Why do bds say on king david

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The phrase 'BDS says on King David' refers to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement's criticism of Israel's King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The hotel, built in 1931, was bombed by the Irgun Zionist paramilitary group on July 22, 1946, killing 91 people. BDS activists have targeted the hotel as a symbol of Israeli occupation, particularly because it is located in East Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim as their capital. The movement calls for boycotts of the hotel due to its association with Israeli policies in occupied territories.

Key Facts

The King David Hotel was bombed on July 22, 1946 by the Irgun, resulting in 91 deaths
The hotel is located in East Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 during the Six-Day War
The BDS movement was founded in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian civil society organizations
BDS calls for boycotts of Israeli institutions and companies operating in occupied territories
The King David Hotel has hosted numerous international diplomatic meetings since its opening in 1931

Overview

The phrase 'BDS says on King David' refers to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement's position regarding the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. The BDS movement, launched in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian civil society organizations, advocates for economic and political pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories. The King David Hotel, opened in 1931 during the British Mandate period, has become a contentious symbol due to its location in East Jerusalem and its historical significance. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it in 1980, though this annexation is not recognized internationally. The hotel has frequently hosted Israeli government events and international diplomatic meetings, making it a target for BDS activists who view it as representing Israeli control over occupied territory.

How It Works

The BDS movement operates through organized campaigns urging individuals, organizations, and governments to boycott Israeli products, divest from companies involved in the occupation, and sanction Israel through political measures. Regarding the King David Hotel specifically, BDS activists encourage tourists, conference organizers, and businesses to avoid using the hotel due to its symbolic and practical role in Israeli administration of East Jerusalem. The movement argues that patronizing the hotel indirectly supports Israel's occupation policies. Activists use social media, petitions, and direct appeals to raise awareness about the hotel's location in what they consider occupied territory. The hotel's management has faced pressure to acknowledge the political context of its location, though it continues to operate as a luxury hotel hosting both Israeli and international events.

Why It Matters

The targeting of the King David Hotel by BDS matters because it represents the broader struggle over Jerusalem's status and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. East Jerusalem is claimed by Palestinians as the capital of a future state, while Israel considers the entire city its undivided capital. The hotel's prominence makes it a visible symbol in this dispute. BDS campaigns against the hotel aim to highlight what they view as the normalization of occupation through tourism and business. These efforts have sparked debates about the effectiveness of boycotts, with supporters arguing they apply moral pressure and opponents claiming they hinder dialogue. The controversy also affects international perceptions, as many foreign dignitaries stay at the hotel during visits to Israel, forcing them to consider the political implications of their choice of accommodation.