Methodist Church Prepares to Join U.S. Campaign Boycotting Israel

The United Methodist Church is reportedly preparing to join a campaign aimed at boycotting Israel, as part of a broader movement involving 293 U.S. universities. The initiative, known as the “Israel district” campaign, seeks to withdraw investments from Israel and boycott U.S. and global companies that profit from the occupation of Palestinian territories. Activists involved in the campaign have expressed hopes that the Methodist Church will align with this effort, given its significant influence over 8 million Americans.

The campaign is described as a strategic effort to broaden the focus of the conflict with the “Zionist Project” and transform universities, churches, and trade unions into centers supporting Palestinian rights. District activists have emphasized the need to expand awareness of daily crimes and breaches committed by Israel, particularly through the postal system and other means. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to mobilize volunteers and expand the information campaign.

Within the Methodist Church, preparations for the campaign have already begun, with the church conference in Oregon set for next May. Activists have begun briefing the 4,000 members of the conference on the alleged crimes and breaches attributed to Israel. The goal is to persuade members to vote in favor of joining the “Israel district” campaign, which would mark a significant shift in the church’s stance on the issue.

The Church Investment Management Committee has reportedly issued a recommendation supporting county-level actions, which could influence the General Conference members’ decision to formally adopt the district’s position. Models of county decisions are being prepared under the supervision of co-counsel and will be distributed to student federations at the 293 participating universities.

The campaign reflects a growing movement within certain religious and academic circles to address perceived injustices related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the Methodist Church’s involvement remains a matter of ongoing discussion, the campaign underscores the increasing role of religious institutions in shaping public discourse on global issues.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)