Category Archives: Stop G4S

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George Soros and Bill Gates divest from BDS targets

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In May 2014, the Bill Gates Foundation responded to BDS pressure over its investment in Israeli prison contractor G4S by selling all of its shares in the company. Protests had been held at the at Gates Foundation offices in London, Johannesburg and Seattle. A petition signed by more than 14,000 people called on the the Gates Foundation to divest from G4S because of its role in Israel’s prison service.

In August 2014, Soros Fund Management, the family office of the billionaire investor George Soros, sold its stake in SodaStream. The decision followed a letter from the Palestinian BDS National Committee that criticised Soros‘ investment in SodaStream given its role as a major Israeli export company that profits from the forcible displacement of Palestinians.

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G4S announces ‘end’ to role in Israeli prison system

stop g4sThe private security firm has lost contracts worth millions of dollars and faced divestment by major investors as a result of BDS campaigning.

G4S provides security services and equipment to Israeli checkpoints, illegal settlements and prisons where Palestinian political prisoners are held without trial and subjected to torture.

The international Stop G4S campaign has exposed the role that G4S plays in Israeli human rights violations and cost the company millions of dollars in contracts. The Bill Gates Foundation and the US Methodist Church both divested following BDS pressure.

In June 2014, G4S announced it would end its role in Israel’s prison system, police service and checkpoints by 2017.

However, the campaign against G4S must continue until it entirely ends its role with the Israel Prison Service and all aspect of Israel’s apartheid regime.