The state of New Jersey is employing a glaringly obvious double standard when it engages in sanctions against Iran and Russia on the grounds of human rights abuses, yet continues to support Israel despite reputable human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, finding the country guilty of crimes against humanity. The state recently invested $20 million in Israel bonds as an “affirmation” of the state’s confidence in the State of Israel and its economy, Governor Murphy said at the time.
At the end of the day, the right to boycott is essential to free speech, and the state’s hypocrisy only serves to strengthen human rights abusers abroad while diminishing freedoms at home.
Hamzah Khan is a Legal Intern at the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ New Jersey Chapter.
READ THE FULL OP-ED IN THE BURLINGTON COUNTY TIMES