Mayo IPSC hosts talk on boycotts and solidarity with Gaza

The Mayo Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (MIPSC) hosted a successful information evening in Castlebar to empower individuals, clubs, schools, businesses, and community organizations to take meaningful action in support of the people of Gaza.

The event highlighted how ordinary people can use their influence as consumers, workers, and club members to send a clear message to Israel that there are serious economic, cultural, and social consequences for its actions.

Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) speaker Brónadh Ní Bhriain drew on Ireland’s history of non-violent activism: “We can draw inspiration from our history. Mayo was the setting for the first boycott. More recently, the Dunnes Stores workers’ refusal to handle South African goods during the apartheid era shows how grassroots campaigns can create significant political and social impact.”

Ní Bhriain stressed the need for strategic, targeted boycotts of companies complicit in Israel’s actions, rather than spreading efforts too thin: “People are shocked to learn that everyday products can be linked to war crimes in Gaza. A powerful example is Teva Pharmaceuticals, which supplies many generic medicines in Irish pharmacies. Already, customers are asking pharmacists for alternatives, and that is a meaningful act of resistance. We are calling on pharmacists to take the next step and de-stock Teva where other options exist.”

She explained that the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement rests on six key pillars:

• Municipal boycott

• Academic boycott

• Sports boycott

• Consumer boycott

• Cultural boycott

• Divestment

Ní Bhriain also highlighted states’ and local authorities’ legal obligations under the UN Genocide Convention to act against genocide:

“We call on Mayo County Council to lead by example by adopting ethical procurement policies and implementing them. This means beginning a process of reviewing their suppliers and divesting from complicit businesses and corporations.”

Turning to Apartheid-Free Zones (AFZs), Ní Bhriain described them as a way to broaden the movement while making it accessible:

“Apartheid-Free Zones are similar to BDS targets, but work in a different way. The idea is to create welcoming communities that invite people into the movement. Signing up is a pledge to follow the BDS boycott list, while recognising it as a journey. Towns, schools, clubs, and businesses can declare themselves Apartheid-Free, showing solidarity and making their values visible.”

She concluded: “BDS puts power in the hands of ordinary people. It is a non-violent, grassroots movement that builds pressure for justice from the ground up.”

Displays at the event drew attention to corporations complicit in Israel’s actions and some of the products sold in Ireland. Coca-Cola and Pepsi loomed large, but alternatives were highlighted.

Hewlett Packard (HP) also came under scrutiny. While recognising that it was not realistic for individuals, businesses, or schools to discard existing HP equipment, attendees were encouraged to bear this in mind when making new purchases and to spread awareness. Ní Bhriain added: “When you refuse to buy from a complicit company it is important to tell the retailer why, and thereby bring them into the movement.”

Examples of Local Action

• Clubs & Sports Teams: Refuse sponsorship from companies linked to Israeli policies, organize awareness campaigns, and choose suppliers aligned with ethical standards.

• Schools & Colleges: Introduce educational sessions on BDS and human rights, divest from Israeli products in cafeterias or fundraising activities, and encourage students to make ethical purchasing choices.

• Businesses & Shops: Avoid stocking products from Israeli companies or multinationals that support the occupation, publicly communicate your commitment to ethical sourcing, and support community awareness campaigns.

• Community Organizations: Host informational events, promote ethical purchasing initiatives, and join campaigns encouraging local participation in BDS or Apartheid-Free Zones.

READ MORE: Mayo councillors express support for people in Gaza

Drop Allianz Campaign

Barrister Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh, from the Drop Allianz campaign, said at the meeting: “Allianz has massive investments in the Israeli economy of genocide. In fact, they are one of the few international companies to have increased their investment in Israel since the offensive against Gaza began, particularly in Elbit Systems, the Israeli weapons manufacturer.”

Ní Bhrollaigh then called on the GAA to drop its sponsorship deal with Allianz: “Allianz’s involvement in Israel only came to light in June of this year thanks to the important work of Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. We brought this information to GAA leaders, but they have not yet responded or met us. However, a huge number of players and ordinary members are supporting the campaign to Drop Allianz.”

READ MORE: Three Mayo GAA signatories call for GAA to drop Allianz over Gaza

She urged local action: “We are calling on Mayo County Board to table a motion at the October Special Congress to end the relationship with Allianz. There is no legal obstacle – the information about Allianz’s role in supporting genocide only became public in June. That provides adequate legal grounds to end the relationship immediately.”

Ní Bhrollaigh also highlighted Allianz’s role in church and school insurance: “Every Catholic school and church in Ireland is insured by Allianz, en bloc. I am hopeful, based on recent statements, that the Catholic hierarchy will soon decide to end that relationship too. But this will only happen if pressure is applied. Members of parish finance committees should raise this issue at their next meeting to ensure that the Church follows through on divesting from Allianz.”

She concluded by praising recent Church statements on Gaza but cautioned: “While their statements have been strong and bode well for moral leadership, action has not yet been taken. Pressure from congregations is still needed.”

The Mayo Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign thanked all attendees for their engagement and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting grassroots action in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Mayo IPSC can be contacted on ipsc.mayo@gmail.com; IG @mayo_ipsc; Facebook Mayo or see www.ipsc.ie. The Drop Allianz Petition is located at change.org/p/drop-allianz-gaa-must-end-partnership-with-complicit-corporate. More information on Apartheid-Free Zones: apartheidfree.ie and boycat App: boycat.io