The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) vehemently condemns the recent decision by the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) to divest over £80 million in Israeli assets. This disgraceful move, driven by misguided and ill-informed pressures from certain academic union members, is a stark endorsement of the antisemitic Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Steve Winston, Managing Director of the NJA, declared: “USS’s divestment from Israel is a shameful capitulation to the vile BDS agenda, which is inherently antisemitic. By targeting the world’s only Jewish state, USS is engaging in discriminatory practices that betray the principles of fairness and justice.”
The BDS movement’s true objective is not peace but the economic, cultural, and political isolation of Israel. This decision by USS only serves to harm Palestinian workers who depend on Israeli businesses for their livelihoods. It is deeply ironic and hypocritical that those claiming to support Palestinian rights are, in fact, undermining their economic stability.
Moreover, this divestment sabotages any prospect for peace. Economic collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians is essential for building trust and fostering peaceful coexistence. USS’s actions, however, deepen divisions and sabotage dialogue efforts.
Winston further stated: “This divestment is not only a betrayal of justice but also an endorsement of a movement that seeks Israel’s destruction rather than a two-state solution. Israel is a democratic nation that upholds the rights of all its citizens, including a substantial Arab population. USS’s decision is a blatant act of hypocrisy and moral cowardice.”
The NJA calls on USS to reverse its decision and to resist the manipulative pressures from groups that do not genuinely seek peace or justice. Divestment, driven by an agenda of hate and ignorance, will only perpetuate conflict and deepen misunderstandings.
This decision by USS is an affront to peace and a victory for those who seek to sow discord and division. The NJA urges USS and other institutions to engage in constructive actions that promote genuine peace and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians. Divestment is a cowardly and destructive act that serves only to embolden extremists and undermine the prospects for a peaceful resolution.
The NJA stands firmly with Israel and calls for moral clarity and unequivocal support for the only true democracy in the Middle East. It is time for institutions like USS to act with integrity and reject the toxic influence of the BDS movement.
