The City Council this week said Tuesday’s vote was a symbolic act in support of Palestinian statehood and in condemnation of Israel’s “policy of apartheid”, but the European Jewish Congress said it was “clear discrimination”.
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The ministry pointed out that Reykjavik, Iceland’s largest city and home to one-third of the island’s population, “formulates policies pertaining to its own local affairs, including its procurement policy, ensuring that it is in accordance with national legislation”.
According to the strictly symbolic bill, which was passed in a majority vote by the municipality, the city will not purchase any Israeli-made products manufactured in Israel, whether in a settlement or within the Green Line, “as long as the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories continues”.
Iceland Magazine reported on its web site that the measure was put forward by Björk Vilhelmsdóttir, a councilwoman with the Social Democratic Alliance, who is retiring from politics. BDS activists hope that this motion will stand as a precedent and inspire other Western cities to pass similar legislation.
In response to the resolution, Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nahshon said: “A volcano of hatred is erupting out of the city council building in Reykjavik”. For no reason or justification, aside from pure hatred, there are calls to boycott the State of Israel.
Cooper also accused the those behind the boycott of hypocrisy, for singling out Israel as a target.
“This is clearly a discriminatory move and we have already sought advice that it might break global law and treaties”, Dr. Moshe Kantor, President of the EJC, said.
“Many have stated that they will start with Israel and then explore other situations, and none have ever gone beyond Israel”.
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“It is time for the Jewish world to fight back and let these people understand that hatred and discrimination can not come without ramifications”.
