The Blogs: Why We as Muslims Reject BDS

Why We as Muslims Reject BDS: Real Peace Requires Bridges, Not Boycotts

By Mansoor Hussain Laghari
Founder, Global Youth Unity Project (GYUP)
U.S. Army Veteran | Muslim Zionist

The easiest thing in the world is to destroy a bridge.

The hardest thing is to build one.

At a time when extremists are trying to convince Muslims and Jews that we are destined to be enemies, a different story is being written — not with slogans, but with action.

I am honored to stand alongside Imam Musa, whose leadership and vision are at the forefront of this historic Muslim-led anti-BDS initiative. Imam Musa has stepped forward with courage at a difficult moment, reminding the world that Muslims have a powerful role to play in fighting antisemitism, rejecting extremism, and building peace.

Together with partners including the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), Muslim Women Speakers Bureau, Global Youth Unity Project (GYUP), Abrahamic Public Relations Council, Muslims–Israel Dialogue, and other courageous Muslim and interfaith leaders, we are sending a clear message:

Muslims and Jews do not have to be enemies.

We can be partners.

We can be family.

This initiative is not only about opposing BDS. It is about offering a better vision.

For years, the world has heard voices demanding boycotts, separation, and isolation. But history teaches us that peace is not created by cutting people off from one another.

Peace requires engagement.

Peace requires understanding.

Peace requires investment in each other.

That is why Imam Musa’s leadership matters. He understands that real change does not happen by standing on opposite sides shouting at each other. It happens when brave people walk into difficult conversations and choose humanity over hatred.

As founder of Global Youth Unity Project, I joined this effort because our mission is built on the same belief: the next generation should not inherit the prejudices and conflicts of the past.

We work to bring Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other young leaders together before extremists have the chance to teach them hate.

As a Muslim, I also believe we must have the courage to confront antisemitism wherever it exists — including within our own communities.

Supporting Palestinian dignity should never mean denying Jewish history. Caring about one people should never require hating another.

When I visited Israel, I saw a reality far different from the one extremists promote. I saw Muslims and Jews working side by side. I saw cooperation in hospitals, businesses, and communities. I saw people who wanted what all families want — security, dignity, opportunity, and peace.

October 7 showed the world the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred. Hamas did not only attack Israel; it attacked coexistence itself. It attacked the belief that Muslims and Jews can share a future.

But they failed.

Every Muslim leader who stands against antisemitism proves them wrong.

Every Jewish leader who extends a hand in friendship proves them wrong.

Every organization willing to build bridges proves them wrong.

I am proud to work with Imam Musa and all the leaders of this coalition because history is not changed by those who remain silent.

It is changed by those willing to stand when standing is difficult.

This movement is bigger than politics.

It is about the children who will come after us.

Will we leave them another generation of anger and division?

Or will we leave them the courage to see each other as human beings?

The children of Abraham have spent too long separated by fear.

Now we must be united by hope.