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Import of parts for Isuzu jeeps from Texas may be more difficult due to a boycott imposed on Israeli customers. Texas Automotive Export can be reached at 512-858-7216. Email: tae@texas-export.com
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| By Ellis Shuman April 25, 2002 |
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When attorney Avi Udiz of Tel Aviv decided to upgrade his Isuzu jeep, he didn't realize that he would face the latest symptom of international public opinion taking the Palestinian side in the Middle East conflict. After he turned to a Texas-based auto supply company for replacement parts, Udiz was shocked to learn that the firm was boycotting Israeli customers in condemnation of Israel's military policies.
"We must inform you that Texas Export will not do business with Israeli citizens at this time," wrote John Harris, representing Texas Automotive Export of Dripping Springs, Texas. "We urge you to rein in your military and stop your oppression of the Palestinian people," the letter said. "Your country has lost the respect of the civilized world," it concluded.
"I have had a connection with them since 1998," Udiz said. "They always answered me kindly, and I remembered them favorably. Therefore, when I decided to upgrade my jeep, I turned to them and was shocked to receive a reply in which they stated that they don't conduct business with Israelis."
Udiz said he thought he was dreaming when he first read the letter. "This came from the country that is the State of Israel's only friend. This [act] not only is counter to the friendship between our countries, but it is also against the accepted policy in America that business and politics don't mix."
Udiz says he plans to write to John Harris in Texas and explain, "If this terror was happening in the United States, your country would be responding even more strongly, exactly like it has been doing in Afghanistan."
An official from the Anti-Defamation League in New York told Yediot Aharonot, "This is in clear violation of American law, which forbids private commercial embargoes."
Arabs push for boycotts of Israel
Sources at Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Israel's status at international conferences and forums has not been damaged in recent weeks, Ha'aretz reported. Despite efforts by Arab countries and European leftists to impose a boycott on Israel and Israeli products, "there is not much response to these efforts among the public in Europe or at institutions and organizations in the world," the sources said.
The Israel Medical Association (IMA) said that it has received threats of sanctions from international and European health organizations, which have criticized the accessibility of medical treatment for Palestinians injured during Israel's military operations. On May 10, the World Medical Association is scheduled to discuss suspending Israel's membership. As a result, the IMA drafted guidelines for the provision of medical care. The organization called on the IDF to ensure the continuation of medical services in the territories alongside the army's security requirements.
FIFA, the Federation International de Football Association, is due to discuss on May 3 the demand by Arab countries to suspend Israel from world soccer. Israel Football Association chairman Gavri Levi left for Sweden this week to argue that FIFA statutes clearly state: "There shall be no discrimination against a country or an individual for reasons of race, religion or politics." An official from UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, told Ha'aretz that the chances of FIFA suspending Israel were "close to zero," due to the vehement objections UEFA was planning to raise in Israel's defense.
On April 6, The Guardian published an open letter signed by 120 university professors, including 90 from Britain, calling for a moratorium on cultural and research links with Israel at a European or national level "unless and until Israel abides by UN resolutions and opens serious peace negotiations with the Palestinians, along the lines proposed in many peace plans..."
In response, more than 5,000 European, American and Israeli scholars have already signed a protest letter against the British anti-Israel boycott. "Whereas we hold diverse political views with respect to the past and current policies of the Israeli government, and whereas we recognize the right of individuals and concerned citizens in Israel and abroad to openly express their opinions regarding the tragic and devastating events of recent months, we are united in our condemnation of this unprecedented call by European scholars to suspend European-Israeli academic and cultural ties," the letter said.
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