Today, in response to the Missouri legislature passing a law that penalizes Americans who call for boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements, Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund, released the following statement:

“Anyone who cares about a democratic Israel understands that legislation gagging free speech for opposing settlements is wrong, plain and simple. I’m proud to stand with all those who stand up to this Israeli settler policy.

“This Missouri Law harms Israel and harms free speech. This policy was designed by Israel’s extremist far-right to make sure that there will never be a two-state solution.

“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.”