Last year, Americans for Peace Now (APN) cancelled its annual fact-finding mission to Israel and the West Bank due to Israel's newly adopted "Entry Law," which bans from entry into Israel non-citizens associated with groups calling for boycotts.

We have rescheduled our tour. Next week, a delegation mainly comprised of members of APN's Board of Directors will conduct a fact-finding mission to Israel and the West Bank. Among our usual study-tour endeavors, this year's delegation will assess recent assaults on Israeli democracy, including the "Entry Law."

APN's President and CEO Debra DeLee said: "We support boycotting settlements as an expression of protest against the occupation. Settlements are a manifestation of the occupation and a major obstacle to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. In addition, we believe that the practice of outlawing boycotts, whatever their target, is wrong and anti-democratic. Boycotting is a legitimate nonviolent protest practice that should be protected as free speech, whether in Israel or the United States. We plan to share this conviction with Israeli officials and other interlocutors on our February tour."

APN is a Zionist organization and part of the family of American Jewish institutions, a member of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

APN opposes boycotts, divestments, and sanctions (BDS) aimed at Israel and encourages its supporters to buy Israeli products, travel to Israel, and support Israel economically, culturally, and in any other way.

APN supports boycotting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including products manufactured in settlements, as a means of protesting the disastrous 50-year-old occupation.

APN's delegation looks forward to frank discussions with Israeli officials regarding obstacles to democracy and peace, including the Entry Law.