Summary
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed language from a policy that previously prevented states and cities, which boycott Israeli companies, from getting federal disaster relief funding. This change was seen in documents called terms and conditions for applicants to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from April to August.
Key Facts
- The original policy said states and cities boycotting Israeli companies could not get disaster relief money.
- By August, this wording was removed from the FEMA terms and conditions.
- DHS confirmed there is no current FEMA requirement linked to Israel in its funding notices.
- DHS stated that grants follow existing laws and are not based on political opinions.
- The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which this requirement targeted, advocates for Palestinian rights.
- Between 2014 and 2023, at least 34 states created laws against the BDS movement.
- DHS spokesperson emphasized enforcing anti-discrimination policies, including those related to the BDS movement.
- States depend on FEMA funds for things like search-and-rescue equipment and emergency manager salaries.
