Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By simmons on April 25, 2017

Students played an integral role in seeing that the Texas House passed a bill last week barring the state from engaging in business with companies involved with the anti-Israel BDS movement.

HB 89, sponsored by Representative Phil King, passed unanimously, 131-0. The bill strengthens ties with Israel, Texas' fourth-largest trading partner, according to the Jerusalem Post. Jesse Stock of StandWithUs, a pro-Israel organization, says students did their part in promoting the bill.

"There was a 'Stand With Israel Day' at the capitol and we mobilized ... close to 50 students who came to the capitol for the day and met with legislators and expressed why this legislation is important," he shares with OneNewsNow.

Stock says high school students are a "huge part" of what they do in supporting Israel.

"We have five high school interns in Dallas, one in San Antonio, and one in Houston," he describes. "All of them were active in trying to mobilize their friends to call their legislators as well to educate their peers about the importance."

Rep. King explained to StandWithUs that he had multiple reasons for taking the lead against what he considers economic warfare against the Jewish nation:

"First, as a Christian, my religious heritage is intrinsically linked to Israel and to the Jewish people. Second, as an American, our national security is dependent in great part on a strong Israel, often our only friend in the Middle East. Third, as a Texas legislator, our state has a substantial Jewish population and this issue is important to them. Texans have historical ties and do a lot of business with Israel. Fourth, it's just the right thing to do."

The Senate passed its version of the anti-boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) bill in March. It is expected Gov. Greg Abbott will sign the bill early next month.

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Read more from the original source:
Students in TX stand strong with Israel - OneNewsNow

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month
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