As the “Freedom Flotilla” steams toward Gaza City in an attempt to break Israel’s crippling blockade of the Gaza Strip, activists in New York City continue to stage protests calling attention to the fleet of ships and the situation in Gaza.
In New York, six Palestine solidarity activists dropped a banner yesterday inside of the Union Square branch of Israeli chocolate shop Max Brenner that read, “Siege on Gaza Isn’t Sweet: Boycott Brenner.” [photo above]
Here’s the report from New York City Indymedia:
Israel has refused to allow chocolate and sweets, among many other commonplace items, into Gaza, claiming that they present a security threat. Max Brenner is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Strauss Group, Israel’s second-largest food conglomerate, and boasts on its web page of its support and “adoption” of the Golani and Givaati Brigades of the Israeli army. Both the Golani and the Givaati Brigades have historically been associated with numerous violations of human rights.
”We know the chocolate ban is not the most egregious human rights violation,” said banner-dropper Niomke Friedman. “But it illustrates the absurdity of Israel’s claim that the brutal siege on Gaza serves a legitimate security claim.”
The action was part of a wave of solidarity actions taking place around the US and throughout the world as the Free Gaza Coalition’s flotilla of eight boats bearing thousands of tons of eight and over 800 civilian sails toward Gaza. Israel’s defense minister Ehud Barak has stated that the Israeli navy will block entry, reinforcing Israel’s illegal blockade on Gaza’s waters.
As part of Israel’s brutal three-year long siege on Gaza, many basic items have been denied to Palestinians including canned fruit, jam, and chocolate.
During Israel’s recent massacre in Gaza, a Ha’aretz article reported that the Golani platoon operated “in the sector in which the [Israel Defence Force] has seen the toughest battles with Hamas, the eastern part of Gaza City”. They have also been implicated in massacres in the Jenin and Tul Karm refugee camps and the siege on Yasser Arafat’s Muqata compound in Ramallah.
The Israeli daily Haaretz has a report on the Max Brenner action. You can also view a video of the action here.
The banner drop follows a May 27 action in New York that saw over 100 people take to the streets to demand that the flotilla have safe passage to Gaza to deliver 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid and to call on Israel to lift the siege of Gaza.
Palestine solidarity activists in New York have planned a march for Tuesday, June 1 “in the event of an Israeli effort to hijack the flotilla,” according to an email message from Gaza Freedom March organizer Felice Gelman.
Gelman’s message said that the march will demand that the U.S. government “act to protect its own peaceful citizens and the citizens of the world from acts of piracy and kidnapping committed with US military aid and the immediate release of the flotilla and its passengers.”
This report originally appeared at the Indypendent, a New York City-based newspaper.
i noticed in the haaretz article
less than one hr ago i received this email from stephanie (yes, she posts here) an american who lives in rome. we traveled to gaza together.
go stephanie, go italy! this brings tears to my eyes.
sorry for the highjack.
“sorry for the highjack.”
Don’t do that! It’s great news.
Now is the time for julian to swoop in and tell us (again) how BDS in 10 [sic] years has been 100% ineffective..
i’m so jazzed. 2 major supermarket chains…that’s massive. Agrexco is israel’s largest agriculture exporter. !!!!!!!!!!
It is great news, but the backlash, pressure and subsequent backpedalling have been pretty nasty (eg. lots of anti-Semitism and Nazi references, including from the government and parliamentary majority). Stopagrexco (Italian BDS) has done a great job, and is trying to deal with the fallout, while encouraging the supermarkets to stick by their decision.
And the link (in English): link to stopagrexcoitalia.org
the anti-semitism canard..hmm. wrt boycott ….reminds me of
a counter boycott? hello, maybe they could boycott their blockade, or just put an end to it altogether. anti semitism my ass! it’s the occupation!
here’s another from haaretz today called a sour pickle about israeli jews boycotting arab businesses starting in the 30′s. it’s a good one too.
oops, sorry i forgot the first link from the blockquote
Our bleeding-heart prime minister
Slightly off topic on the question of what constitutes antisemitism:
When one refers to Israeli misdeeds and uses the phrase “the chosen people” does this constitute an antiJewish turn of phrase. (I prefer antiJewish to antisemitic because it is less ambiguous.)
(Possible answers: 1. No, the Jews call themselves the chosen people and thus it is accurate and can’t be called antiJewish if they use the phrase themselves. 2. Maybe- Depends on the context- if you are referring to actions by religious Jews who take the phrase “the chosen people” seriously, then it is appropriate, otherwise not. 3. Yes -It is antiJewish to use the phrase. Some antiJewish phrases may be accurate and some antiJewish phrases may be inaccurate. So the question is not its accuracy, but whether it is intended on saying something against the Jewish people or religion. 4. Yes – If it is an action that other colonialists would have done or have done without the phrase “chosen people” to justify themselves, then the use of the phrase shows that the intent is to blame a colonialist act on a specifically Jewish belief, when in fact it reflects colonialism rather than the concept of the “chosen people” in action.)
WJ, i was referencing the boycott and other similar instances of people evading real issues w/the excuse it is motivated by anti semitism, which of course is real and shouldn’t be watered down w/false charges. i’m not going to engaging in a conversation about anti semitism here but a little birdie told me their may be a thread coming up where it pertains.
Absolutely annie, and that’s why I called him Meandering rather than Wondering Jew. He picks one tiny detail where he could have a point and all the conversation would derail to discussing the detail rather than the topic as a whole.
But to his defense he put a warning saying that’s he’s ‘slightly off-topic’, but the problem is that there’s a strong possibility that the whole thread would then focus on discussing anti-Semitism rather than the boycott itself.
Jews get to wage war against Arabs. Arabs don’t get to make war against Jews.
here’s another from haaretz today called a sour pickle about israeli jews boycotting arab businesses starting in the 30’s. it’s a good one too.
Everyone save annie’s sour pickle link to drop on Witty:
link to haaretz.com
I am very interested on this new arena of economic warfare against Israel… I think if uncontrolled this could to extend economic and market polarization worldwide, Jews, American Evangelicals, Protestants, and Non-Roman Catholic Christians, (and others) Worldwide on one side versus atheists, anti-semitics, Arabs, Roman Catholics on the other side. This is a new global experience and new mathematical financial system… Just like going back during the medieval times (and the times of Inquisition). Very interesting indeed…
This could become even worst that the AIG driven global economic crisis… and this polarity when the right of Israel be made center of global attention again…The more the controversies, the more the truth prevails, and things unknown before are turned-out into light…
You’d like that, wouldn’t you? To have an excuse to slaughter all the atheists, Arabs and Roman Catholics, huh?
I did not say I recommends nor prescribed this…
[You’d like that, wouldn’t you? To have an excuse to slaughter all the atheists, Arabs and Roman Catholics, huh?]
I am just showing my interest and incitement on this anti-Jew brag by somebody:
[On May 18, 2010, as a result of the campaign launched by Stop Agrexco Italy, a coalition encompassing more than 50 national and local associations, trade unions and political parties, two major Italian supermarket chains, COOP and Conad, announced the suspension of sales of products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. These products are primarily marketed by the Israeli company Agrexco, which acknowledged during a court case in England in November 2006 that 70% of all agricultural products from the settlements are distributed in Europe under their brand Carmel.]
If he or she was happily proud on this, I am even more than they…
Million or so of fundamental Christians are not yet aware of this because of lack of internet access… If these come into light by the market effects of this punitive economic conditions… then as a economic researches would give us a new outlook in Belligerent Economics….
As I said (and nothing more) this is truly interesting indeed….
Strauss brands:
link to strauss-group.com
Just a heads up on that link sky7i: I did a sort on that page to show the strauss brands in my country (Australia) – it comes back as “none” but there are definitely Max Brenner’s here – 18 in fact, and only 6 in Israel.
link to maxbrenner.com
This little fact has got me thinking. Companies like these have to be uniquely vulnerable to a boycott, so small inside Israel, and large outside.
sumud, recently i’ve been doing some local research on ahava and it’s very hard to find stores listed thru the internet. lots of distribution but all thru mail order. i’m sure it’s sold in stores here, i’m just not sure how to find them online.
Ahava sells through ULTA in the USA.
Sumud
There’s a Brenner on King Street in Sydney. Two months ago a peaceful demo was organised in front of the store. I was there.
Such actions as these are essential, even if they seem to be very small, to bringing about the isolation of Israel from civilised nations. One by one, they will work, in spite of politicians’ efforts to make sure they don’t
But leaving a badly painted banner in a chocolate shop is pathetic; a perfect example of hit-and-run activism.
Sorry, I got all that confused; getting supermarket groups (however small) to stop buying Israeli goods is one very good thing. Pissing about posting pillow cases in Israeli chocolate shops in NYC is another, and shouldn’t be celebrated with banner headlines on this blog.
I’ve only just read Sky71′s comment on Max Brenner, and would like to change a little of my previous message:
A chocolate exporter from Israel could not make any profit unless it employs extremely cheap labour from the Occupied Territories. After all there are better chocolate brands around; Cadbury’s kept its tame Bournville workers’ village for almost a century before it sold out to an ‘American cheese’maker.
So keep going at Max Brenner, but replace pillowcases with facts, and well-designed protests thtat are not just a bunch of nerdy activists.
try again richard, you’re not getting it. did you read phil’s post?
i think he got sidetracked by what to me are very positive posts and developments as well… this post is very positive, as are the comment section on the evolution of the bds movement…
yeah, i don’t know what’s so bad about individual people taking action, i think it is great.
So why hasn’t the brand name ‘Carmel’ been splashed around here, and become a dirty word?
Do’nt buy Carmel is a lot simpler than Boycott, Divest and Sanction.
DON’T BUY CARMEL
link to agrexco.co.il
Perhaps this is the first time I sided with Richard Parker…Has anyone not yet seen his sensible view over the chocolate shop issue (and it repercussions to the cause of Palestine)?
If one does not… I am sorry for the suffering people….
You’re nothing but a Templar.
And I hope you suffer the same exact fate.
[But leaving a badly painted banner in a chocolate shop is pathetic; a perfect example of hit-and-run activism.]
Yes, truly Richard… in this world- no guts no glory…, but please loyal people before using your guts, use first your brains!
“So keep going at Max Brenner, but replace pillowcases with facts, and well-designed protests thtat are not just a bunch of nerdy activists.”
This is exactly what’s done in Newtown, Sydney..An information capaign is organised, a table is set on the footpath in front of the the store. They distribute leaflets and take time talking to people.
Another thing is that Brenner is well known to making donations to the Israeli war machine called the IKF (K for killing).
Boycotting Brenner is going to be just as successful as boycotting Starbucks. I can imagine the patrons rolling their eyes at this meshugas while they are trying to enjoy their chocolate on Saturday morning. That ‘s really going to put them in a sweet disposition towards Gaza. Delusional!
Zionists hags like you are scornful of the rest of us untermenschen anyway. I don’t think you and your ilk were the intended audience of this effort.
Boycotting is never simple; but can work if carried out with a bit of intelligence.
Example: Simple computer-generated A4 sheets with:
“Brenner’s Chocolates for your delectation – handmade by bonded Arab workers at our secure factories in the Occupied Territories”
These can act as menu replacers, or, landscape style, as place mats.
Brenner must have a whole variety of printed PR material. All that needs to be done is copy them, and replace a few relevant words.
Find out when Rachel and her friends are queuing for Brenner’s Chocolate Rush Hour, and then quietly replace the PR stuff
The problem with boycotting is the inconsistent message.
So far on this post there are 3 separate messages. I am sure, more might be drummed up as needed. I am sure Chaos will work in white phosphorus.
1. Boycott Brenner because the chocolates are made in the OT by Arab workers (like working is a bad thing)
2. Boycott Brenner because Brenner supports the Golani brigade which is involved in human right violations. So I am going to start boycotting Mars bars (which will do wonders for my waistline ) because American soldiers are in Afghanistan.
3. Boycott Brenner because Israel is not allowing chocolate into Gaza therefore we are boycotting Israeli chocolate (not eating chocolate is totally heartbreaking, tell that to the starving children of the world)
Conclusion: Garbled message. Ridiculous target.
Total amateurs these useful idiots (thank God).
You know, for something you think is a wasted effort, you spend a LOT of time desperately trying to undermine, slander and ridicule it.
Methinks you doth protest too much.
[(which will do wonders for my waistline )]
Rachel, do you really had that nice waistline? Wow! However, chocolates either Jewish, American, or Arab… for a girl, are surely threat to good figures…
but a thing of joy for kids… shall we teach the children to become war freak like us adults?
Just like in SA Apartheid — boycott Israel and its products period.
A few months ago an relatively new activist in the Palestine solidarity group I am involved with wanted to respond to an article in a local paper about Max Brenner and emailed me to ask if I could provide him with more information about the BDS call to boycott Max Brenner. This is a slightly abridged version of the email I sent him (our group has since produced a flyer on Max Brenner and our members have done semi-regular leafletings outside one or two of the local outlets in our city):
Max Brenner (the chocolatier) was born in Isarel and started his company there. He then sold his company to the Strauss Group a few years back. The Strauss Group is 100% Israeli owned company. Max Brenner Chocolates, therefore, as a company is 100% Israeli.
See Strauss group brand page: link to strauss-group.com
The relevance of Max Brenner Chocolates in relation to the BDS campaign is more significant than it just being an Israeli company.
If you have a look at the Strauss Group website, their website proudly notes that the Strauss Group also provides confectionary/care packagees to Israeli Defence Force soldiers in the field (the IDF is also known by Palestinians and those opposed to Israel’s occupation of Palestine as the IOF – the Israeli Occupation Forces).
If you read their Community Involvement speile, under the section In the Field with Soldiers, they say the following:
In The Field With Soldiers link to strauss-group.com
“Our connection with soldiers goes as far back as the country, and even further. We see a mission and need to continue to provide our soldiers with support, to enhance their quality of life and service conditions, and sweeten their special moments. We have adopted the Golani reconnaissance platoon for over 30 years and provide them with an ongoing variety of food products for their training or missions, and provide personal care packages for each soldier that completes the path. We have also adopted the Southern Shualei Shimshon troops from the Givati platoon with the goal of improving their service conditions and being there at the front to spoil them with our best products”.
**
It should be noted that the Golani brigade is the main brigade active in what is known as Israeli’s Southern Theatre (ie. Gaza), as well as in the Occupied West Bank, near Jenin. See: link to en.wikipedia.org
(I know wiki is not the best source, but a simple search of Israel’s english language newspapers, Haaretz and Jerusalem Post, will backup the main point I am making is that they are one of the main brigades active in Gaza)
It should also be noted that the Golani Brigade were one of the active Israeli brigades who took part in Israeli war against Gaza in Dec 2008 – January 2009.
Three of their soldiers were killed as a result of “friendly fire” during the war (in total 11 Israelis were killed during the war compared to 1400 Palestinians. Of the 11 Israelis killed, the majority were soldiers active in the war theatre and were killed by Israeli fire, not Palestinian fire. In contrast, 2/3 of the Palestinains killed were civilians, including between 300 – 400 children see:link to pchrgaza.org
)
The other Israeli Military platoon/brigade that the Strauss Group gives “care packages” too is the Givati Platoon which is also active in Israel’s Southern Theatre (ie. Gaza) and again were one of the main Israeli military brigades active on the ground inside Gaza during the recent Gaza War. See: link to en.wikipedia.org
The Givati Brigade were also active in Operation Hot Winter in 2008, which resulted in more than 110 Palestinians being killed by Israel in less than a week (and 250 injured).
A report issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) on 17 April 2008 noted in part :
(see link to internal-displacement.org
“During the ‘Hot Winter’ incursion, 34 children lost a parent. Twenty-one homes were completely destroyed, leaving 147 people homeless. Eighty-eight homes were severely or partially damaged, affecting an additional 616 people. The Gaza Strip is especially vulnerable because it has suffered from years of economic restrictions imposed since the Israeli disengagement in 2005 and increased after Hamas won the 2006 elections. Most recently, Israel put in place new restrictions on the movement of goods and people to and from Gaza after Hamas seized power in June 2007″.
As a result of the Givati and Golani’s miltary activity in the Occupied Territories (both the Occupied West Bank and Occupied Gaza), there is a direct link between Strauss Group/Max Brenner (while Israel withdraw from Gaza in 2005, they continue to control the land, sea and air entries, thus under international law, Israel is still seen as an occupying power. Gaza is viewed as the worlds biggest ‘open air prison’ with 1.5 million people blockaded by Israel)
**
For me, the fact that the Strauss Group provides the Golani and Givati with “care packages” in the field for their training and missions (ie. missions into Gaza and other military operation), which results in the murder of thousands of Palestinian civilians, is not only appalling but quite sickening.
This is why there has been a call by the BDS groups for a boycott of Max Brenner. see: link to bdsmovement.net
link to stopthewall.org
Every American should listen to Jeff Halper discuss Elbit Systems and what it and Israel are doing inside this country. They are bypassing federal oversight and going straight to the local police with products that are a by-product of the Palestinian occupation.
Great piece.
If you dont have time to listen to the whole thing, start at about 20 minutes:
link to pulsemedia.org
Elbit was also the target of important Norwegian, Danish, Swedish and Dutch divestment decisions: link to electronicintifada.net