Ecostream, near Waitrose on Western Road is a refill concept store, the first of its kind in the world, trialled here in Brighton and chosen for its green credentials.
Since its launch it has been picketed weekly by an anti-Israeli political group called the BDS (‘In 2005, Palestinian civil society issued a call for a campaign of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law and Palestinian rights. A truly global movement against Israeli Apartheid is rapidly emerging in response to this call.’)
The store is owned by Israeli owned fizzy drink manufacturer Sodastream.
Fed up with the BDS protests, a diverse group calling themselves Sussex Friends of Israel has formed, comprising members of the Jewish, Christian and now LGBT community, who come together each week, to counter demonstrate the BDS, with fun, friendly and inclusive initiatives, to show their support to the store.
This week the BDS were greeted with a Dana International Tribute Act (Israel Eurovision Song Contest winner) performed by Miss Chelsea Fox, from Just Divas.
Despite efforts to ruin her performance, with alleged homophobic comments Chelsea sang bravely on!
A spokesperson for Sussex Friends of Israel, said:
“Sussex Friends of Israel political activism doesn’t need to be about aggressive protesting – for us its more about coming together, making new friends and having a lot of fun, so if you’re passing between 1 – 3pm on a Saturday afternoon you’ll be very welcome to stop and say hello!”
“Israel has a unique position in the Middle East as a center of equality for all, and year after year has been voted the world’s best gay travel destination.
“The government of Israel is styling the country as a haven for the gay community. But it’s more than just beaches, parades and clubs. Israel has laws protecting the LGBT community and gays can openly serve in the Israeli army.
“This is in stark contrast to the the oppressive, violent and often fatal treatment that neighbouring gay Palestinians face – so much so that many risk their lives to cross into Israel every year.”
The Declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel (May 14th 1948) reads:
“The state of Israel…will be based on freedom, justice and peace… complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture…”
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For more information about BDS, CLICK HERE:
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