Responding to the news that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation into law that penalizes Americans who seek to express themselves through a boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements, Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund, released the following statement:

“This Georgia Law harms Israel and harms free speech. Make no mistake: this legislation is an effort to put a gag on those who oppose settlements and make sure that there will never be a two-state solution. The way towards a future for Israel that is democratic, just and equal does not—cannot!—include the stifling of free speech. Democracies protect free speech and dissent; they don’t silence critics.

“Our position is principled: We do not support the BDS movement. But any friend of democracy, and any friend of Israel — including those of us who do not support BDS — must proudly and firmly oppose this bill and any other bill that silences dissent and erases the Green Line. We will continue to demand principled protection for the democratic values and rights we hold dear.”