BDS Star Linda Sarsour Barred from Israel

Israel has decided to bar Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour from entering the country, following a recommendation by the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry.

Sarsour, one of the most prominent American activists associated with boycott campaigns against Israel, had been expected to arrive in Israel in early July. Following the ministry’s recommendation, authorities decided not to allow her entry.

The ministry said Sarsour has for years been identified with international efforts to promote boycotts against Israel and is considered one of the leading figures in anti-Israel activism in the United States.

Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli welcomed the decision, saying it reflected the policy his ministry has been advancing against foreign activists involved in boycott campaigns.

“I instructed my ministry’s director general, Avi Cohen Skali, to prevent Linda Sarsour from entering Israel,” Chikli said. He described Sarsour as one of the most prominent figures in boycott activity against Israel in the US and accused her of helping lead violent pro-Hamas protests after October 7.

Chikli said Israel would continue to act against those who promote boycotts of the state.

“We continue to implement without compromise the policy I set at the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry: anyone who incites and supports boycotts against the State of Israel will bear the consequences and will be boycotted themselves,” he said.

Sarsour has long been active in political and social campaigns in the United States. In Israel, she has drawn criticism over her support for boycott efforts and her statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The decision joins a series of steps Israel has taken in recent years against foreign activists associated with BDS and international campaigns targeting the country.