In 2024, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement (BDS) has extended Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) over the entire month of March.

Labeled the most important IAW since the campaign was launched 20 years ago, this year’s event occurs during a time when Israel is carrying out a live-streamed genocide against the Palestinian people. While Gaza is the main target, Israeli violence has also escalated in the West Bank, aided by settlers who help the state in its raids on local villages. In 2019, there were at least 200 anti-apartheid events around the world with the prophetic theme “Stop Arming Colonialism.” At the 6^th annual BDS conference in Ramallah, Palestine, Ms. Baleka Mbete, speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa, delivered the keynote address. In South Africa, a country that witnessed its own successful anti-apartheid movement, there were dozens of events that highlighted opposition to Israeli apartheid. Comic Mashabela Galane performed in five cities as part of the comedy tour “Apartheid Ain’t Funny.” Ali Abunimah appeared on SABC TV News. Since October 7^th, several well-known brands have reported a decline in sales due to their perceived support of Israel. McDonald’s, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and Domino’s Pizza, among others, all have seen a noticeable drop in profits. This year the theme is “March for Palestine: Stop Genocide: Dismantle Apartheid!” Ending apartheid and settler colonialism appear to be the goal, but is that enough given the dire situation now in Gaza? Involved with BDS from its inception, Haidar Eid had already expressed concern about the movement’s limitations.

Links:
From South Africa to Palestine: Israeli Apartheid Week