The Israel-Palestine conflict is a continuous problem in the Middle East. Hamas, a terrorist group fighting Israel, is dedicated to eliminating the state of Israel. On Oct. 7, Hamas coordinated a surprise attack — one of the deadliest in the world. Since then, over 1,200 have been killed as a result of Hamas’ attack. The following day, Israel declared war against Hamas.
Over this crisis, many companies are standing in solidarity with Israel. On the other hand, few companies have done the opposite.
A poster titled “Boycott Israel” is displayed in the window of a Lush store, in Dublin, Ireland. Since this release, anger has spread and many claim to never purchase from this cosmetic brand. Despite the sign and the enragement it caused, Lush responded by clarifying that they are a “diverse company with staff of all nationalities and religions whose personal views and opinions may vary,” in hopes of redeeming their now disrupted reputation.
Additionally, Starbucks’ workers’ union stands in solidarity with Hamas amidst Israel-Hamas terrorist attacks. Workers, on behalf of Starbucks, in Iowa City, Chicago and Boston fostered anti-Israel rallies. Jaz Brisack, known for leading unionizing efforts at Starbucks, posted on social media platforms stating “There’s no two sides to apartheid. Free Palestine.” Critics add blame on the Service Employees International Union for authorizing the Starbucks’ workers’ unions celebration of Hamas attacks. SEIU responded that “as an affiliated union, the SEIU can’t take credit for Workers’ United’s organizing wins and then turn a blind eye when the union posts in defense of violent terrorist attacks.” The union’s Boston chapter announced that they “stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemn the IDF for senselessly and viciously bombing, murdering and injuring innocent Palestines.”
The Harvard University Dean and students blame Israel for promoting the deadly attacks on Hamas, in a letter signed by 34 students. American hedge fund manager CEO, Bill Ackman, wants the students who signed the letter to be blacklisted. Harvard emphasizes that the group of students does not represent Harvard’s stance on this position, according to Harvard president Claudine Gay, yet he did not comment on these claims immediately. Several companies have announced their wish to be informed of the students who signed the letter, so that they will not hire them. A truck circled Harvard’s campus, exposing the names and faces of the students who signed the letter. Additionally, Winston & Strawn, whose values conflict with this letter, rejected a law student’s employment.
