We are still in boycotting mode because it’s not a trend – but a lifestyle. The BDS movement aims to pressure these companies to end their complicity in Israel’s human rights abuses and occupation of Palestine through targeted boycotts and divestment campaigns. Consumers who support the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) cause are encouraged to avoid these brands and seek alternatives that do not contribute to the oppression of the Palestinian people.
Here are some key brands that your participation in the BDS movement can significantly impact:
MAKEUP & BEAUTY
1. Ahava
This cosmetics company operates a factory in an illegal Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank. Despite claims of relocating, its West Bank presence remains active.
2. Sephora
The popular beauty retailer carries many brands owned by companies on the BDS boycott list, such as Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, and Kilian Paris. Your choice to boycott these brands is crucial in supporting the BDS movement.
3. L’Oréal
The cosmetics giant owns many famous brands, including Maybelline, Garnier, Lancôme, and The Body Shop. L’Oréal is considered complicit in Israel’s occupation and apartheid policies.
4. Estée Lauder
is another major conglomerate that owns MAC Cosmetics, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone, and other well-known brands. BDS has targeted Estée Lauder for its ties to Israel.
5. Revlon
The makeup and skincare company has been boycotted by BDS activists for its business dealings with Israel.
APPAREL
1. Adidas
The sportswear company sponsors the Israel Football Association, which includes teams based in illegal Israeli settlements. Adidas’ sponsorship violates UN resolutions against supporting companies in occupied Palestinian territories.
2. Zara
The fast fashion retailer is owned by Inditex, which has stores and factories in Israel. Zara has been targeted by BDS activists for its business dealings with Israel and especially their clothing campaigns.
3. Bershka
Another Inditex brand, Bershka operates stores in Israel and has been included on BDS clothing boycott lists.
4. Next
The British clothing retailer has been boycotted by BDS for its ties to Israel.
5. Marks and Spencer (M&S)
The UK department store chain has faced BDS boycotts for its business dealings with Israel.
6. Mango
The Spanish fashion retailer has stores in Israel and has been criticized for its business ties to the country.
7. H&M
The Swedish multinational clothing company has stores in Israel and has been included in BDS boycott lists for its regional operations.
8. Gap
The American clothing retailer has stores in Israel and has been targeted by BDS activists for its business dealings with the country.
9. Urban Outfitters
The American multinational clothing corporation has faced boycott calls for its support of Israel through the sale of products from Israeli companies.
10. Victoria’s Secret
The lingerie retailer has been included in BDS boycott lists for its ties to Israel.
Food
1. KFC
KFC franchises in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries have faced significant boycotts and closures due to the BDS movement’s pressure on the brand’s alleged ties to Israel.
2. McDonald’s
As one of the most prominent targets of the BDS movement, McDonald’s has faced challenges in regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia due to scrutiny over its Israeli operations.
3. Starbucks
Starbucks has been entangled in the BDS movement, with franchisees in Turkey, Indonesia, and Malaysia reporting declining revenues amid boycotts over the company’s perceived associations.
4. Domino’s Pizza
BDS activists have targeted Domino’s Pizza, alleging the company’s complicity in supporting Israel amid rumors of providing free food to Israeli troops. This has led to share price fluctuations and sales declines for Domino’s in Asia-Pacific markets.
5. Burger King
Burger King has faced backlash and even violent attacks in Turkey over allegations that it provided free food to the Israeli military, fueling anti-Israel sentiment and impacting the brand’s reputation and operations.
6. Carrefour
The French hypermarket chain has 150 supermarket branches in Israel, many located in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem
Follow Muslim Girl for more on what to divest from and what to invest in instead.