In retaliation for defending ourselves against Gaza terrorism, the UK has decided to place an embargo on replacement parts for some of the guns that our navy uses on the Saar 4.5 gunboats.
Now I've discussed boycotts against Israel extensively in the past.
The funny thing about embargoes and boycotts is that they can go both ways.
Turkey, for instance, decided to insult our President and deride Israel for defending ourselves. Israelis in return decided to boycott Turkey, and as a result, tourism from Israel (which was very significant) has dropped to almost nothing, and the Turkish government is beside itself as a result.
But there are other practical steps one can take on an individual level.
For instance, not long ago, the British government was lobbying the Israeli government to reduce liquor taxes, to boost sales in Israel of Scotch whisky.
With annual exports in excess of £2bn, Scotch Whisky is one of the UK's leading exports and supports thousands of jobs across the economy.
Well there you go. You can shoot off this quick EMAIL to the "Scotch Whisky Association".
Dear Sirs,
I love your country's Scotch Whisky, but due to the decision of your government to place a partial arms embargo against the State of Israel for rightfully defending themselves against acts of terrorism emanating from the Gaza strip, I must regretfully return the favor and boycott all Scotch whisky produced in the United Kingdom (and encourage all my friends and associates who support Israel to boycott your products as well), until such time that your government chooses to rescind their decision.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME [replace your name here]
Now obviously, no one wants to boycott Scotch Whisky, but isn't this email the least our Kiddush clubs can do for our Jewish State?
Up to $10,000 in scholarships, loans and grants for Jewish men (ages 20-30) to acquire a year of learning in Israel at Yeshivat Hamivtar.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
WHAT?! And give up single malt scotch?!
ReplyDeleteJoe: I think you've gone over the top with this post.
No problem here. American bourbons are better anyway....
ReplyDeleteJameel,
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough price, but if we aren't willing to bite the bullet, we won't have bullets to bite.
-Joe
Suntory single malt Japanese whisky is some pretty good stuff!
ReplyDeleteI don't see Jameel giving up his single-malt scotch so quickly!
ReplyDeleteRelaxing time...Suntory time.
ReplyDeleteA friend and aficionado agrees with the letter in spirit (!), but reminds us that the spelling of Scotch whisky should be without an "e".
Manya: Fixed :-)
ReplyDelete(Just goes to show you that google's spell check in blogger has no clue...)
You still need to fix the email link, where it's spelled "whiskey".
ReplyDeleteMinor modifications.....
ReplyDeleteDear Sirs,
I love your country's Scotch Whiskey, but due to the decision of your government to place a partial arms embargo against the State of Israel for rightfully defending themselves against acts of terrorism emanating from the Gaza strip, I must regretfully return the favour and boycott all Scotch whisky produced in the United Kingdom (and encourage all my friends and associates to boycott your products as well), until such time that your government chooses to rescind their decision.
Of course, by that time I may have developed a taste for Bourbon - that wouldn't be hard at all, as I'm sure you understand. We have many fine whiskies in the United States.
I believe that you may in fact be familiar with our barrels.......
bourbon yes, scotch no
ReplyDeleteTennessee whiskey is the best. Scotch is crap. Oh, there is a difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey)
ReplyDeleteCountries the British will sell arms to include: Sri Lanka (20,000 civilians killed since Jan.), Algeria (during their civil war), Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China (while they threaten Taiwan and Tibet) - just not Israel.
ReplyDelete