Sustained boycotts pressure Israel, says movement

The Malaysian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement urges a sustained boycott of products linked to Israel, emphasizing that consistent economic pressure is more effective than seasonal campaigns. Farwina Faroque, secretary of BDS Malaysia, stated that a current dip in boycott momentum stems from public misunderstanding of the Palestinian situation and a growing focus on domestic economic concerns.

Faroque explained that companies targeted by boycotts intensify promotions and use local celebrities to regain customers. She noted that the rising cost of living distracts the public from developments in Palestine, including the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. "Human nature focuses on matters that directly affect them and their survival," she said.

When genocide in Gaza gained widespread attention, the public was automatically moved to act, boosting the boycott campaign. However, Faroque observed that when people believe the genocide has "stopped" or "lessened", despite the reality of continuous attacks from the Zionist regime, their focus shifts to personal or economic issues. This situation challenges the sustainability of economic pressure but does not eliminate the boycott's effectiveness, requiring continuous advocacy to prevent public complacency.

The concept of targeted boycotts aims to strategically select a few companies for maximum collective pressure until a campaign objective is achieved. BDS advises following its official target lists for greater effectiveness. MyCARE's Advocacy and Research Executive, Megat Aiman Hakim Megat Shariffudin, clarified that the goal is not to bankrupt companies but to pressure them to end cooperation with Israel. He highlighted international boycott movements showing positive developments, with some institutions and countries divesting or limiting dealings with Israel-linked companies. He urged Malaysians to view the boycott as a continuous humanitarian responsibility, not just a response to widespread conflict.