https://youtube.com/watch?v=wF_IPieE5qM
A video by an Orthodox Jewish rapper that has recently gone viral sends a powerful message to all those calling for a boycott of Israel.
In the song, entitled “Boycott Israel,” 27-year-old Ari Lesser points out the double standards of the global BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) efforts against Israel, illustrating that there are dozens of nations other than Israel that violate human rights.
“Boycott Israel if you think that’s just,” he says in the chorus, “but unless you have a double standard you must also boycott the rest of the nations with allegations of human-rights violations.”
Lesser does not argue that Israel shouldn’t be criticized, noting that “we’re not perfect.” But he suggests that viewers “take a look at the rest of the earth.”
He raps about the obscene human-rights abuses of nations such as Yemen, Pakistan, and Colombia, noting that those who support a boycott of Israel should boycott these nations as well.
“Don’t pick and choose to pick on the Jews,” he says. “Pick up the paper and read the news.”
Back when the video came out last fall, Lesser told the Times of Israel, “Really, you see if you’re not willing to boycott every major country — and minor country — in the world, then BDS is anti-Semitism, or anti-Israelism, or whatever.”
The BDS movement calls for cutting off Israel “until it complies with international law and Palestinian rights.”