Virginia State bar boycotts Israel

Virginia State Bar,

At a time of growing anti-Israel activity by the Obama Administration, and at a time when anti-Semitism has risen by more than 20% in the past year alone, the Virginia State Bar has decided to boycott the Jewish country of Israel.

The boycott Israel movement has gained significant steam over the past 5 years, including prominent endorsements from Roger Waters, Alice Walker, Danny Glover, and Stephen Hawking.

Israel, the only country in the world with a Jewish population of higher than 2%. Israel, the only country in the Middle East that allows women and gay people to be treated with equality. Israel, the country where almost 20 Arabs are in the Israeli Parliament. Israel, where 1.6 million Arabs have the right to vote.

Are you aware that the federal government is charged with enforcing the Antiboycott Laws under the Export Administration Act? Those laws discourage, and in some circumstances, prohibit U.S. companies from furthering or supporting the boycott of Israel.

I am writing to express my great concern and disappointment about your decision.

Aaron
Virginia resident