Peace Now appreciates foreign support for a two state solution and concern for the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis, Christians, Muslims and Jews, however we oppose the use of divestment/boycotts as a vehicle to further peace.   

The ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and escalations in violence leads only to distrust on both sides. The parties in the conflict must all make sacrifices in order for there to be peace.  Neither party is blameless. 

Moderates around the world must work together to bring about a negotiated two-sate settlement in which sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states can live side by side securely, peacefully and with justice.
 
Divestment and Boycotts have broad implications in terms of relationships, but not in a positive way.  Divestment/ Boycotts hardens hearts.  It misunderstands the parties in the conflict and the need for balance. Selling shares in a company that sells to the Israeli government will not result in Israelis embracing territorial compromise, nor will it cause Palestinians to reject violent elements within their society.  Each party is informed by a far more complicated set of factors than private investments.
 
The cause of peace demands that everyone strives to understand the complex set of realities that face all of the parties.  And that we work to reconcile differences.  Investments can be used in ways that promote coexistence and cooperation, instead of boycotts, there are many peace promoting and educating programs and initiatives that need support.   

We believe that we must reject punitive, divisive measures such as divestment/ boycotts and embrace a balanced approach to peacemaking that will foster dialogue, understanding, and trust. 

Opposition to Israeli policy is no sin,but the kind of overwhelming imbalance that divestment and boycotts plans are bringing to bear, can only make it more difficult to attain the just peace we all claim to want.