The Jerusalem hotel I am staying in is in the neighborhood of French Hill, which is considered an “illegal settlement” by B’Tselem and most of the world.
Before 1967, French Hill was a Jordanian military outpost that had few if any residents. Israel established the neighborhood after 1967, partially in order to join Mount Scopus, which had been isolated in 1948, with the rest of Israel.
It turns out that one of the very best falafel places in Jerusalem is French Hill Falafel.
Unfortunately, I cannot taste how good its falafel is because it is owned by an Arab and is not kosher.
As much as 16% of the residents of French Hill are Israeli Arabs. Which means they are “settlers.”
People who support BDS – and the UN – say that any business that operates in “occupied territory” is profiting from the “occupation” and must be shunned. Such a list is being prepared by the UN and is supposed to be published later this year in accordance with previous resolutions.
Will French Hill Falafel be on that list?
It is operating inside an “illegal settlement.” It is owned (almost certainly) by an Israeli Arab. It only exists because the neighborhood exists; its customers are by and large Israelis, both Arab and Jew.
By any definition, French Hill Falafel is profiting from the “occupation.”
If it was owned by a Jew, then of course it would be on the boycott list.
But it is owned by an Arab.
Up the hill from the falafel joint is the excellent Israeli burger chain Burgers Bar.
So the acid test for BDS is to ask them: Would you boycott French Hill Falafel?
Then ask: Would you boycott French Hill Burgers Bar?
Obviously the BDSers don’t boycott Arab-owned businesses anywhere, even those owned by Israeli Arabs. They only boycott Jewish-owned businesses and multinational businesses who seem to benefit Jews.
Which answers the question.
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