Democratic Socialists push for anti-Zionist boycott in Oakland
Several local businesses have joined onto the movement to boycott Israeli-made products
“No Appetite for Apartheid,” an anti-Zionist initiative led by the Democratic Socialists of America, canvassed businesses in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood on Nov. 7, urging them to boycott products produced in Israel and those that “are culturally-appropriative, and/or are made by mega-conglomerates that financially uphold the Zionist occupation of Palestine,” according to the organization’s website.
The canvassing was scheduled to take place shortly before the anniversary of Kristallnacht, a 1938 state-sponsored violent attack on Jewish businesses and synagogues in Germany.
The Oakland-centered campaign was part of a multi-city boycott initiative, launched in Pittsburgh in January, aiming to convince local businesses to “[p]ledge not to use or sell any products that are made in ‘Israel’” and “[p]ublicly declare your business as Apartheid-Free,” according to the Pittsburgh DSA’s website, which also states that the campaign will supply the businesses with related signage.
“Pressuring local businesses to display political signs in support of a hate movement does not promote justice or human rights,” Julie Paris, Mid-Atlantic regional director of StandWithUs, wrote in an email to the Chronicle. “No business should participate in a campaign that seeks to shut down Israeli-Palestinian cooperation and end Israel’s existence, not change its policies. This is especially concerning in the context of recent antisemitic incidents at the University of Pittsburgh. Jewish students, faculty, and community members deserve to feel safe and welcome on and around campus, including the restaurants and shops they frequent.”
In February, No Appetite for Apartheid had recruited seven local businesses to sign on to its anti-Israel campaign. The number has grown.
According to a map on the No Appetite for Apartheid website, the following businesses throughout Greater Pittsburgh have declared themselves “Apartheid-Free Zones”: Alma Mercantile; Bantha Tea Bar; Better Minds Mission; Big Idea Book Store; Black Bear Hemp Dispensary – Regent Square; brothmonger; Capri Pizzeria and Bar; Caribbean Village Fusion; Counterpoint Connection; Dobrá Tea Pittsburgh; Duck Duck Tattoo Studio; Eons Fashion Antique; Five & Dime; Halcyon Salon; Jackworth Ginger Beer; Khalil’s restaurant; Kindred Spirit Tattoo Company; Lawrenceville Pet Supply; Lula La Chula; Nick’s Imports; Novaria Coffee Company; Plants for Skin; Pittsburgh Poke; Shadyside Nursery; Slacker; Stay Gold Books; The Black Cat Market; Treats and Beans (Oakland location); and We are The Richards Photography.
Another anti-Israel canvassing initiative, this time on Pittsburgh’s South Side, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, according to the campaign’s website. PJC
Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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