Help Olympia Foods hold off Zionist pressure to end boycott

(CHICAGO, 07/23/2010) – The American Muslims for Palestine is concerned that Olympia Foods Co-op, the first grocery retailer in the United States refusing to sell Israeli products, is coming under attack for supporting the global BDS movement.

Help Olympia Foods hold off Zionist pressure to end boycott

(CHICAGO, 07/23/2010) – The American Muslims for Palestine is concerned that Olympia Foods Co-op, the first grocery retailer in the United States refusing to sell Israeli products, is coming under attack for supporting the global BDS movement.

Protestors have been picketing outside the store in Olympia, Wa., since news broke that nine of 10 Olympia Food board members voted July 15 to boycott Israeli goods. Members have called for a general meeting, which is set for Aug. 11, according to published reports.

“It is imperative that we continue to support Olympia Food, and to get our friends and family to do the same,” said Dr. Hatem Bazian, AMP chairman and professor of Near Eastern and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. “Olympia has a long, proud history of standing for justice by participating in boycotts. This stance takes a lot of courage. Olympia already is feeling the fallout from Zionist supporters. It is our duty as people who support peace and justice to stand strongly with Olympia.”

Some protestors say the ban is tantamount to asking for the dissolution of the state of Israel; others are threatening to withdraw their membership.

With this type of pressure, it is crucial that we continue to support Olympia Foods for taking this courageous stance. BDS is growing in this country. It is our duty to help Olympia stand strong in the face of opposition. If Olympia is successful, other retailers may begin to follow suit.

TAKE ACTION

• Let Olympia board members know you support their actions by sending them an email.
• If you live in the Olympia area, make sure to shop at Olympia Food.
• Write letters to the local papers and/or post comments on news outlets websites, supporting Olympia.
• Sign Olympia’s petition

CONTACT INFO

• Olympia Food has two Olympia locations at 311 Pacific Ave. SE or 921 Rogers St. NW.
• Email board of directors by clicking here.
• Sign the petition by clicking here.
• Post comments after articles found at these links:
• The Olympian
• The News Tribune.
• For more information, go to Olympia’s site.

The American Muslims for Palestine is a national, grassroots movement whose mission is to educate the American public about issues pertaining to Palestine and its rich cultural heritage. For more information, contact Kristin Szremski at 708.598.4267, ext. 22 or at [email protected]. To learn more about AMP, go to www.ampalestine.org.