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February 24, 2014

UCLA Undergraduate Student Association Council


Los Angeles, CA


Dear Student leaders,

I write this letter on behalf of the leadership of the Los Angeles region of AJC
(American Jewish Committee). For over a century, AJC has fought for human
rights and democratic values here in Los Angeles and throughout the nation and
world. We are passionate advocates for a two-state solution that will ensure the
rights of Israelis and Palestinians.

In that spirit, AJC notes with grave concern the one-sided, cynical resolution
now before you that calls upon the Regents of the University of California only to
divest funds from selected corporations doing business in Israel. The resolution
is a call for destructive, not constructive, action and hinders the critical Israeli-
Palestinian peace process currently underway.

Please understand that this divestment resolution falls squarely within a
broader, well-funded and organized campaign known as BDS (Boycott,
Divestment, Sanctions). BDS delegitimizes and vilifies Israel, often employing
misinformation and half-truths in order to demonize the country.

Singling out Israel for selective divestment bespeaks an incredible double
standard. Are you prepared to divest funds from companies conducting
business in states that truly violate human rights with their oppressive, brutal
regimes such as China, Syria, Iran or Sudan? Make no mistake about it: this
resolution and others like it consistently and solely single out Israel. As student
government leaders, I would urge you to ask yourselves: why?

I am the proud father of a UCLA alumna (class of 2006) and had the pleasure of
being on campus yesterday to hear Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S.
Permanent Representative to the United Nations, deliver a keynote address at
Schoenberg Hall. A UCLA student asked her about the divestment resolution
now under consideration.

Ambassador Power was unequivocal in her response, pointing out how
counterproductive these resolutions are, especially with ongoing peace talks
under the watchful eye of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Divestment
campaigns ignore Israel's humanitarian aid in the region (e.g. with Syrian
refugees) and the world (e.g. in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti), and
Israel's recent admission into several regional groups at the United Nations.

Please do not be misled by divestment proponents who claim that this resolution
is pro-peace. This resolution does nothing to help the Palestinians improve their
lives, begin state building, or develop democratic institutions. Instead, we
implore you to call for opportunities that build peace and support efforts and
programs that bring Israelis and Palestinians together. We encourage you to
soundly reject this resolution, and instead work together with your fellow UCLA
students and UC Regents to invest in projects that will advance prospects of
peace.


Sincerely,



Rabbi Mark S. Diamond
Director, AJC Los Angeles

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