Message to BDS Activists: Boycott Israeli Technology and Innovation

Boycotting Israel and Jews has become a hobby for some, motivated by deep-seated prejudices and political biases. But let’s take a step back and really understand what that would really mean. Imagine a world without the innovations and contributions of Jews and Israel. If you want to boycott, that’s your decision, but please do it right! Prepare yourself to live without search engines, social media, browser tools, computers, and the list could fill this entire article.

“The Jews control everything.” Well, not everything, but they have certainly changed the world. Let’s talk about technology: Google, Facebook, and Netflix. They were all founded by Jews and are deeply dependent on Jewish and Israeli innovation and research and development. Without Israel, you would have to give up Waze, an indispensable tool for daily navigation, and even the computers you use, many of which are equipped with Intel chips designed in Israel.

Medical progress would also suffer. Jews and Israelis have pioneered many medical technologies, such as the ReWalk exoskeleton that allows paraplegics to walk again. And let’s not forget the Israeli rapid response teams that have saved many lives around the world in disasters, from Turkey (and why not a little gratitude?) to Haiti and so many others.

Here’s the thing: If you truly believe in boycotting Jews and Israel, don’t do things halfway. Stop using Facebook and Instagram to spread your message, these platforms are powered by Jewish and Israeli technology, co-founded by our good Jewish genius Mark Zuckerberg.

Stop using Google to organize your protests and brainstorm ideas (maybe we should ask co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page to stop that). Say goodbye to Netflix after a long day of advocating against Israel at Ivy League universities. And if you really want to boycott Israel, just stop using Waze or Google Maps to navigate your protests. Oh, and don’t forget your computer with an Intel chip inside? Down with the chips.

9th Generation Intel Core Mobile H processor (credit: INTEL)

Some might object: “But a boycott sends a political message and exerts pressure for change.” Yes, that’s a valid point. Boycotts have always been a tool for political and social change. But let’s be clear: this is not a principled stand. If you’re serious, implement the boycott consistently and comprehensively. Anything less would be hypocrisy.

Boycott the Middle East’s only democracy

And on a more serious note, boycotting the only democracy in the Middle East, surrounded by the worst people on the planet – from ISIS, Hezbollah and Iran in the north, to Hamas and the Houthis in the east and south and many more, is the worst thing you can think of.

Your message to them (murderers, rapists, terrorists and dictators) is the same: attack freedom, kill the Jews and we will reward you, even if we are next in line (just ask them, they say it out loud and write it so clearly you won’t even have to read it again).

Think about it: How many lives have been saved by Jewish and Israeli medical technology? How many people depend on Jewish and Israeli technological innovations for their daily work and personal lives? To suppress these contributions would not only harm Israel and Jews, but would cripple global progress and daily comfort.

So I call you again, mainly to the most extreme manifestations: if you truly believe in your cause, go all in. Abandon all technology and comforts associated with Jewish and Israeli innovation. No more social media, no more advanced medical treatments, no more GPS navigation, and a significant reduction in the efficiency of your computer. Live your principles fully or recognize the absurdity of your selective outrage.

I also ask you to recognize the invaluable contributions of Jews and Israel to the international community and work toward a future based on mutual respect and collaboration. The world without these contributions would be a much poorer place, and I know that the Ivy League students who scroll through TikTok all day don’t want that.

The author is a third-year student at Reichman University, pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship, and currently a member of the Argov Leadership and Diplomacy program.