Following a major push by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and its partners, the House Finance Committee voted Monday night to stop the attempted BDS bill from moving forward.
JEWISHcolorado’s JCRC wants to express its sincere gratitude to the Members of the House Finance Committee, for its decision to vote against House Bill 24-1169, “Repeal Divest from Companies with Israel Prohibitions Law.” This stance reflects a deep understanding of the complexities and the real impact of such legislation, against a backdrop of division, misinformation, and outright hate directed at Jewish People and the State of Israel.
We also want to thank each community member who took the time to send emails to the committee, attend and speak during the hearing, and those who sent letters of support. We accomplish nothing without you.
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement, despite its claims of support for Palestinian refugees, ultimately aims to abolish Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, fueling further conflict and division. Its leaders’ efforts to smear Israel as a “colonial state”—despite more than 3,000 years of Jewish history on the land–and to isolate Israel on various international platforms, do not contribute to peace or resolution. The false narrative of “Israel as Apartheid” ignores the reality of Israel’s democratic framework and the rights afforded to all its citizens, including Arabs and secular Israelis alike.
The BDS movement’s approach, focusing on conflict and isolation rather than seeking solutions, only widens the gap between the parties involved. It’s important to recognize that while there are legitimate concerns on both sides of this issue, the path to peace lies in dialogue and mutual understanding, not in boycotts, accusations, or one-sided campaigns, especially after the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2024.
The committee’s no votes are a testament to the careful consideration of all these factors. It is reassuring to see such thoughtful leadership in action, especially in the face of so much hostility from proponents of the bill throughout the hearing.
We thank the committee members for their principled stance on this matter. Their decision supports not only the values of democracy and equality but also promotes a more constructive approach to resolving political disagreements.