GLEN COVE, NEW YORK –Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) has sent a letter to the CEO of ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s condemning its clear attempt to delegitimize the State of Israel, calling it nothing more than a hollow gesture calculated to appease proponents of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

In his letter, which was signed by several colleagues in the state legislature, with more anticipated to join, Lavine urged Ben & Jerry’s to reverse the decision.“Israel is not simply America’s ally.It is the only democracy in the Middle East.It provides greater freedoms and protection to its residents than any other nation in that entire part of the world,” Lavine said.

As President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators and as a member of its national board of directors, Lavine is an effective voice for the Jewish community and for the state of Israel. He is a steadfast advocate for a strong alliance between the United States and Israel. 

Today’s letter in its entirety is attached.