Tempers rose at the meeting with exchanges between two councillors, who spoke of their concerns about the move, and some very passionate members of the gallery who shouted at and booed them for their stance.
A police investigation follows a complaint from one of the councillors about intimidation by members of the public gallery.
The review will be undertaken by Council’s CEO and include suppliers used by Council and its investment and contractual obligations.
Cr Chris Cahill told council that the move was in line with what other like-minded councils are doing and in line with the ideology of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), a non-violent protest movement which was founded nearly 20 years ago.
BDS is non-violent movement, not an organisation, and its campaign against Israel uses economic and cultural boycotts, financial divestments, Government pressure to impose sanctions and calls to abide by International Law.
He said it highlights the humanitarian crisis that is happening in Gaza and is a very clear statement from council to those who violate the human rights of others.
“BDS Australia is very much a part of the global campaign to end support for Israel’s oppression of Palestinians and put pressure on the Israeli Government to comply with international law,” he said.
“Since October 7, there has been no significant ceasefire, or a cessation of hostilities against innocent people in Gaza. Dialogue between nations has been prolonged and has not stopped the death toll from rising. And that death toll stands at more than 40,000 innocent people, with a large proportion of those killed innocent children and women.
“In fact, the language and sentiment from the Israeli Government is not one of calling a ceasefire but one of determination to continue with their senseless campaign, a campaign at odds with the United Nations, world leaders and humanitarians from around the world.”
Council has been unequivocal in its support of a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
Companies, investments under review for human rights violations
A POLICE investigation is underway after an alleged threat of intimidation during a long and heated debate at the last Canterbury Bankstown council meeting, which called for a review of its investments and links to companies that are complicit in human rights violations on the Palestinian people, including the illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian Territories and the supply of weapons.
