.The left-wing Jewish group IfNotNow and the anti-Zionist group Jewish Voice for Peace were also protesting.
The Jewish Community Relations Council (“JCRC”) of Greater Washington condemned the Israeli official, saying: “The hateful views long expressed by Minister Smotrich are abhorrent, are opposed by a majority of Israeli citizens, and run contrary to Jewish values,” “No public servant should ever condone or incite hatred or hate-motivated violence, and when they do, they will be fiercely condemned by a wide swath of American Jewry.” JCRC San Francisco also has come out against members of the cabinet. JCRC Bosting also came out condemning Smotrich.
The bipartisan Senate delegation is also refusing to meet with certain members of Netanyahu’s coalition. No U.S. officials will meet with Smotrich or address the conference he attended.