Boycott evokes strong opinions

OLYMPIA - About 40 people gathered at the Olympia Food Co-op's east-side location Friday afternoon, the majority of whom supported the co-op board's recent decision to boycott Israeli products.

The supporters were joined by members of the South Sound Jewish community, who, for the second time in two days, took a stand against the board’s decision.

Co-op spokeswoman Jayne Kaszynski said the gathering was peaceful and civil.

Among the supporters was co-op member Amirah Ziada of Olympia, who said she wanted to show support for the co-op, which she says is standing up for human rights.

“I want to show that we do love and support them,” she said.

The two protests were triggered by a July 15 board decision to approve a boycott of Israeli products at its two stores to “compel Israel to follow international law and respect Palestinian human rights,” according to a boycott announcement released by the board. Gluten-free crackers, ice cream cones and a moisturizing cream since have been removed from the co-op’s two stores. Information about what the co-op did with the products after they were removed was not available Friday.

The board’s decision also has resulted in many phone calls and e-mails to the stores and staff members. Kaszynski said the staff has received rude and abusive phone calls, largely from outside the state and out of the country. Also on hand Friday to answer co-op member questions were board members Suzanne Shafer and Jessica Laing, but questions from the news media were directed to Kaszynksi and Harry Levine, a staff representative to the board.

Eliana Stockwell-Ferber of Olympia returned to the east-side store Friday to protest the board’s decision after participating in a similar protest Thursday. Her concerns were unchanged. She said she was unhappy with the lack of due process leading up to the board’s decision and wishes the board would rescind its decision.

“I want to get in a space where we can hear each other,” she said of the two sides.

Co-op members and others will get a chance to further discuss the board’s decision at a meeting next month. The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at The Olympia Center.

Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403 rboone@theolympian.com