We the undersigned, strongly oppose any boycotts divestment and sanctions targeting the state of Israel and her people. We believe that in order to achieve peace dialogue must be enhanced and not curtailed. In a conflict of the complexity of that of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is not the place of the international community to unilaterally punish and condemn a single party to the conflict, nor is it our duty to impose a solution upon them.

Furthermore, we unequivocally condemn the unjust singling out of Israel. While any unjust act should be condemned, including Israels, it seems that our institutions are intent on perpetuating a double standard, which is being used as a weapon to demonize a state and her people.

We believe that isolation will impede dialogue, reducing the incentives of the parties to engage peacefully. Boycotts promote an atmosphere of pessimism predicated on the failure of dialogue.

Nor are we willing to tolerate the irreparable damage boycotts have on South African society. Thousands of South Africans stand to benefit from the technological advancements of Israel, these benefits will be denied to them by those few responsible for a decision to boycott Israel.

We therefore call on our institutions to continue and expand their ties with Israeli and Palestinian institutions and promote a message of peace and unity.