In an increasingly interconnected world, consumer choices are not merely transactions; they carry profound ethical implications. Several global brands have found themselves embroiled in controversies tied to their associations with or actions related to the Israeli state.
Each company’s decision or stance has prompted calls for conscientious objection. Let’s explore the considerations and actions recommended for various brands, urging individuals to align their consumer behavior with ethical principles.
1. American Eagle
American Eagle, a clothing and accessories retailer headquartered in Pittsburgh, caused controversy by displaying the Israeli flag on their Times Square billboard, indicating support for the Israeli state. As a response to this stance, it’s recommended not to buy products from American Eagle Outfitters and to avoid employment with the company.
2. Bulgari / Bvlgari
Bulgari, owned by Bernard Arnault’s company LVMH, has seen substantial investments in Israeli companies. To express objection to this association, it’s advised to refrain from buying or selling Bulgari products and to avoid working for both Bulgari and its parent company, LVMH.
3. Carrefour
The international supermarket chain, Carrefour, made significant investments in Israel, with plans to open a considerable number of stores in the region. In protest of these actions, individuals are encouraged to avoid shopping at Carrefour supermarkets and to refrain from seeking employment with the company.
See Also: Boycott Coffee Companies that Supports Israeli Occupation
4. Caterpillar
Caterpillar, known for manufacturing heavy machinery, including footwear and clothing, has faced criticism for the use of their bulldozers in the demolition of Palestinian homes, notably the specifically designed D9 bulldozer for the IDF. To voice dissent, it’s advised not to purchase Caterpillar clothes or machinery, refrain from selling their products, and avoid working for Caterpillar.
5. Celine
As a fashion brand owned by Bernard Arnault’s company LVMH, Celine has been associated with the substantial investments made by its parent company in Israeli companies. To express dissent, it’s suggested not to buy or sell Celine products and to avoid seeking employment with Celine or LVMH.
6. Chanel
The French luxury fashion house Chanel, privately owned by the Wertheimer family, has faced criticism for condemning attacks on Israel while remaining silent on Gaza, accompanied by a substantial pledge in Chanel’s name. In response, individuals are advised not to purchase any Chanel products and to refrain from selling them. Employment with Chanel is also discouraged.
7. Diesel Fragrances
The partnership between fashion house Diesel and L’Oreal for their fragrance range has faced controversy for its connections. After the issuance of an apology and investment in Israel, it’s recommended not to buy or sell Diesel Fragrances products and to avoid working for L’Oreal Groupe.
8. Dior / Christian Dior
Another brand under Bernard Arnault’s company LVMH, Dior has been associated with significant investments in Israeli companies. To show objection, it’s advised not to purchase or sell Dior products and to avoid seeking employment with Dior or its parent company, LVMH.
9. DKNY
Under Bernard Arnault’s LVMH ownership, DKNY has faced scrutiny for the substantial investments made in Israeli companies. To express dissent, individuals are advised not to buy or sell DKNY products and to avoid employment with both DKNY and its parent company, LVMH.
10. Fendi
Owned by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Fendi has seen significant investments in Israeli companies, sparking objections. To showcase dissent, it’s recommended not to buy or sell Fendi products and to avoid working for Fendi or its parent company, LVMH.
11. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
With ownership ties to Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Fenty Beauty has faced criticism for the significant investments made in Israeli companies. To showcase objection, it’s advised not to buy or sell Fenty products and to avoid employment with Fenty or its parent company, LVMH.
12. Giorgio Armani Beauty
Amid its partnership with L’Oreal, known for its close ties to Israel, Giorgio Armani Beauty has faced criticism, leading to a fine and an apology. To support the objection against these actions, it’s suggested not to buy or sell Giorgio Armani Beauty products and to refrain from employment with L’Oreal Groupe.
13. Givenchy
Under the ownership of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Givenchy’s association with substantial investments in Israeli companies has drawn criticism. To showcase dissent, it’s recommended not to purchase or sell Givenchy products and to avoid seeking employment with Givenchy or its parent company, LVMH.
14. Kenzo
Owned by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Kenzo has faced objections due to significant investments in Israeli companies. To express disagreement, it’s advised not to buy or sell Kenzo products and to avoid employment with Kenzo or its parent company, LVMH.
15. Loewe
As a fashion brand owned by Bernard Arnault’s company LVMH, Loewe has been associated with significant investments in Israeli companies. To signify dissent, it’s recommended not to buy or sell Loewe products and to avoid working for Loewe or LVMH.
16. Louis Vuitton
Under Bernard Arnault’s LVMH ownership, Louis Vuitton has faced criticism for the significant investments in Israeli companies. To showcase objection, individuals are advised not to buy or sell Louis Vuitton products and to refrain from seeking employment with Louis Vuitton or LVMH.
See Also: Boycott Cosmetics Companies that Fund Israeli Apartheid
17. Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Under Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s association with investments in Israeli companies has drawn objections. To express dissent, it’s suggested not to buy or sell Maison Francis Kurkdjian products and to avoid working for Maison Francis Kurkdjian or LVMH.
18. Maison Margiela Fragrances
Amid its partnership with L’Oreal, Maison Margiela Fragrances faced backlash, leading to a fine and an apology. To express dissent, it’s advised not to buy or sell their products and to avoid employment with L’Oreal Groupe.
19. Marc Jacobs
As part of Bernard Arnault’s LVMH, Marc Jacobs has faced criticism for significant investments in Israeli companies. To show objection, it’s recommended not to buy or sell Marc Jacobs products and to avoid employment with Marc Jacobs or LVMH.
20. Marks and Spencer / M&S
Marks & Spencer, a British multinational retailer, has historically shown pro-Zionist inclinations. Although it has distanced itself from explicit political ties, certain past statements have reflected support for Israel. Since their last known pro-Israel declarations around 2000, the extent of the current leadership’s support remains ambiguous. It’s advisable to avoid shopping at M&S and refrain from working for the company.
21. Mugler Beauty
A partnership between Mugler and L’Oreal, Mugler Beauty has ties to L’Oreal, known for its association as a ‘warm friend of Israel.’ Following controversy and a fine, L’Oreal pledged investment and even established a factory in Occupied Palestine. Avoid buying or selling Mugler Beauty products and steer clear from working for L’Oreal Groupe.
22. Prada Beauty
Similar to Mugler Beauty, Prada Beauty operates through a partnership with L’Oreal, known to have faced criticism related to the Arab League boycott, resulting in fines and a subsequent investment in Israel. Refrain from purchasing or selling Prada Beauty products and avoid working for L’Oreal Groupe.
23. Ralph Lauren Fragrances
Ralph Lauren Fragrances, in collaboration with L’Oreal, had also faced scrutiny related to the Arab League boycott. After issuing an apology and paying fines, the brand heavily invested in Israel and began operations in Occupied Palestine. It is advisable to avoid buying or selling Ralph Lauren Fragrances and working for L’Oreal Groupe.
24. River Island
Owned by the Lewis family, who also have ties to the Isrotel hotel chain in Israel, River Island has been associated with various Zionist initiatives. Given this connection, it’s recommended to abstain from buying products or seeking employment at River Island.
25. Skechers
The president of Skechers, Michael S Greenberg, has expressed pro-Israel sentiments on social media. To align with particular views, it’s suggested to avoid purchasing or selling Skechers products and refrain from working for Skechers Groupe.
26. Skims
Owned by Kim Kardashian, Skims products, while not explicitly anti-Israel, have been linked to a lack of condemnation for Israeli actions in Gaza. To make a statement, it might be wise to avoid buying or selling Skims products and refrain from working for the brand.
27. STELLA by Stella McCartney
STELLA by Stella McCartney operates under LVMH, led by Bernard Arnault, who invests heavily in Israeli companies. Considering this association, it’s advisable to refrain from buying, selling, or working for STELLA by Stella McCartney or LVMH.
28. Ted Baker
Since 2018, Ted Baker entered a five-year agreement with Delta Galil, an Israeli company, exclusively manufacturing certain product lines. If you’re concerned about this collaboration, consider refraining from buying, selling, or working for Ted Baker unless they stop using Israeli manufacturers.
29. Tesco
Partnering with Trigo Retail, a firm led by a staunch Zionist, Tesco initiated till-less stores in London. If you’re against this partnership, avoid buying Tesco products, especially from their GetGo stores. Consider advocating for Tesco to sever ties with Trigo and instead engage with local partners.
30. Tiffany & Co.
Under the umbrella of LVMH, led by Bernard Arnault, Tiffany & Co. is associated with investments in Israeli companies. To align with specific beliefs or causes, consider avoiding buying, selling, or working for Tiffany & Co. or LVMH.
31. Tom Ford Beauty
Owned by Estee Lauder, known for its extreme Zionist support, Tom Ford Beauty stands among various other brands. If you prefer not to support such affiliations, avoid buying Estee Lauder products, including those like MAC cosmetics, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and many others. Also, consider refraining from working for any Estee Lauder brands.
32. Valentino Beauty
In collaboration with L’Oreal, known to have fostered ties with Israel post-boycott controversy, Valentino Beauty operates with investments and a factory in Occupied Palestine. To take a stance, avoid buying or selling Valentino Beauty products and steer clear from working for L’Oreal Groupe.
33. Victoria’s Secret
Owned by L Brands, led by a staunch Israel supporter and a business partner of Jeffrey Epstein, Victoria’s Secret is associated with these affiliations. For those who might wish to make a statement, avoid purchasing their products or seeking employment at Victoria’s Secret. It might also be worth calling out Victoria’s Secret models for their association.
34. Viktor & Rolf Beauty
Similar to other L’Oreal partners, Viktor & Rolf Beauty operates under the shadow of L’Oreal’s pro-Israel controversies. To align with particular views, avoid buying or selling Viktor & Rolf Beauty products and refrain from working for L’Oreal Groupe.
35. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty / YSL Beauty
Yet another L’Oreal partnership, YSL Beauty faced criticism over their involvement with Israel after boycott-related controversies. To express your views, it’s suggested to avoid buying or selling YSL Beauty products and refrain from working for L’Oreal Groupe.
The power of consumer choice cannot be understated. In these instances, brands like American Eagle, Bulgari, Carrefour, and Caterpillar have faced scrutiny for their connections, investments, or actions concerning Israel.
By advocating for conscious consumerism, refraining from purchasing their products, and not associating professionally with these brands, individuals can convey dissent and support ethical business practices. Our choices as consumers are not just transactions but expressions of our values and ethical considerations. It’s a call for individuals to be mindful of the broader impact their choices can have on promoting responsible and ethical business practices.
