The controversies over boycotting Israeli goods

The Messenger Editorial Board

During the recent conflict between Palestine and Israel, certain corporations have shown support to either Israel or Palestine, leading to societal division as people boycott specific products, particularly Israeli products. The motivation behind boycotting Israeli products stems from the belief that purchasing these goods contributes to the profit from the Palestinian genocide.

Now the big question arising from this situation is how to ensure these boycotts make a significant impact on the companies. Many individuals feel a moral obligation to boycott any product associated with supporting Israel. Companies implicated in profiting from the Palestinian-Israel conflict include McDonald's, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Papa John's, Starbucks, and more. However, the challenge lies in peoples’ awareness or willingness to acknowledge which companies are involved during these trying times.

The boycott started when Quaker’s online database listed over two dozen companies that were profiting from the bloodshed in the Gaza Strip. It has shown that the Israeli forces have spent the last ten weeks waging what some people call a “genocidal” war (attracting their products to consumers) that has sent stocks storing.

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a source supporting Palestine, emphasizes a strategic focus on a limited number of carefully selected companies and products for maximum impact. As individuals deal with the complexities of the conflict, navigating through the intricacies of boycotting remains a prominent issue, marked by contradictions and sensitive issues.

The controversy surrounding the boycott of Starbucks has especially gained attention online, where it has become a "trend" to boycott the company due to its support for Israel. However, individuals tend to forget about the boycott and go to Starbucks when they offer discounts, such as 50% off on specific days. Starbucks has recently been placing extra offers so people can be more attracted to their stores during the war. People find a way to “excuse” themselves for buying Starbucks by persuading others that paying in gift cards is okay, as it harms the company.

The emerging hypocrisy is evident in individuals who claim to support Palestine publicly but continue to support products under Israeli control. This contradiction became recognized on platforms like TikTok, where users showing certain products face backlash. Notably, teenagers, specifically females, ages 15 to 20 who share posts on Instagram condemning Palestinian atrocities have faced criticism when their TikTok videos feature them holding Starbucks products.

Observing many people who are boycotting, some individuals have extended their efforts to avoid Israeli-controlled products, even down to boycotting Israeli date crops, a significant agricultural commodity. Israeli-controlled products are products either owned or produced by Israel.

Examining these situations helps us see the complexity and perspective of global business and the challenges of separating it from complicated political issues. Striking a balance between making thoughtful consumer choices and recognizing the nature of international business is key to having a more informed conversation about the impact of economic decisions on the ongoing conflict.