People of conscience: Palestinians ask you to boycott Israel | Omar Barghouti

Inspired by the South African anti-apartheid struggle, the nonviolent BDS movement needs your support, writes BDS co-founder Omar Barghouti

Toni Morrison wrote in her novel Beloved, Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined." Palestinians have learned the hard way that unless we clearly define ourselves, our oppression, and our aspirations, the hegemonic oppressor will do it, erasing our history and subjugating our future.

Sometimes our definitions emerge when unexpected. Three days ago, following a nearby Israeli airstrike targeting a residential neighborhood in Gaza city that shook their building, my friend's young daughter ran terrified to her mother's arms shivering. She asked, I want to be courageous, mama, but I don't know how when death is so near?" Her question itself, during a televised massacre, defines courage. Palestinians are shattering our fear every day and hoping, and working to ensure, that this courage inspires millions to speak out and act in an effective way to end complicity in Israel's oppression.