Divestment is a sign of hope for Israelis

As an Israeli student studying in the US, it is important for me to go
back home as often as I can, to see my friends and family. During my
latest visit, what struck me the most was the contrast between the
peacefulness and calm of life Tel Aviv, and the general atmosphere of
quiet despair. The Israelis that I know are yearning for peace. Some have
been campaigning for it for many years, but the forces that are pushing to
deepen the occupation feel too strong. By divesting you are pointing to a
way out, a route forward that can strengthen those forces within Israeli
society that are working for change. It is deeply offensive to present the
destructive practices of the occupation as containing the essence of
Judaism or Israeliness; your divestment could never honestly be labeled as
antisemitic. I thank you for intervening on behalf of both Israelis and
Palestinians.