The head of the EU’s leading Jewish organisation, the European Jewish Association (EJA), urged all European political parties to follow the German CDU’s example and officially oppose the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement as anti-semitic.

On Wednesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union party passed an official resolution opposing the BDS movement saying its actions are inherently anti-Semitic in nature. The CDU likened the movement activists’ actions to those implemented by the National Socialists back in the 1930s.

“Who today under the flag of the BDS movement calls to boycott Israeli goods and services speaks the same language in which people were called to not buy from Jews. That is nothing other than coarse anti-Semitism,” the CDU said.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, whose Brussels-based EJA represents thousands of Jews across Europe, said the move was one that every other European party should follow and he would urge them all in writing, to do so.

“The EJA applauds the official position taken by the German CDU and calls upon every European political party to do the same. We will be formally writing to every political party chairperson in the EU to issue a similar resolution. Mrs Merkel and her fellow party members have really hit the nail on the head. BDS, at its core is anti-semitic. It seeks to foster division and hatred.’’

“Israel is the only liberal democracy in the region of Middle East where people are free to fully exercise their civil rights and pursue their aspirations without hindrance. Furthermore, politically, culturally, economically and otherwise Israel is largely an integral part of Europe,’’ Margolin said.

He continued, “Europe and Israel have tremendous potential for cooperation in virtually every area – from agriculture, environment and culture to economy, technology and diplomacy. We urge European politicians to stand against discrimination, lies and deceit, and embrace fruitful partnership and productive cooperation. ‘’

“An important step on this road to greater cooperation is to follow the CDU example, and refute the hate-filled anti-semites of the BDS movement,” he said.

In its resolution, the CDU professes its deep friendship toward Israel and says it continues ‘’to work toward a peaceful solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.’’

Uwe Becker, the chairman of the CDU branch in Frankfurt, formulated the resolution and submitted it at the CDU conference.