Pro-BDS Activists Refused Boarding on Flight from US to Israel

Five pro-boycott activists from the United States traveling to Israel as part of an interfaith tour were denied boarding by Lufthansa Airlines after checking-in at Washington’s Dulles International Airport at the direction of the government of Israel. Those prevented from flying are activists with the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, which encourages social, educational, professional and arts groups from having any interaction with the state of Israel. The Israeli action is the result of an amendment to Israel’s Law of Return that allows officials to ban entry to those who work against the state’s interests through the BDS movement. It is believed to be the first time Israel has acted to prevent passage by BDS activists by informing an airline that its passengers will not be admitted upon arrival. International carriers are responsible for passengers not admitted and face stiff penalties if they fail to honor the host nation’s instructions. Lufthansa informed the passengers affected by the diktat that their denied boarding was per Israel governmental order. The tour’s other 18 passengers were allowed to travel, but faced interrogation upon arrival that the JTA news service said lasted as long as two hours.