Boycott Israel! Boycott RE/MAX!
On Friday the 26th of July, in support of the Palestinian led Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) movement, Éirígí activists in Galway held a picket outside the RE/MAX office in Eyre Square.
RE/MAX is one of the largest real estate corporations in the world, whose operations include marketing and selling property in illegal Israeli settlements built on stolen Palestinian land.
Éirígí Gaillimh activists and supporters outside the RE/MAX office on Eyre Square.
Speaking from the picket, Ian Ó Dálaigh, Éirígí’s Galway representative said,
We organised this picket to send a direct message to those who facilitate Israel’s colonisation of the West Bank. RE/MAX are one of many companies guilty of this crime. And when we say crime, we mean it! Because last week, the International Court of Justice found that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory since 1967 is unlawful.
This is a major decision, and one that the international community needs to recognise and act on NOW! There is a legal and moral duty on all right-thinking people to oppose the illegal occupation of Palestine. The BDS movement will be central to this.
Éirígí Gaillimh activists and supporters outside the RE/MAX office on Eyre Square.
Ó Dálaigh continued,
We in Ireland are well versed in the boycott tactic. The term originated here, during an 1880s tenants struggle in Mayo against an English land agent, called Charles Cunningham Boycott.
During The Tan War, RIC members, and anyone who interacted with the RIC, were subject to a widespread and highly successful boycott.
In 1984, the Dunnes Stores workers who refused to handle Apartheid South African goods gave hope and inspiration to those who were struggling against the apartheid regime - a regime which eventually crumbled.
So let us continue this long and proud Irish tradition of boycotting injustice. Boycott goods and services originating from the Apartheid state of Israel, along with goods and services from those companies who support the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.
BDS is one of the most effective ways by which each and every one of us can oppose this genocide. Visit bdsmovement.net and download the ‘No Thanks’ app for more information on how to effectively boycott Apartheid Israel.
The leaflet handed out to passersby.
Ó Dálaigh finished by saying,
As Irish republicans, Éirígí stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle for a homeland free from occupation. We would encourage our members and supporters to join or organise local BDS actions, attend solidarity demos, talk to family and friends about BDS! Play your part in the global movement for a free Palestine!