Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) released the following statement:

“The American Studies Association’s (ASA) decision to boycott Israeli academic institutions, first and foremost, applies a deeply offensive double standard.

“In addition, by joining the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, the ASA has embraced an approach that is anathema to our desire for Israelis and Palestinians to co-exist in peace and security. Such a stance undermines prospects for a two-state solution and ultimately will perpetuate the cycle of violence. A peaceful and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will come only through direct negotiations between the parties. The ASA’s decision is particularly troubling in that it comes in the middle of newly revived peace talks led by the Obama Administration. Even Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas opposes boycotts and sanctions against Israel, like the one passed by ASA, out of a concern for the potential damage to the talks and ultimately to an enduring peace.”

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