The Lev HaOlam organization, which helps Israeli businesses operating in Judea and Samaria cope with ongoing efforts abroad to boycott or label their products, held an event on Wednesday aimed to help businesses in the region combat anti-Semitic BDS targeting Israeli Jews.
President Reuven Rivlin spoke at the event where he expressed the importance of unity for all the people in the land of Israel, especially between Israelis and Arabs. “I really believe that building confidence between the two peoples will bring us together… We are not doomed to live together - we are destined to live together.”
Attorney Nati Rom, founder of the Lev Haolam organization, spoke to Arutz Sheva and explained how many grassroots movements join the anti-BDS cause and that they “don’t share the same ideas as the leaders, as the media is telling.”
The Lev HaOlam delegation included representatives from around the world. One participant, Arjenna Klaus from the Netherlands, said that because of all the hate and lies being spread by the media, it is important for people from all around the world “to support the pioneers in Judea and Samaria, and the Golan.”
“Why is Israel treated differently than other countries? Why are we singling out the Jewish state? Why are we using double standards? Why is a terrorist in Israel called a ‘freedom fighter,’ but when it does the same in Europe it’s called a ‘terrorist’?,” Klaus questioned, adding that the "pioneers" deserve all the support they can get.
Batya, a ceramic artist affiliated with Lev HaOlam, described how important it is to receive such support, especially with exports. “People in Yehuda and Shomron (Judea and Samaria) are making things with their hearts... That’s what’s special the people there are alive, they’re there for a reason, they’re there with a goal. It’s not just a regular place.”
