The following letter is being sent today to the Oxfam America President Raymond Offenheiser and was shared with Mondoweiss:
Raymond Offenheiser
President, Oxfam America
226 Causeway, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Dear Mr. Offenheiser,
I am writing to you as an American citizen and direct descendent of Professor Gilbert Murray and Dr. Henry Gillett, two founders of the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (the original Oxfam).
I am alarmed that Oxfam America retains as one of its “celebrity ambassadors” Scarlett Johansson despite her becoming the highly paid public face of SodaStream. As is well known, this Israeli company manufactures its products in the city-settlement of Maale Adumim, which is not just illegal under international law, but also vitiates the possibility of any future Palestinian state by cutting the West Bank into two pieces.
The ongoing credibility of Oxfam depends on its adhering to its founding principles, which include “the relief of suffering as a result of wars or of other causes in any part of the world.” Maale Adumim, and by its association, SodaStream, are among just such causes of the suffering of the Palestinian people. Scarlett Johansson, by endorsing the kind of SodaStream propaganda that underwrites the Israeli occupation, is acting as an ambassador for oppression.
I urge Oxfam America to disassociate itself from Ms. Johansson so long as she chooses to represent SodaStream. I am certain my grandfather and great-uncle would agree with me.
Yours sincerely,
Hubert Murray, FAIA, RIBA
Yes.
Oxfam is a corrupted organization. This happens to many social justice organizations as they grow.
They’ve written that they are in “dialogue” with Scarlett. When she made clear, in no uncertain terms, that she has zero regrets about her pro-settlement/pro-Apartheid stance, where are they now?
They choose celebrity over principles. Why? Fundraising.
This is what happens when you treasure money over justice.
And this is supposed to be a “social justice” organization?
Oxfam is run by a group of moral midgets. They are pissing on a proud legacy of anti-racism for the sake of monied interests and fundraising/PR efforts.
Disgusting.
Dear Mr. Murray:
Will you call on Oxfam to return the millions it received from Coca-Cola, a company with one of the worst labor records on Earth?
This is rich.
“In October 2009, Oxfam was accused by Israeli NGO Regavim of aiding Palestinians in illegal activities in Kiryat Arba, including water theft. Oxfam has denied its participation.[47] ” wiki
It sure does not appear that Oxfam is at the top of the list of invitees to the Illegal settlements.
Drop her and do it fast.
Out with Scarlett, noisily and publicly and without ANY farther dickering. What’s left to be said?