Participants reaffirmed their commitment toward BDS this summer LONDON: Dozens of people gathered in London for the second Picnic for Palestine, which was organized by UK-based Friends of Al-Aqsa. The initiative was launched to raise awareness of “The Nakba,” also known as the Palestinian catastrophe, and promote an increase in pro-Palestinian action in the UK. Shamiul Joarder, head of public affairs at FOA, said: “Picnics with friends and family are a pleasure we definitely take for granted. “Palestinians cannot enjoy this due to Israel’s severe restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement. Let’s use our privilege to take meaningful action for Palestine this summer and host a picnic in solidarity to kick-start a summer of BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) campaigns to hold Israel to account.” Participants reaffirmed their commitment toward BDS this summer, including the targeting of sportswear manufacturer Puma, one of the main sponsors of the Israeli Football Association. According to Human Rights Watch, the IFA includes teams in Israel’s illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land. Those at the event also looked at ways to campaign against the UK government’s new bill which is aimed at banning local councils from launching boycotts of Israeli products.