Today, in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU challenging a Kansas law that imposes penalties on those who call for boycott of Israel or Israeli settlements, Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund, released the following statement:

“Democracies protect freedom of expression and dissent; they don’t silence citizens. Make no mistake: this legislation is an effort to put a gag on those who oppose settlements. It is an extension of Israeli settler policy designed to ensure that there will never be a two-state solution. It harms Israel, and it harms fundamental freedoms in America. No friend of democracy, nor any friend of Israel can, in good conscience, support this or any gag bill that silences dissent and erases the Green Line. We don’t support the global BDS movement, but we’re grateful to the ACLU for its work challenging this damaging legislation at the federal and state levels. The New Israel Fund and our partners and grantees in Israel will continue leading the charge to protect the democratic values and institutions we hold dear.”

For interviews with Sokatch, please contact Sharon Goldtzvik: 202.500.6362.