For an Anti-Zionist Rhode Island DSA

 Passed by membership: September 2024

Whereas:

Zionism, as an enthno-nationalist political project, has resulted in the ongoing death, displacement, and dehumanization of Palestinians;

In line with Convention Resolutions #7 and 8 from 2017 and Resolution #35 from 2019, DSA National has publicly declared on numerous occasions in recent years that it “unapologetically stands in solidarity with Palestinian people everywhere”;

In line with Convention Resolution #8 from 2023, DSA has reaffirmed its commitment to the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and its opposition to Zionism;

Rhode Island DSA’s bylaws require our endorsed politicians to vote in line with our chapter platform, which includes “no more U.S. military aid to Israel,” “solidarity with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement,” and protecting the speech rights of pro-Palestine activists;

Rhode Island DSA seeks to contribute to a mass movement that can achieve Palestinian liberation by building and sustaining local partnerships with Palestinian organizations;

The national DSA’s struggles to hold elected DSA members accountable to anti-Zionist principles have fueled mistrust and harmed our organization’s working relationships with major Palestinian-led grassroots organizations;

It is important for our work that we as a local chapter make clear our principles and commitment to pro-Palestine values;

Be it resolved:

Rhode Island DSA denounces the national organization’s pre-2017 history of supporting Zionism and commits to being an anti-Zionist chapter.

Rhode Island DSA affirms that the following actions, by endorsed politicians or members, are in opposition to the stance of our organization:

  1. Publicly opposing the pro-Palestine movement (e.g., denouncing the BDS movement in public interviews; writing public op-eds denouncing student encampments; drafting and voting in favor of legislation that suppresses the right to freely criticize Zionism/Israel and/or the right to boycott).

  2. Participating in political junkets and Zionist events or projects hosted by the Israeli government or Zionist lobby groups, such as, but not limited to, AIPAC, Christians United for Israel, Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), or J Street.

  3. Providing material aid to Israel (e.g., congresspeople voting to provide Israel with material aid; giving direct financial donations to any kind of entity or organization that carries out Israeli settlement and Palestinian displacement, such as the Jewish National Fund, the Israel Land Fund, the Hebron Fund, and Regavim).

Rhode Island DSA pledges to:

1. Oppose legislation that harms Palestinians, such as:

a. Any official adoption of a redefinition of antisemitism to include opposition to Israel or support for BDS (e.g., IHRA definition of antisemitism).

b. Efforts to penalize individuals, universities and entities that boycott Israel.

c. Efforts to send military or economic resources to Israel.

2. Support legislation that upholds Palestinian liberation, such as:

a. Efforts to end Israeli apartheid and ethnic cleansing against Palestinians and promote Palestinians’ rights to return to and live freely on the land (e.g., H.Res. 2590).

b. Condemnation of Israeli apartheid and colonial practices (e.g., H.Res. 751).

c. Attempts to end the spending of U.S. tax dollars on Israel and/or sanction Israel until it ceases its practices of apartheid and colonialism.

Rhode Island DSA’s endorsement of political candidates will be conditional upon a commitment to Palestinian liberation:

  1. Candidate questionnaires will include multiple questions about the candidate’s position on Palestine and the above expectations.

  2. Potential candidates who cannot commit to the aforementioned expectations will be disqualified from endorsement by Rhode Island DSA.

  3. Rhode Island DSA will provide all endorsed candidates, in collaboration with trusted movement partners, with anti-Zionist educational materials and open-door counsel as needed.

  4. Upon receiving fair and ample opportunity for education, current or future endorsed candidates who do not commit to or maintain the aforementioned expectations will undergo a review by the Electoral Committee to have their endorsement revoked by a vote of the membership, with additional accountability measures (e.g. votes to censure or expel) considered, per chapter bylaws.

Rhode Island DSA commits to providing members with political education opportunities regarding Palestine and anti-Zionist politics, including but not limited to reading lists, chapter discussions, reading groups, speakers, and opportunities for local organizing.

Rhode Island DSA will oppose attempts to prevent pro-Palestine discussion or organizing amongst DSA membership, locally and nationally.