By Over the past few years, thousands of popular brands have come under scrutiny for supplying and selling products in Israel. This has led to boycotts of some of these companies.
Ben & Jerry’s was one of the first major brands to take action against the illegal occupation. In July, they announced they would be ending sales in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
This decision opened the way for another billion-dollar company to take a stand against the Israeli government.
This week, sportswear brand Nike announced they would also be ending sales in Israel, as of May 31st next year.
In a letter sent to stockists in Israel, Nike says that “the continuation of the business relationship between you and the company does no longer match the company’s policy and goals.”
As one of, if not the most popular sportswear brand in the world, Nike’s decision will be very damaging to Israeli income.
Pro-Palestinian activists took to Twitter to express their delight over this news, with many asking for more brands to join Nike and Ben & Jerry’s.
Many have identified Nike’s decision as a BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement win which marks an important stage in the boycott of Israel.
However, the Israeli government did not share these feelings of happiness. In a statement made this week, the authorities have said that the sports company’s business will definitely be affected after the decision to cut sales to Israeli stores.
Several users on social media have also been quick to explain that Nike has not completely ceased sales in Israel, but is rather processing all sales through their own website.
Whether Nike’s decision was based off the BDS movement or not, the Israeli economy will be severely affected.
Compared to the lives of those living in Palestine, and affected by the Occupation of the West Bank, the impact is small.
May the lives of those living under the illegal occupation become better and easier, In Sha Allah.