New Media

Once again, a targeted economic boycott against Israeli goods is directed against a Canadian business. This time (actually the second time), it’s Mountain Equipment Co-op. Protesters are expected to picket MEC stores on November 28, presumably bearing Palestinian flags, kaffia scarves and literature excoriating the Jewish state. Will these boycotts remain confined to the fringe? The more interesting question is whether the counter-efforts will be embraced by a wider population in solidarity with a democracy — not to mention, those who support a peaceful and prosperous Palestine.

The protesters’ financial impact will hopefully be more than neutralized by the Israel-supporters’ BUYcott events (such as the one taking place at an MEC in Vancouver on Nov. 29), which has had some notable successes. On those occasions, protesters act as magnets for those with opposite aims, who come to buy out the entire stock of Israeli products. This may happen again in MEC’s case, as memberships and Israeli-made water bottles and bras fly off the shelves.

Read the full article in the Vancouver Sun’s Community of Interest

Before You Boycott Israel…