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About 15 people gathered at the store about 4 p.m. Thursday, and they plan to protest today and in coming days until the board reverses its decision, said Josh Levine, a student and co-op member.
The group was reacting to a July 15 decision in which the 10-member co-op board voted to approve a boycott of Israeli products to “compel Israel to follow international law and respect Palestinian rights,” according to a statement released by the board. That boycott announcement has been posted at its two stores and on the co-op’s website, at www.olympiafood.coop. Some gluten-free crackers, ice cream cones and moisturizing cream were removed from the stores.
Although the protest appeared peaceful, co-op spokeswoman Jayne Kaszynski said Olympia police were called because one demonstrator was yelling into the store.
“We support our members’ freedom of speech,” she said about Thursday’s gathering. “Our primary concern is their safety, and the safety of our other customers and staff.”
The board is interested in listening to members and others about its decision, she said. A membership meeting is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Olympia Center, Kaszynski said.
Members of the group at the east-side store Thursday said they were protesting the co-op largely because of the process leading up to the board’s decision, saying it wasn’t a democratic process and that other opinions weren’t heard before the board held its vote.
“The world knew about it before we did,” said Tibor Breuer of Olympia, who held a large red sign in the shape of stop sign that said “Stop shopping here!” Others held signs that said “Boycott the co-op” and “No Israel boycott.”
Eliana Stockwell-Ferber of Olympia said the board’s decision will “further serve to polarize our community” and others were concerned about what they viewed as the extreme measures needed to end the boycott, according to the board’s boycott announcement.
Andy Kaplowitz of Olympia, among Thursday’s protest group, said that declaration is tantamount to “asking for the dissolution of Israel.”
Chance Kroll of Olympia, who said he supports the board’s decision and who also was at the east-side store Thursday, emphasized that the board’s vote was directed at the Israeli government and not the Jewish people.
Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403 rboone@theolympian.com
