Mark Bryce, Owner Of Cold Steel Piercing, Defends His “No Israelis” Sign
David Lange
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Yesterday I posted about the antisemitism on display at Cairns business Cold Steel Piercing. Since then, the owner of the business has doubled down, standing by his “no Israelis policy” – but planning to modify the sign.
PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY
A CAIRNS businessman who has been accused of racism by having a sign stating “no Israelis served here” in his piercing studio says he has merely been making a political statement.
Mark Bryce is the owner of Cold Steel Piercing on Lake St, who has been caught up in a firestorm of controversy after a tourist visited his business last week and noticed his controversial sign.
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Speaking to the Cairns Post this morning, Mr Bryce said his stance was not racist or anti-Semitic.
It’s purely about the Palestinian issue, and it has nothing to do with race or religion,” he said.
“We support the BDS movement.”The worldwide Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement advocating boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel. Supporters say BDS is a nonviolent movement for Palestinian independence, but Israel says it aims to delegitimise the Jewish state.
Mr Bryce said his sign had been erected above his counter for 10 years, illiciting few complaints until now.
“We don’t want the sign misinterpreted, so we’ve taken it down and we’re going to replace it with one that says we support the BDS movement,” he said.
“I don’t hate anybody, but this issue, it’s affected me.”
I am glad Bryce wants to mention his support for the BDS movement while banning Israelis from his store, because more people need to realize BDS is a manifestation of antisemitism.
And if you do not agree with me about his ban, consider for a second if there was a sign in the store saying “No Palestinians”, with Bryce explaining he opposes rocket fire on Israeli civilians. No-one would contest the bigotry inherent in such a move.
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David Lange
