FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we answer questions that might be of interest for our visitors. If you send us a question that has a generic significance, we might put your question and our answer to it on this page.
1 How can I help?
2 Who is behind Israeliskt.com (Israeli)?
3 Do you have any suggested reading?
4 Would you like to boycott the enemies of Israel?
5 What do you tell those in favour of a boycott of Israel?
6 What does the solution of the conflict look like?
7 Can my county/municipality boycott Israel?
1. How can I help? ^
If you're reading this on a modern computer, then you're most certainly already supporting Israel - most likely also through the everyday products you buy. But of course you can do more. Much more. Below ”Activism” you'll find advice as how to influence your local store and surroundings. The most important is really to stay informed and updated - you'll find some excellent sources under “Links”. There you'll also find examples of organisations that need your support. You can also tell us how to improve, or even better, donate a small amount, under “Contact”.
2. Who is behind Israeliskt.com (Israeli)? ^
We are a couple of citizens that find it natural to support the only democracy in the Middle East. Israeliskt.com is a independent, private, non-profit initiative, which is updated and expanded in our free time from work and University studies. Coordinator is Anders Engström,. Daniel Schechner and Mickey Levy can also answer any possible questions.
3. Do you have any suggested reading? ^
Yes, there's several good suggestions in the bottom of the page “Links”.
4. Would you like to boycott the enemies of Israel? ^
Actually - no.
Firstly - the enemies of Israel are sheltered societies and dictatorships. The exchange of goods is one of few channels and tools to open these societies to the exterior world. Instead of boycotting nations like Iran, Saudi-Arabia, Syria et cetera, we should make more business with them
Secondly - these dictators use the perceived “external threat” to legitimize their rule towards their citizens. Cuba is one such example of how boycotts do not work. The boycott has benefited the Castro dictatorship, which has been able to blame all evils on the boycott. For the ordinary Cuban citizens, the boycott has been a tragedy.
Thirdly - the first step of the democratization for the people is increased welfare. When the economy has improved and the basic needs been met, the citizens usually (not always!) demand increased personal freedom and political influence
5. What do you tell those in favour of a boycott of Israel? ^
They're trying to reach the wrong result, with the wrong tools in a battle they lose every day.
Wrong result;
They're trying to hurt the only democracy in the Middle East.
Wrong tools;
Boycotts do not work. And even if boycotts hypothetically would have worked, Israel is now independent of the export of fruit and vegetables that the boycott-advocates focus on.
They lose every day;
Despite harassment, various kinds of pressure and direct vandalism - the shops continue to sell products from Israel. Why? Simply because the aggregated demand is stronger than all the boycott activities combined!
The Israeli products are become increasingly hard to boycott. Who likes to throw the new computer in the trash? Turn off the broadband connection and stop using the cell phone? The boycott advocates usually not only fight against our dependence on Israeli products - and the high market demand - they usually also struggle against the EU as a whole, as well as the strongest economy in the world - the USA. Israel has advantageous free-trade deals with both markets!
6. What does the solution of the conflict look like? ^
We believe in a two-state solution. Exactly how the borders will be drawn, the two parties will decide in negotiations. What's clear, is that two democracies never fought against each in a war - the democracies of Israel and Palestine would exist to common benefit and usefulness. It's also clear that Israel is the economic stronghold of the region and the welfare engine of a future Palestine. The sooner Israel and the future state of Palestine can increase each others' welfare by the means of trade, the better.
7. Can my county/municipality boycott Israel? ^
No.
The issue (usually put on the table by extreme-left movements) has been tried several times in municipalities and the following inquiries has shown that a boycott would be impossible. In Sweden, a municipality cannot deal with issues that are in the sphere of the national government, according to Kommunallagen, KL (1991:900). The municipality simply does not have the legislative power to decide on a boycott.
Legal cases:
RÅ 1969 ref 52 adn 1975 ref 102. In these cases, it was shown that municipalities cannot legally issue recommendations for managers not to buy products from certain geographical areas.
The EU free-trade agreement with Israel.
The rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Even if the EU-Israel free-trade agreement came to an end, the WTO rules would prevent a boycott against Israel.
Do contact us if you need more information on this matter.