The first court hearing for the lawsuit against the Co-op is scheduled for Thursday, February 2nd at 9:00 AM at Thurston County Superior Court. The lawsuit against the Co-op has been launched in the context of increasingly belligerent backlash against the burgeoning global movement for Palestinian rights, and the outcome of this lawsuit will have profound implications, not only for the rights of communities to engage in BDS, but for the rights of all kinds of movements to take stands against injustice.

The Co-op’s legal team, which includes lawyers from the Center for Constitutional Rights and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, has filed a motion to strike this lawsuit as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, or SLAPP suit, which have long been used to undermine social and environmental justice movements by way of legal and financial intimidation.

As the motion to strike will come before the court at this coming hearing, February 2nd will be a pivotal moment in this precedent-setting legal case, and it is important that we fill that courtroom with local supporters.

Come to the court hearing to show your support for the Olympia Food Co-op and defend its right to boycott! Please come early, and make sure to be quiet and respectful in the courtroom. Let’s make sure that the outcome of this lawsuit strengthens rather than undermines the rights of social justice movements everywhere!

For more information about the lawsuit, visit the CCR case page.

Islamophobia is on the rise, and the movement for Palestinian rights is coming under increasingly aggressive attacks from its pro-Israel opponents. This coming Tuesday, UC Irvine graduate and member of the “Irvine 11″ Osama Shabaik and local organizer Andrew Meyer will make connections between what at first appear as two unrelated developments – the unjust arrest and conviction of 11 UC Irvine students who were protesting at a campus speech by Israeli ambassador Michael Oren, and the filing of an unjust lawsuit against past and present board members of the Olympia Food Co-op over its boycott of Israeli goods.

Osama will speak about the ways in which the experiences of the Irvine 11 are tied to Islamophobia, infringements upon free speech, and the criminalization of dissent. Andrew will then link the experiences of the Irvine 11 to Olympia’s own experience of legal intimidation, showing how both the crackdown on the Irvine 11 and the lawsuit against the Co-op are part of an increasingly belligerent campaign against the growing movement for Palestinian liberation.

Osama graduated as a Regents scholar with honors from UC Irvine in June 2010 with a Bachelors in Economics and a Bachelors in International Studies with a focus on Africa/Middle East. Osama was also active outside the classroom as a member of the Muslim Student Union, serving first as the MSU’s Treasurer and later as its Vice President. Osama was the first student that stood up and spoke out during Ambassador Michael Oren’s speech at UC Irvine on February 8, 2010. He is currently applying to law schools.

Andrew is a long time Palestinian solidarity activist, currently organizes with Olympia BDS and TESCDivest, and serves on the board of the Rachel Corrie Foundation. He recently traveled to Palestine with the Maia Mural Project delegation. He is also a student at The Evergreen State College, with an academic focus on social movements and the Middle East.

» For more information on the Irvine 11

» For more information about the lawsuit against the Olympia Food Co-op

*This event is cosponsored by Olympia JVP, Olympia BDS, and the Rachel Corrie Foundation

Go to the event page…

“We hope the court will strike down this effort to silence the Co-op’s principled stand on Israel’s human rights violations,” said Maria LaHood, Senior Staff Attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights. “Allegations that the Co-op Board acted beyond its power are a thinly-veiled attempt to stop concerned citizens from using a nonviolent and historical tool for social change.”

“This lawsuit, which seeks to penalize local citizens for exercising their rights as Board members to express views on Israel and the problems in the Middle East, presents a fundamental First Amendment issue,” says Bruce Johnson, author of Washington’s Anti-SLAPP Law, a member of the Co-op’s legal team. In the past, Johnson has represented organizations such as The Yes Men, and successfully motioned to dismiss invasion of privacy and misappropriation claims relating to the documentary film Sicko by Michael Moore.

The lawsuit is part of a fierce response to the growing global movement for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) of Israel until it ends its occupation of Palestine, respects the right of return of Palestinian refugees, and gives equal rights to Palestinians living inside of Israel. This backlash is coming from pro-Israel groups as well as directly from the Israeli Government, which recently passed a law that criminalizes advocating for boycotts of Israel.

In meeting minutes, the lawsuit is referred to as a “project” of the Executive Committee of StandWithUs Northwest, an international pro-Israel and anti-boycott lobby group. In Israel, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon confirmed the Israeli government’s involvement in anti-boycott efforts outside of Israel:

“It is very important to make use of all the means at our disposal, primarily judicial means…We are certainly moving here to a policy that is much more pro-active and not only reactive, and it is true – we are using…StandWithUs for leverage. There are also other organizations that we cooperate with…[and] this is certainly a trend that will get stronger.”

In March 2011, Akiva Tor, the Israeli Consul General for the Pacific Northwest, participated in a meeting with an attorney of the plaintiffs, the Regional Director and Co-Chair of StandWithUs Northwest, as well as a group of unnamed Olympia residents, for a “presentation of legal case.” Four out of the five plaintiffs are featured in a propaganda video produced by StandWithUs, “Why BDS Scars Don’t Heal.”

An ultimatum from the plaintiffs sent to the Co-op before the lawsuit was filed reads: “If you do what we demand, this situation may be resolved amicably. If not, this process will become considerably more complicated, burdensome, and expensive than it has been already.” The plaintiffs have refused to bring the issue to a vote – a democratic option available to any Co-op member – and have instead resorted to the court system in an effort to force their demands upon the Co-op and its membership.

The Co-op’s boycott of Israeli products was enacted on July 15th last year by a consensus decision of the Board of Directors, honoring a 2005 call from Palestinian civil society.

The Co-op has a rich history of taking stands for social justice. It has honored boycotts of apartheid South Africa, Coca-Cola, and grape growers in support of the United Farm Workers, among others.

One of the plaintiffs, Kent Davis, didn’t become a Co-op member until after the boycott was enacted, and is now purporting to bring the suit on behalf of the Co-op itself. Three of the plaintiffs lost by large margins to openly pro-boycott candidates in the record voter turnout November 2010 Co-op Board elections, demonstrating widespread support for the boycott among Co-op membership.

Contact:

Olympia BDS (@olympiabds)
contact@olympiabds.org
www.olympiabds.org

Sources:

• Press Release from the Olympia Food Co-op, CCR, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
• Center For Constitutional Rights case page
• The Olympia Food Co-op Blog
• Lawsuit filed against Olympia Food Co-op, seeks to force end to Israel boycott, Ali Abunimah, Electronic Intifada
• Anti-BDS Video “Why BDS Scars Don’t Heal.”

From a BDS perspective, we have summarized each candidates stated stand on the Co-op’s current boycott of Israeli products. As far as we know, only one candidate, Keith Dublanica, has taken an active stand against the boycott, when he urged the former board to rescind the boycott last fall. See more details below!

The most important thing: Go to the Co-op and VOTE before November 15!

Also, like last year, Olympia BDS has sent out a questionnaire of additional questions to each candidate, in co-operation with the local organizations Bridges Not Walls, Olympia Seed Exchange, and POWER. Board members at the Co-op will work on a large number of issues, some of which we hope are reflected in the answers to our questions. Click here to see all the responses!

The Candidates and the Boycott of Israeli Goods

Cezanne Murphy-Levesque says generally about boycotts that “I have an inherent desire to protect the human rights of all people, so I choose to participate. I believe I share this desire with most folks and this is why boycotts work.” Also, specifically about the current boycott: “I would like to see the Co-op do more to educate members and the greater community about past and current boycott participation. There is still a significant rift in the community regarding the Israeli product boycott. I think that the Co-op should consider another round of public meetings to keep the conversation going.”

How To Vote

The ballot and voting envelope is included in the Olympia Food Co-op’s latest printed newsletter, on pages 9-10. You can pick up the newsletter in either store. Remember, before you vote: Make sure your membership is current and paid for, and that your address is up to date in the Co-op’s database. Ask a cashier for a form to update your address if needed. The voting then works as follows:

1. Write your name and address on one of the envelopes provided.
2. Make a check mark next to the candidates you wish to vote for. Important: You can only check four candidates, if you check more, your ballot will not be valid.
3. Put the ballot in the envelope, seal the envelope and drop it in the ballot box in one of the stores.

(It is also possible to mail in your ballot. Make sure your full name and address show on the return address. Mail to Olympia Food Co-op, 3111 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501)

These are the Co-op’s own official Voting Procedures (from the newsletter):

The deadline for voting is November 15th. For more details on how to vote, see the current Co-op Newsletter or the Olympia BDS’ Voter’s Guide, that also includes a breakdown on where the candidates stand on BDS.

Question 1 (Bridges Not Walls)

We’re are an immigrant rights organization that recognizes that boycotts have historically been a tool for social justice, for instance the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Chateau St. Michelle, and the United Farmworkers; how do you see boycotts as being a tool for social change that recognizes the human rights of all?

Keith Dublanica: I see boycotts as having the potential of being very effective in addressing injustices while providing information to consumers of products and services that may have underlying elements not readily apparent that contribute to ongoing oppressions.  Social change opportunities and avenues come in many varieties.  However, I believe due caution is warranted when addressing the issue.  The framing of the argument and activity or actions planned may have other underlying effects and circumstances of a cascading nature that could be contradictory to the purported desire. Transparency and due process are a feature and factor in addressing what may be determined to be a social justice challenge.  While the goal may be admirable, the means to the ends should also weigh the possible circumstances that may be ambiguous with emotions perhaps generating heated responses.  A healthy facilitated process employing consensus-based decision making assures voices of all are heard.

Cezanne Murphy-Levesque: Boycotts are a powerful tool for social change because they do two things.  First, the boycott campaign educates the consumer about the situation, often a labor dispute or human rights issue.  Second, the boycott provides an immediate action for someone to affect change – ‘hey don’t buy this thing.’  I have an inherent desire to protect the human rights of all people, so I choose to participate.   I believe I share this desire with most folks and this is why boycotts work.

Rob Richards: There is a long history of boycott being used to effect social change, both in America and throughout the world. I believe that the boycott, being non-violent, is one of the most powerful tools we have, when used effectively. I will continue to push the Co-op to support organizations like the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, through financial contributions and various support as need arises.

Joshua Simpson: Boycotts are one of the most effective nonviolent tools for bringing about change and social justice.  The reason that people often find them threatening is because they work and having historically been proven to be a successful form of combating injustice.  Whether in support of farm workers, civil rights advocates, or in opposition to apartheid; boycotts have always been used to help give social justice movements more teeth in fighting for change.  The Co-op should continue to honor boycotts of producers that do not support the rights of their workers, and honor boycotts of nations that do not respect basic human rights.  I also realize that the harm likely to be imposed on those that are being boycotted always pales in comparison to the suffering of the oppressed people calling for a boycott.

Joseph Webster: Boycotts are an effective tool against injustice. Injustice should not be financed or supported. If someone knowingly finances or contributes to a wrong, they have committed a wrong.

Question 2 (Olympia BDS)

What would you do to ensure that the Co-op upholds its mission to “encourage economic and social justice,” and how does that relate to the current boycott of Israeli products?

Keith Dublanica: A healthy facilitated process employing consensus-based decision making assures the voices of all are heard.  As a Coop Board member I would cite the mission and the appropriate mechanisms needed for such decisions.  I believe the Co-op has investigated many of its decisions in appropriate forums with healthy discourse.  Regarding the current boycott of Israeli products, I do not believe that due process was utilized.  Certain members and staff have felt dis-satisfied with a lack of a participatory democratic process one expects from this organization.   Some feel alienated, not heard, responded to, or even considered in this particular issue. Responses are lacking. Certain Board decisions were made without full support of the membership and staff.  The process to reach that decision was not made in the best fashion possible.  If the mission is encouraging economic and social justice …there is an inherent hypocrisy in the lack of due process.

Cezanne Murphy-Levesque: Encouraging economic and social justice requires a constant commitment to educating our community, providing forums for open debate, and careful choices about what goes on the shelves at the Co-op.  The Co-op is a historical boycott participator – which ones, when, why?  Well, I don’t know all the details, but I would like to.  I would like to see the Co-op do more to educate members and the greater community about past and current boycott participation. There is still a significant rift in the community regarding the Israeli product boycott.  I think that the Co-op should consider another round of public meetings to keep the conversation going.

Rob Richards: The best and most direct way that we promote economic and social justice currently is by providing affordable fresh, local food and locally manufactured products. Beyond that, I’d like to see us expand our efforts in assisting organizations seeking to secure more local farmland, to empower more local manufacturers in getting their products to market, and expanding our outreach and education programs to more areas outside of our general membership, especially into low-income neighborhoods and populations. Due to current litigation, my legal council has advised me not to answer any questions related to the Boycott of Israeli Products. I feel that I have a clear record on this issue that can be drawn from.

Joshua Simpson: As a veteran of the war in Iraq, I have seen firsthand the effects of military occupation, and can sympathize with the Palestinian people who have been living under an even more brutal military occupation for decades. Since the people of Palestine have recently called for a boycott of Israeli products as a form on nonviolent resistance to the current status quo, and the Co-op has a duty to respect this call.  While some may think that the boycott of Israel is too extreme, it is important to point out that all previous forms of international intervention and peace-making have failed to convince the Israeli government to comply with international law or to respect the fundamental human rights of Palestinians.  I cannot think of a more peaceful way to oppose the occupation and oppression of the people of Palestine than continuing the current boycott.

Joseph Webster: As any institution in general, has an obligation to promote justice, both economically and socially. Any political entity guilty of injustice and oppression should be boycotted. In regard to the boycott of Israeli goods, I think the Co-op’s stand is correct because I do not think that any sane person on this planet would want to be treated as the Palestinians are not even Israelis.

Question 3 (Olympia Seed Exchange)

What role do you envision the Co-op having in community-based efforts to promote local food sovereignty?

Keith Dublanica: The Co-op can and should continue to be a leader in promoting food sovereignty. This is being done through the recent Food Summit, supporting slow food programs, local support of producers, continuing the environmental education the Co-op provides in their product line and better utilize the webpage and newsletter.  Community and local, grass roots….think global act local….these are familiar terms and ideas that support local production.  Food sovereignty can also address the aspect of consumer desires to have products that may not be locally produced except seasonally, so the continued investigation of the products and producers along with the food AND economic chains are important. Food production, the economics of local producers, and the lesser carbon footprint is also enhanced with better nutrition, personal and community health, through knowledge-based processes.  Local seed sources, heirloom varieties and lesser known (or valued??) species are an encouraging aspect of local food sovereignty.

Cezanne Murphy-Levesque: If anything, I think the Co-op should consider a campaign to minimize the foods and products on the shelves that are imported from overseas in favor of local foods.  Having a wide selection of foods is nice, but having a smaller ecological footprint and supporting local foods is better.  Providing more information with the food on the shelves will help our members make more sustainable choices.  I also want the Co-op to continue partner with other community organizations and do more outreach to restaurants, schools and other businesses serving food to promote local farmers and food producers.

Rob Richards: There are many great organizations out there looking to expand their reach, and that want to lead the way toward greater food sovereignty. I see the role of the Co-op as being to empower, support, and then ultimately get out of the way of these groups. We are in a unique financial situation where we can serve as an incubator for these organizations.

Joshua Simpson: The Co-op should continue to support local farms by giving farmers fair prices for their produce while still offering it at an affordable price to the public and low income members of the Co-op.  The Co-op should also continue to offer alternative ways for low income people to attain healthy food (such as purple cards, volunteering, and accepting SNAP benefits).  The Co-op should also make sure that all local farms and suppliers treat their employees, animals, and the environment in a way that encourages “economic and social justice”.  I believe that food is a human right and the Co-op should continue and extend its work to make sure that local food sources are given priority over food that has had to travel greater distances.

Joseph Webster: The promotion of local foods is one the best ways to reduce the ecological footprint associated with food production. I envision  Co-op  playing major role in promoting local foods to minimize the negative effects of food production on the environment and local business.

Question 4 (POWER)

We at POWER want to thank the Co-op for being the only business in town that provides a discount to shoppers because they’re low income, and recognizes childcare as a form of work, thus making it a working member job. What further measures would you take to address class barriers in our community?

Keith Dublanica: The local and regional economic strife are contributing to more and more people living closer to a lean edge.  Traditional retail and other establishments could take a long look at the Co-op decision to provide discounts.  The Co-op could take additional initiative.  The barriers of class and economics are being all the more intensified by the media through examples like the “occupations and encampments”  locally and nationally.  Food security, the ability to use volume and economies of scale, along with community inter-dependence are aspects of addressing the class barriers.  However, there are larger issues and forums where the methods and actions necessary to address and remedy such inequities may best be served by the Co-op in more of and an advisory or advocacy role.  This advocacy may be best done through Co-op Board support in forums, educational seminars, and facilitated discussions that address class barriers, perhaps through Evergreen State College.

Cezanne Murphy-Levesque: I would like to pursue accepting WIC benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children).  Also, how can we make it easier for folks to shop at the Co-op with out a vehicle?  Really, there is only so much you can carry on a bus, bike, or stroller.

Rob Richards: I stated above the importance of outreach and education to low-income people. I want see us really expand our efforts, but not just by holding workshops and “giving” poor people knowledge. If we are going to create lasting change, we have to structure our outreach around the concept of reciprocal empowerment. We have to create programs that aren’t based on pity, empathy, or even just solidarity – but a structure that supports differences and creates an atmosphere of equity among all participants.

Joshua Simpson: During tough economic times, the Co-op needs to make sure that all if its members continue to have access to healthy food regardless of their income.  The Co-op could work to extend the discount that it gives to low income members and possibly better compensating low income members who volunteer at the Co-op already.  The Co-op can also work to make sure that the prices of its food are always competitive with the unhealthy food options that are more easily available to members with less income.  If it is feasible for the Co-op to expand to other parts of Olympia, it would make access to Co-op more feasible to members who for whatever reason are less able to commute to the two current locations.

Joseph Webster: The Co-op should maintain its efforts to provide a discount to shoppers because they’re low income and encourage other businesses to adopt a similar policy. This method of redistribution is an effective mean to offset economic challenges and to ensure that everyone has their basic necessities.

(Allyson Ruppenthal, also a board candidate, had not submitted her responses at the time of printing this article. We will include it here if and when we get it.)

Olympia BDS is part of the People’s Movement Assembly, together with a slew of radical organizations in Olympia. Come and build the movement! Olympia BDS is part of a BDS workshop at 1pm – 2:25pm on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. Other workshops include “Low Income People and Students Organizing for a Fair Budget”, “Food Justice and Local Food”, and the opening panel “Connecting the Struggles”.

Go to the event page…

» Ali Abunimah: Uncovered: Israel’s role in planned US lawsuit to fight BDS

» Ali Abunimah: Lawsuit filed against Olympia Food Co-op, seeks to force end to Israel boycott

» Richard Silverstein: Israeli Consul, StandWithUs Engage in Lawfare Against Olympia Food Coop

» Richard Silverstein: Israeli Foreign Ministry Sponsoring U.S. BDS Lawsuits

» Israeli Channel 10 News (in Hebrew)

An ultimatum from the plaintiffs sent to the Co-op before the lawsuit was filed reads: “If you do what we demand, this situation may be resolved amicably [...]. If not [...] this process will become considerably more complicated, burdensome, and expensive than it has been already.”

Groups opposed to the boycott of Israeli goods have repeatedly refused to bring the issue to a vote of the Co-op membership – a democratic option available to any Co-op member – and have instead turned to the court system, prompting some to question the legality of bringing suit at all. Laws prohibiting “strategic lawsuits against public participation” or SLAPP suits aim to protect individuals and organizations that participate in protected speech. SLAPP suits have frequently been used as means of repressing public participation by way of legal and financial intimidation.

According to leaked documents, the Northwest chapter of the international pro-Israel and anti-boycott lobby group StandWithUs and Akiva Tor, the Israeli Consul General for the Pacific Northwest, have been working closely with the plaintiffs to bring the lawsuit forward. In an interview with the online news publication The Electronic Intifada, director of StandWithUs Northwest Robert S. Jacobs acknowledged advising the plaintiffs to focus on procedure rather than substance, noting that trying to persuade the Co-op Board to reverse their decision on the basis of political and moral arguments would “probably not [be] very successful.”

StandWithUs Northwest is also actively combating community boycott initiatives at several other food cooperatives, including a local initiative in Port Townsend, where StandWithUs recently brought Israeli Deputy Consul General Gideon Lustig to speak against the proposed boycott.

When asked about the lawsuit, Olympia Food Co-op Staff Representative Jayne Kaszynski remained focused on the Co-op’s commitment to social justice: “We can assure you that this lawsuit will not diminish our commitment to the rule of law and universal human rights for all people.”

The Co-op’s boycott of Israeli products was enacted on July 15 last year by a consensus decision by the Board of Directors. The boycott urges Israel to comply with international law, end its occupation of Palestinians, and respect the rights of refugees. The Co-op’s decision to boycott Israeli products sparked several months of constructive discussion on the store’s relationship to social justice, on Jewish identity, anti-Arab racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Last November, the election for the Co-op Board demonstrated widespread support for the boycott among the membership when five publicly pro-boycott candidates won by a large margin in a record turnout election.

“As as Palestinian refugee and a member of the Olympia Co-op I wholeheartedly support the boycott, as a way to save Israel from its own excesses, and to end the continued dehumanization of the Palestinian people under Israeli control,” says Farihan Bushnaq, Co-op member since 1983.

The Olympia Food Co-op is a cornerstone of the community in Olympia, WA, bringing healthy food to over 15,000 members. The Co-op draws connections between food sovereignty, local production, democracy, and collective management, and strives to “make human effects on the earth and its inhabitants positive and renewing and to encourage economic and social justice”. The boycott in question is follows various other boycotts and measures intended to promote these values.

The plaintiffs, who allege that procedural violations on the part of the Co-op’s Board led them to “sustain irreparable injury,” are seeking “an award of damages in an amount to be proved at trial” and that the Co-op’s boycott of Israeli goods be “declared unenforceable, null, and void.” The Co-op, an organization largely supported by community engagement and volunteer work, could be economically devastated by such a process.

“We’re all just shocked that the boycott opposition would risk closing the store just to make their point. It’s disgraceful,” says Andrew Meyer, a member of the local activist group Olympia BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions).

Sources:
“Uncovered: Israel’s role in planned US lawsuit to fight BDS,” Electronic Intifada, http://electronicintifada.net/content/uncovered-israels-role-planned-us-lawsuit-fight-bds/10350

The Social Justice Fair is a celebration of the one year anniversary of the Israeli Products boycott at our Co-op, and of all the important social justice work that is going on in our community. No less than 20 local organizations have signed up so far, and will table and plug their current projects! Also, confirmed live local music from Danny Kelly, as well as Richard Lopez & Friends (Richard will also talk about his recent experience aboard the US Boat to Gaza!). And if that wasn’t enough, The Really, Really Free Market is now part of the Fair and will happen at the same time.

» Read more about the Social Justice Fair…
» Read more about Friday’s Shop-In at the Eastside Co-op (also part of the celebration)

Shop-In

What better way to celebrate the Co-op’s stand for justice, than to go shop some local, healthy food at the Co-op? Together, let’s flood the Eastside store with compassionate, supportive shoppers (don’t worry, we will make sure the store has extra volunteers to accommodate the high volume of shoppers). Plan your weekly shopping for this Friday, and if you can’t afford much, that’s okay, come anyway!

» Read more about the shop-in…

ACT! Social Justice Fair

In celebration of our Co-op, and of all the important social justice work that is going on in our community, join Olympia BDS, Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), Coffee Strong, Rachel Corrie Foundation, Media Island, Fair Budget Coalition, KAOS, and others, in building bridges across movements. There will be live music, spoken word and representatives from all types of justice organizations sharing avenues for action.

» Read more about the Fair…