Introduction

Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, (BDS) is a decentralized Palestinian-led movement of nonviolent resistance to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. 

Overview of the Topic

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly becoming a significant factor in how companies are perceived and valued. Beyond profits, companies are expected to engage in ethical practices and support social causes. In the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, various companies have taken stands, either through supporting Israel or standing up for Palestinian rights. This article focuses on the latter, highlighting companies that support Palestine and detailing the efforts and campaigns aimed at promoting justice and human rights in the region.

Historical Context

The Israel-Palestine conflict has been a longstanding geopolitical issue with deep-rooted historical, political, and cultural dimensions. The conflict has led to numerous humanitarian crises, with significant international attention and response. Various organizations and movements have emerged to support Palestinian rights, calling for boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against companies that profit from the occupation and oppression of Palestinian people.

Companies Actively Supporting Palestine

Ethical Consumer Initiatives

Ethical Consumer is a pioneer in promoting ethical consumption and has led numerous campaigns against companies involved in unethical practices. Their initiatives range from combatting human rights abuses to protecting animal rights. The organization compiles and maintains a list of boycotts, encouraging consumers to make ethical choices and support companies that align with their values.

BDS Movement

The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement is a global campaign promoting various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets its obligations under international law. The movement targets companies that are complicit in the occupation of Palestine, urging them to divest and withdraw their support. BDS has seen significant successes in pressuring companies and raising awareness about the plight of Palestinians.

Quaker Support

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization with a long history of supporting Palestinian rights. AFSC has been involved in various campaigns, including advocating for a full arms embargo to both Israeli and Palestinian militant groups. They maintain a list of companies to divest from, emphasizing the need for ethical investment practices.

Key Companies Supporting Isreali aggresion

Ahava

Ahava, a cosmetics company, has faced boycotts due to its involvement in illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. Campaigns like CODEPINK’s "Stolen Beauty" have targeted Ahava, leading to significant international actions. Despite some shifts in operations, Ahava continues to face scrutiny for its practices.

Airbnb

Airbnb has been criticized for listing properties in illegal Israeli settlements. Various human rights organizations have called for a boycott of Airbnb until it ceases operations in these areas. The company has made some changes, but the issue remains contentious.

Around 400,000 Israelis live in illegal settlements that dot the occupied West Bank, some of which are available for rent on AirBnB

Amazon

Amazon has been a target of boycotts due to its cloud technology contracts with the Israeli government and military. The BDS movement and other organizations have highlighted Amazon’s role in supporting Israeli apartheid, urging consumers to find alternatives.

AXA

AXA, a global insurance company, has been boycotted for its investments in Israeli banks and military companies. Campaigns have been launched worldwide, demanding AXA end its complicity in the occupation of Palestine.

Barclays

Barclays Bank has faced boycotts for its financial ties with arms companies supplying Israel. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has called for consumers to boycott Barclays until it ends its investments in these companies.

Booking.com

Booking.com has been criticized for offering rentals in illegal Israeli settlements. The BDS movement has called for a boycott, demanding the company stop facilitating rentals on occupied Palestinian land.

Burger King

Burger King has been targeted for its support of the Israeli military. Grassroots campaigns have called for a boycott of the fast-food chain until it ends its complicity in the occupation.

Chevron

Chevron’s involvement in gas extraction claimed by Israel has led to boycotts. The company is implicated in environmental destruction and the deprivation of Palestinian resources.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola operates in illegal Israeli settlements and profits from the occupation. Various campaigns have called for a boycott until Coca-Cola ceases operations in these areas.

Disney

Disney has faced boycotts for its involvement in Israeli cultural projects. Campaigns argue that Disney promotes Israel’s apartheid through its media and cultural influence.

Groupon

Groupon has been boycotted for selling tickets to Israeli attractions in occupied territories. World Animal Protection and other organizations have highlighted Groupon’s role in supporting Israeli apartheid.

Hewlett-Packard

Hewlett-Packard (HP) provides technology used by Israeli security forces. The BDS movement has targeted HP, calling for a boycott until it ends its support for Israeli apartheid.

Puma

Puma has faced boycotts for sponsoring the Israel Football Association, which includes teams in illegal settlements. Palestinian athletes and the BDS movement have called for a boycott until Puma ends its sponsorship.

SodaStream

SodaStream’s factories in the West Bank and Naqab have led to boycotts. Despite relocating some operations, SodaStream continues to face scrutiny for its complicity in the displacement of Palestinians.

Supporting Palestinian Businesses and Products

Promoting Palestinian Brands

Supporting Palestinian businesses, such as Native Threads, is a powerful way to promote economic growth and resilience. Highlighting ethical Palestinian brands can encourage consumers to make choices that support justice and human rights.

Our Palestine Collective items are meant to help raise awareness and show support for Palestine 

Alternative Ethical Brands

Consumers can make informed choices by opting for ethical alternatives to companies involved in Israeli settlements. Promoting these brands helps build a market for ethical consumption.

Conclusion

Summary

Supporting companies that stand for justice and human rights is crucial in the fight against oppression. This article has highlighted key companies that support Palestine and the campaigns aimed at promoting ethical practices.

Call to Action

Consumers have the power to make a difference. By making informed choices and supporting ethical brands, we can contribute to the fight for Palestinian rights and justice.

FAQs

1. What is the BDS movement?

The BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement is a global campaign promoting boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against Israel until it complies with international law and human rights principles.

2. Why is Coca-Cola boycotted?

Coca-Cola is boycotted for operating in illegal Israeli settlements and profiting from the occupation of Palestinian land.

3. How can I support Palestinian businesses?

You can support Palestinian businesses by choosing to buy products from ethical Palestinian brands and promoting their businesses.

We are proudly supporting Palestinian causes with a number of fundraisers run the past. 

4. What is Ethical Consumer?

Ethical Consumer is an organization that promotes ethical consumption by providing information on boycotts, ethical brands, and campaigns against companies involved in unethical practices.

5. What companies are targeted by the BDS movement?

The BDS movement targets companies involved in Israeli apartheid, including Hewlett-Packard, Puma, SodaStream, and others. They call for boycotts until these companies end their complicity in the occupation of Palestine.