To George Mason University Dining Services, As members of the community at George Mason, we are proud that Dining Services strive to “protect and improve the environment” and “make every day a better day and every tomorrow a better tomorrow.” This mission has manifested itself in the implementation of various innovative sustainability projects, like the removal of straws and trays in the dining halls. However, we are disturbed by the fact that Dining Services continues to stock its stores (OneStop in particular), with products whose manufacturers directly profit off of the illegal occupation of Palestine. The offering of such products stands in stark contrast to both Sodexo’s vision, and also that of George Mason University as a whole, and one that is “committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.” In accordance with the call issued by Palestinian civil society for a boycott, divestment, and sanctions campaign against the benefactors of the illegal occupation, we demand that you cease to stock, offer, and buy the Sabra family of products. Sabra Hummus is co-owned by the Strauss group, which support the Israeli army’s Golani and Govati Brigades. These brigades have been charged with various human rights violations, as well as the killing of at least 1400 Palestinian civilians during a siege on the Gaza Strip. As a university that prides itself in its commitment to freedom and justice, we must strive for these values with not only our words, but also our actions. Boycotting Sabra hummus is not only part and parcel of our duty as the Mason community to be “engaged citizens,” but also part of our duty to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories in their struggle for justice, human rights, and peace. We, the undersigned, refuse to support the illegal occupation of Palestine and the system of apartheid in Israel, by any way, shape, or form, and urge GMU Dining Services to do the same.

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