Abstract
The movement to engage in Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) of Israel has become a significant political force over the past decade. This commentary reflects on the importance of that movement, highlighting how it reframes Palestine as a political space. By making the political demands of Palestinian refugees in exile outside of historic Palestine, Palestinian citizens of Israel, and Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Gaza all BDS demands, the movement brings the three primary segments of the Palestinian population into the same political frame. By calling for global solidarity with Palestinians, by highlighting the complicity of many parties (government, corporate, individual) in Israeli oppression of Palestinians, and by insisting on the intersections of the Palestinian struggle with many others around the world, BDS undermines the language of exceptionalism that has long been an impediment to action.
