Recent conflicts between Israel and Hamas have sparked a global wave of boycotts against Israeli goods and international brands perceived as pro-Israel. These boycott movements, largely driven by the youth and amplified on social media platforms like TikTok, have gained rapid momentum. While the immediate implications may result in a slump in sales, the long-term consequences could potentially tarnish the company.
Fashion Designer Boycotted
The boycott campaign has already led to the removal of products by Israeli fashion designer Dodo Bar Or from major global luxury retail websites. Pro-Palestine activists and influencers have exerted significant pressure on retailers to drop the designer’s brand, following an allegedly offensive video. In response, Jewish shoppers worldwide have rallied behind Israeli brands blacklisted by global retailers, vowing to support the designer directly through her official website.
Read More: Iran’s Khamenei calls upon Muslim countries to boycott Israel
Malaysia and Indonesia
International fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Burger King, as well as ride-hailing company Grab, have noticed a drop in customers and their profits. This is because these large companies have also been added to the boycott list. These boycotts have impacted businesses in Malaysia and Indonesia. The youths of each country have taken to social media to spread awareness. Apps such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as twitter) are being used to spread information regarding how these outlets work and how it benefits the parent company which support Israel. As a consequence many have started looking for local alternates to these multinational companies.
Voices of Dissent
While some consumers support the boycotts, others denounce them as antisemitism. Prominent Jewish figures have criticized the campaigns, expressing concerns about the disturbing echoes of tactics employed in Germany during the 1930s. They argue that these boycott movements unfairly target businesses owned by Jews, fueling antisemitic sentiments.
Turkish Boycott Movements
In Turkey, the boycott movement against companies known to support Israel has reached new heights. The Turkish Parliament has announced that the products of such companies will no longer be sold in its cafeterias, teahouses, and restaurants. The move aligns with public sentiment against companies openly declaring support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The health ministry in Gaza reports over 10,500 casualties, mostly civilians, in more than four weeks of conflict. Moreover, citizens have now started cancelling their VISA and Mastercards and replaced them with a local alternative, TROY. By doing so the fees that international banks charge per use would not be given to companies that support Israel, instead it would support their own economy.
Boycott Movements in Australia
Prominent Jewish Australians, including Paul Bassat and Mark Leibler, are denouncing a pro-Palestinian campaign targeting local retailers like Spotlight and Chemist Warehouse in Australia. The social media-driven Stand For Palestine movement accuses these businesses, owned by Jews, of having ties to Israel, sparking allegations of antisemitism. The global boycott gains momentum, extending to multinational companies. Starbucks and McDonald’s face backlash, and Chemist Warehouse is a focal point. Activists celebrate victories, targeting philanthropist Marc Besen’s recipients and accusing Schwartz Media. Paul Bassat supports a $20 million fund, Iron Nation, for Israeli startups. Amid calls for a Gaza ceasefire, Australian lawyers and business leaders emphasize compassion and respect.
BDS MovementÂ
Originating in 2005, the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement gained momentum globally, particularly following Israeli ground forces’ entry into Gaza. The campaign, initiated by Palestinian civil society, aims to target companies and products allegedly supporting Israel. Its influence extends to multinational giants like Disney, AXA, Puma, Hewlett Packard, and Siemens. Starbucks and McDonald’s face backlash, with Starbucks suing its union over a pro-Palestine social media post, and McDonald’s providing free meals to the Israeli army. In Australia, the BDS movement has left its mark, with social media campaigns targeting companies such as Chemist Warehouse. The movement underscores the power of collective action and social media in shaping global narratives and influencing corporate behavior in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Read More: Israel targets Hamas tunnels after encircling Gaza City
The boycott movements against Israeli goods and international brands perceived as pro-Israel have gained significant traction globally. While these campaigns may impact sales and brand reputation, they have also sparked debates about antisemitism and raised questions about ethical considerations in the age of social media. As these boycott movements continue to evolve, companies will be compelled to navigate the complex landscape of social media, crisis communication, and corporate responsibility.