Jewish-American activist barred from entering Israel

By Osama al-Ghassani

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli authorities late Sunday barred a Jewish-American activist from entering the country following her arrival at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, Israeli daily Haaretz reported Monday.

Israel accuses the activist, Ariel Gold, of being affiliated with Code Pink, an NGO critical of Israel, and of having links to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which calls for an international boycott of Israeli goods until Israel complies with international resolutions.

After Gold was interrogated by security agents at Ben Gurion airport, Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan recommended that she be banned from entering the country due to her political affiliations and activities.

Interior Minister Arye Dery also ordered that her student visa be revoked, thus preventing her from entering Israel.

Israeli officials have described the BDS movement as a “strategic threat” after it launched an effective campaign against goods produced in Israel in general and in illegal Israeli settlements in particular.

The movement also continues to have an active presence on the cultural, artistic and academic levels.