In the midst of their onslaught of legalese and distorted facts and under the misleading headline, “Anti-BDS law prevents discrimination” (March 11), Ron Machol and Joseph Sabag go to great lengths in their commentary to characterize the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement as a terrorist organization.
I have neither the talent nor the inclination to refute their flood of legal citations. I can, however, point out an instance of blatant misrepresentation whether accidental or intended. They assert that anti-BDS laws “do not require state residents to take ‘oaths’ in favor of Israel.” Surely, these learned gentlemen are aware of the case last year in Austin, Texas wherein one Bahia Amawi, who worked for the local school district treating developmentally disabled children, was fired for refusing to sign a pledge that she did not currently boycott Israel and would not do so during the term of her contract (“Maryland man sues Hogan, Frosh for executive order forbidding contracts with those who boycott Israel,” Jan. 10).
Hers is just one of numerous similar instances where individuals have been persecuted for exercising their Constitutional right to free speech. No matter what the authors may call it.
John M. Sharpe, Glenelg