JCRC forum speaker shares advice on combating BDS movement

More than 60 members of the Greater Orlando Jewish Community participated in "Combating the Delegitimization of Israel," a community education event held Feb. 17 at The Roth Family JCC in Maitland. The event was sponsored and organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando's Jewish Community Relations Council.

Avi Weinryb, assistant director of Community Strategy and Communications for JFNA/JCPA Israel Action Network, led a 90-minute discussion that included an audience question-and-answer period.

Weinryb shared insights and advice on how members of the public can engage in constructive engagement in the face of attacks on the legitimacy of Israel through the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Weinryb talked about the importance of relationship building and constructive engagement, especially with certain "vulnerable audiences" who are targeted by the anti-Israel movement. While BDS focuses only on pressuring Israel, he said, Jewish Americans should encourage constructive efforts to bring Israelis and Palestinians together on joint projects, including those that foster reconciliation and promote understanding and trust.

"If we relate to our vulnerable audiences with positive, nuanced messages... they will see the true face of Israel, its human side," Weinryb said. "Thus a level of understanding will be built, and our vulnerable audiences will be prepared to resist the claims of the Global BDS movement and those who seek to assault the legitimacy of the world's only Jewish state."

Weinryb's appearance was made possible by the Jewish Federations of North America.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando has compiled several resources that address the issues surrounding BDS movement. They can be accessed at http://www.jfgo.org/jcrc.