AJC Mobilizes Nationwide to Buy Israeli Goods

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Dec 01, 2010, 10:52 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Jewish Committee, the premier global Jewish advocacy organization, mobilized its supporters and staff yesterday in a nationwide campaign to buy Israeli goods.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100816/AJCLOGO)

"Our collective response to the haters of Israel is to shop," said AJC Executive Director David Harris, who led a large group to Ricky's, a store in New York's Union Square. Ricky's, as well as other major retailers across the country, has been subjected to protests by the anti-Israel BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) movement.

The AJC initiative took place in cooperation with other groups on November 30, designated Buy Israel Goods Day, or "buycott," to counter the ongoing efforts to boycott the sale of Israeli products.

"Chanukah, when we celebrate our freedom as Jews, is the perfect time to show our support for Israel by purchasing Israeli products," said Harris. "We need to speak out and act. Shopping for Israel is the right thing to do."

"By the way, I can't help but wonder if the anti-Israel boycotters, for consistency's sake, also ensure before using their computers and cell phones, or seeking life-saving medical care, that there are no Israeli products or innovations involved," Harris said.

Hundreds of AJC activists across the country, including in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, among other locations, organized groups to visit Costco, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and other stores to buy Israeli products.

"This was a dynamic demonstration of solidarity with Israel," said Harris. "But this is not a one-day event. Our commitment to buy from Israel is ongoing, as part of our global effort to mobilize support and understanding for the Jewish state."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee