Noem Reaffirms Support of Israel, Condemns Anti-Semitism, Signs Executive Order Against BDS Campaign

Noem Reaffirms Support of Israel, Condemns Anti-Semitism, Signs Executive Order Against BDS Campaign

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem today signed an executive order that joins 27 other states in condemning Anti-Semitism and standing against the Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. The Executive Order directs state entities not to contract with businesses supporting the BDS campaign.

“Israel is one of our nation’s closest allies, and their success is critical to American national security,” said Noem. “Today, we reaffirm that South Dakota stands with Israel and will only contract with businesses who agree to fairly compete. Our state will not stand for any discrimination based on race or religion.”

Executive Order 2020-01 ensures that state agencies are contracting with businesses who market broadly, positively impacting the state’s partnership with those entities for receiving goods and services. It also clarifies that the state will not be a passive participant in discriminatory tactics that advance the BDS campaign.

“For over a decade, the BDS movement has attempted to erode the confidence in Israel’s legitimacy by inflicting economic harm and limiting commercial relations through boycotts, divesting, and imposing sanctions against Israel,” said Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz, director of the Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota. “I am grateful that Governor Noem is standing up to this ugly resurgence of Anti-Semitism and unjust practice of discrimination against Jews, and for her continued support of Israel.”

“South Dakota has one of the smallest Jewish populations in the nation, yet the state’s strong support for the nation of Israel is unparalleled,” said Stephen Rosenthal, Chairman of South Dakotans for Israel. “This action sends a clear message that Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in South Dakota. Thank you, Governor Noem, for supporting Israel and our Jewish community.”

Noem’s Executive Order requires contractors and bidders to certify that they are not participating in the BDS movement when the subject of the state contract is related to the contractor’s boycott activities. Contractors and bidders who employ more than five people and are contracting for goods or services exceeding $100,000 must make the certification. The Order does not apply to individuals who choose to exercise a boycott by their own consumer purchases. Contractors and bidders should expect to see the certification requirement in new contracts or in responses to requests for proposal in the next 30 days.

During the 2019 legislative session, the South Dakota House of Representatives, with the Senate concurring, passed House Concurrent Resolution 1005 that declared opposition to and condemned the BDS movement. Governor Noem’s order today brings action to this declared condemnation.

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