CAIA (Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid) launched the campaign to boycott Indigo Books and Music Inc. in December 2006 with the demand that its controlling owners, Heather Reisman and Gerry Shwartz, publicly cut all financial ties Heseg – Foundation for Lone Soldiers. Since then the campaign has grown in Toronto and across Canada with Chapters and Indigo stores being boycotted in most major cities.
HESEG – which was founded by Ms. Reisman and Mr. Schwartz – provides scholarships and other support to former “lone soldiers” in the Israeli military – individuals from outside Israel with no family in the country who join the Israeli military and participate in all aspects of its repression of Palestinians. In January 2009 HESEG Representatives handed out $160,000 worth of “thank you” gifts to Israeli soldiers participating in the attacks on Gaza.
In the lead-up to this holiday season there are a number of things you can do to support the campaign:
* Support your local independent bookstore instead of buying gifts from Indigo, Chapters, World”s Biggest Bookstore, Smith Books, Coles, The Book Company or Indigo Spirit.
Boycott Chapters Indigo gift cards
*Don”t buy Chapters.Indigo gift cards – buy gift cards instead from your local independent bookstore. Ask your friends and family to do the same.
*If you are part of a non-profit/charitable organization, don”t use Chapters Indigo gift cards to acknowledge contributions to your organization. Instead send a letter to Indigo telling them why you will not be giving their gift cards this season
*If you know someone in a non-profit/charitable organization send them the “boycott Chapters Indigo gift cards” appeal letter asking them not to give Chapters Indigo gift cards.
* Send the 2009 Chapter/Indigo Campaign eCard greeting to your friends and family this holiday season. Suggested message: “Have a happy apartheid-free holiday season – boycott Chapters Indigo stores and gift cards. For more information visit: http://www.caiaweb.org/indigoboycott“
*Print the protest letter and mail/fax it to Indigo Books and Music Inc. corporate headquarters (contact information is included in the letter).
*If you’re in Toronto, join the weekly picket organised by NION Not In Our Name Jewish voices opposing Zionism every Friday @ 5pm in front of the Indigo store at Bay/Bloor.
*Use our resources which include:
HESEG Flyer
Alternative bookstores factsheet
Toronto Campaign Bookmark (bookmark front / bookmark back)
Email us @ endapartheid[at]riseup.net with any creative ideas, suggestions or simply to learn more about how you can get involved
