BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills City Council unanimously passed a bill supporting Assembly Bill 2844, according to a press release from the city of Beverly Hills. A meeting was held on Tuesday, May 17 to discuss the bill that will prohibit doing business with companies that discriminate against Israel and other entities.
At the meeting councilmembers voiced strong support for the “California Combating the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Act of 2016.” The BDS movement began in 2005 by a Palestinian civil society with the goal of “various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets its obligations under international law,” according to the BDS Movement webpage. AB 2844 was introduced by Assemblyman Richard Bloom who represents Beverly Hills.
On Bloom’s Facebook page, in support of Hillary Clinton’s combating BDS efforts, he wrote, “My anti-BDS bill, AB 2844, aligns with Clinton’s strong statement that ‘We must never tire in defending Israel’s legitimacy, expanding security and economic ties, and taking our alliance to the next level.’”
If AB 2844 is passed and signed into law, it will require the state Attorney General’s office to keep a list of companies that are engaging in discriminatory practices. It will also prohibit any California public agency from entering into or renewing a contract for $10,000 or more with companies on the list.
“I am very proud to be supporting this bill and congratulate Assemblyman Bloom for having the vision to combat discrimination against Israel in such an effective way,” said Mayor John Mirisch. “Beverly Hills and Israel have a strong and unique bond based on shared values and interests. We have established a partnership to take advantage of Israel’s leadership in key areas such water conservation; it is essential that these interests are not damaged by companies who seek to undermine Israel.”
