Kol Hakavod to Ruvy Rivlin (my cousin)

Well, I never thought I would see this day when I my cousin Ruvy Rivlin emerges as the hero of Gideon Levy's article in Ha'aretz.  I have noted over the last year or two Ruvy has been making marvelous statements on civil rights and equal rights of Israel's Arab citizens, and now, as the Knesset Speaker he is loud and clear about the pernicious law just passed by the Knesset.

THIS article by Ruvy, 'The parliamentary fists of the majority," speaks for itself and is important in the dialogue with those of us in the Diaspora who criticize the Occupation and worry about its impact on Israel's democracy.  Here is Ruvy Rivlin, Speaker of the Knesset, a follower of Jabotinsky, who is also concerned about the future of Israel's democracy.  This is one area where the Left and some Right wingers can come together.--Lilly

US and ADL criticize anti-boycott law

In case you haven't seen this (in Ha'Aretz):

... The Knesset passed a law Monday night which penalizes persons or organizations calling for the boycott of Israel or the settlements. The new law sparked uproar throughout Israel, with Israeli leftist organizations launching a series of protests against the law and one movement submitted a petition to the Supreme Court claiming the law is unconstitutional and anti-democratic.

Photo of protesters by Emil Salman

When asked to comment on the anti-boycott law, the U.S. State Department said the law was an "Israeli internal matter" but also hinted its criticism by pointing out the right to peaceful protest in democratic countries.

"Freedom of expression, including freedom to peacefully organize and protest, is a basic right under democracy," a State Department official said. "It is a right that the American people hold dear and it is among the democratic values that the Israeli and American people have long shared."

The Anti-Defamation League also expressed its criticism regarding the new law on Tuesday, saying that despite its opposition of boycotts of Israel, it is concerned the new law impinges on the "basic democratic rights of Israelis to freedom of speech and freedom of expression."

"To legally stifle calls to action – however abhorrent and detrimental they might be – is a disservice to Israeli society," ADL National Director Abraham Foxman said in a statement.

"We hope Israel’s Supreme Court will quickly take up a review of this law and resolve the concerns it raises."

According to newly passed law, a person or an organization calling for the boycott of Israel, including the settlements, can be sued by the boycott's targets without having to prove that they sustained damage. The court will then decide how much compensation is to be paid.

The second part of the law says a person or a company that declare a boycott of Israel or the settlements will not be able to bid in government tenders.