Chile Activist Pushes For Ban On Israeli Tourists
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
A Chilean Palestinian official is urging his country to refuse entry to Israeli tourists after he was barred from entering the Jewish state.
Anuar Majluf, executive director of the Palestinian Federation of Chile and a prominent BDS, or boycott, divestment and sanctions, movement activist, was refused entry by the government of Israel on April 10 when he arrived there leading an annual Easter pilgrimage.
“The Chilean government should act reciprocally and refuse entry to Israeli citizens who come as tourists to Chile. If Israel knew that its repressive actions and laws have consequences, it would be much less likely to enact them,” he said.
“As Chile allows the free entry and passage of Israeli citizens, it is unacceptable that Israel openly violates the rights of Chilean citizens,” said Chilean Senator Eugenio Tuma, who is of Arab descent. His statement was then echoed by two other congressmen.
Majluf publicly promotes boycotts against the State of Israel and acts to undermine the bilateral relations between Israel and Chile, with an emphasis on economic relations and trade.
Chile is home to some 15,000 Jews. The country is also believed to host the largest Palestinian community outside of the Arab world, with more than 300,000 members.
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