Act would allow falsely-labeling as ‘Made in Israel’ goods produced in illegally-occupied West Bank
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is calling on all Americans to urge their U.S. Senators to oppose – and if needed, vote “NO” on – H.R. 5179, the Anti-BDS Labeling Act sponsored by Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), which passed the House with a vote of 231-189 and is currently in the Senate Finance Committee.
H.R. 5179 seeks to enforce deceptive labeling practices by requiring products made in illegally-occupied areas of the West Bank to be labeled as “made in Israel.” Such labeling not only ignores international law but also undermines Palestinian rights and misleads American consumers.
Take Action Now: Urge your Senators to oppose H.R. 5179
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Coordinator Shafiquil Muhshna said:
“This bill seeks to allow falsely labeling products from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as if they were made in Israel. This is not just misleading—it is an endorsement of the ongoing denial of Palestinian rights and a violation of international law. Opposing this bill is taking a stand for truth, justice, and the right of consumers to make informed, ethical choices. Call on your senators today to reject this dangerous legislation and stand for transparency and fairness.”
CAIR strongly opposes H.R. 5179, as it codifies a U.S. Customs and Border Protection notice from 2020 that attempts to misrepresent the truth. Labeling products from illegal Israeli settlements as originating from “Israel” obscures the reality that these products are made in territories that are illegally occupied under international law, as widely recognized by the United Nations and many countries worldwide.
This legislation is also a direct attack on the First Amendment protected Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a peaceful form of advocacy that seeks to hold Israel accountable for its human rights abuses against Palestinians. By advancing such legislation, the U.S. government would not only favor Israeli interests but also interfere with the rights of American consumers to make informed, ethical decisions about the products they purchase.
The United Nations General Assembly reaffirmed its stance on this issue on September 18, 2024, when it overwhelmingly voted to adopt a resolution demanding that Israel “bring to an end without delay its unlawful presence” in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
SEE: UN General Assembly demands Israel end ‘unlawful presence’ in Occupied Palestinian Territory
CAIR remains committed to upholding human rights and promoting transparency in international trade practices. The U.S. government should not be complicit in hiding the truth from consumers or legitimizing illegal settlements in the West Bank.
SAMPLE MESSAGE:
I am writing as your constituent to urge you to oppose H.R. 5179, the Anti-BDS Labeling Act, and any language from the bill that could be added to a larger bill. This bill seeks to mislead American consumers by requiring products made in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank to be falsely labeled as “made in Israel.” Such deceptive labeling contradicts international law and undermines the rights of Palestinians.
International bodies, including the United Nations, have recognized these settlements as illegally occupied by Israel. By labeling products from these areas as originating from Israel, this legislation would effectively legitimize violations of international law and prevent Americans from making informed choices about the products they buy.
Additionally, H.R. 5179 is a direct attack on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which is a peaceful and constitutionally protected form of advocacy for human rights. All Americans deserve the right to engage in advocacy that aligns with our values and holds governments accountable for human rights abuses.
I urge you to stand for transparency, fairness, and international law by voting against this bill and any similar bill. The U.S. should not support policies that distort the truth or contribute to the ongoing denial of Palestinian rights and genocide.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your leadership in opposing H.R. 5179 and upholding justice and transparency.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com