Science & Tech
Amazon Faces Backlash for Allowing Anti-Israel Merchandise
Clear Facts:
- Jeff Bezos has been criticized for allowing sales of pro-Palestinian merchandise on Amazon.
- Charles D. Lavine, a New York state legislator, has demanded action from Bezos to remove these items.
- The slogan featured on merchandise is linked to Hamas and is seen by some as a call for the destruction of Israel.
Amazon’s decision to sell merchandise featuring the slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has sparked outrage, leading to a direct confrontation between CEO Jeff Bezos and New York state legislator Charles D. Lavine.
Lavine implored Bezos in no uncertain terms, stating, “to use your position of authority to direct that Amazon NOT be involved in the sale or distribution of these death glorifying items.”
Lavine’s letter drew a disturbing parallel, suggesting that selling such slogans is equivalent to selling items that might as well bear the inscription “Kill all Jews.”
He expressed a belief that this would horrify Amazon’s shareholders and customers, calling for immediate action.
The issue was catapulted into the spotlight after a Newsweek report that Amazon lists clothing with the slogan, even after an attack on Israel that resulted in significant loss of life.
Despite the backlash, an Amazon spokesperson said, “the products do not contravene our policies,” which are designed to prevent the sale of items that promote or glorify hate and intolerance.
The contentious slogan has been a fixture at pro-Palestinian rallies and is problematic due to its implication of the eradication of the Israeli state, which is signified by the geographic markers of the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a chant that has been adopted by Hamas, a militant group backed by Iran, following its inception in the 1980s.
The Anti-Defamation League has denounced the slogan as antisemitic, explaining that it “den[ies] the Jewish right to self-determination, including through the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland.” The usage of the slogan, according to the ADL, can make Jews “feel unsafe and ostracized.”
The chant’s status as hate speech is debated, with the London Metropolitan Police stating it could be unlawful in certain contexts, while Suella Braverman, the U.K. Home Secretary, stated on X, “To hear it shouted in public causes alarm not just to Jews but to all decent people.”
Lavine’s letter was unequivocal, condemning the October 7 acts of violence as “primitive acts of murder and viciousness that are at the very heart of the ‘from the river to the sea’ movement.”
Amid Amazon’s policy against selling hateful or intolerant content, the company acknowledges the subjectivity of offense, stating, “We understand that what one person considers offensive may not necessarily be offensive to others and that views can change over time.”
The slogan has garnered increased attention as pro-Palestinian protests have intensified worldwide. Reports by AP cite significant Palestinian fatalities in Gaza, further stoking tensions.
Recently, an incident at George Washington University, where the slogan was projected onto a university building, was deemed “horrifying” and “glorifying Hamas terrorists” by StopAntisemitism.org.
The university responded by enforcing its policies, stating that the projections “in no way reflect the views of the university.” As of now, Amazon remains silent in the wake of this growing controversy.
We want to know what you think! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Anon
November 5, 2023 at 6:46 pm
I had finally, after much thought, decided to become an Amazon customer; but this latest about the disgusting antisemitic merchandise being sold by Amazon has convinced me I don’t need/want to do business w/an entity that promotes evil!!
Julie James
November 8, 2023 at 3:34 pm
Who is being bloodthirsty when over 10,000 Palestinians have been killed so far. Where are your voices when seeing mothers and fathers holding there children’s dead bodies??? Why don’t you ask a Palestinian what it means it’s not what is being promoted. As you all sit in your comfortable homes only seeing one side of the picture. I’d like you to think for one moment how you would feel if you lived in an open air jail for years everything regulated. Being checked out at check points knowing poverty.
These people who are not part of the Hamas region who go to work to feed there family. Only want to have freedom like us to call Gaza there land. And remember they once lived in Israel and it was called Palestine until England betrayed them by asking them to leave temporarily and then could never return. Most of the dead bodies are children where is the outrage over that. Two wrongs do not make it right. I doubt whether this will be displayed but before you say I am anti Israel my father was Jewish, so was my doctor and my best friend Eli. Of 30 years. Hamas who did there rotten deed has caused suffering on both sides, and Israel has done the same thing America did when 911 happened rushed into the wrong decision and made matters worse. By killing so many civilians who had nothing to do with it hatred has been unleashed and a more united front by the middle eastern countries and when Hamas is finished 10 more will take there place. And do it will never end its so very sad
paul
March 6, 2024 at 7:11 am
You know that Palestinians allow Hamas and even aid them. Just what does their flag mean?
rodgerr
November 11, 2023 at 10:22 am
this needs to be the start of showing amazon that it depends on customers. a boycott is in order and should be implemented at once. would they carry a similar message that
referred to Hamas as barbarians and savages? Appears that they wouldn’t.. done shopping there.
Seth Halpern
November 5, 2023 at 6:47 pm
Amazon is evudently promoting extremism for profit. Perhaps it should also sell tee shirts celebrating the “Judgment of Amalek,” ie the Biblically sanctioned extermination of tribes who obstructed the Israelites. After all, that reference isn’t intolerant on its face either and only bloodthirsty customers will grasp it.
JR
November 5, 2023 at 6:56 pm
Amazon doesn’t care about anything, or anyone, folks! All it cares about is profit, money power, and absolutely
just Power competition with all the Money-makers of Wall Street. In one concept: GREED and LUST for MONEY
as its idol.
S
November 5, 2023 at 6:58 pm
Exactly.
Lonny Loren
November 5, 2023 at 7:03 pm
Israel has paid for the right to be secure in their homeland with blood and iron. With previous wars with Arab forces, they carved out a buffer to insulate their territory. With the countries that have made peace with Israel there was no more conflict. The Middle east has been in conflict for more than two thousand years. All you have to do is look back on the history of the Romans and the Mid Evil Crusades.
Glenn
November 5, 2023 at 7:17 pm
I will hold off ordering until I hear a comment from Bezos.
Larry Schear
November 5, 2023 at 7:33 pm
I have been an active Customer of Amazon and in it’s varied markets since it’s inception – easy to use and rapid gratification. NO MORE! Providing conscious active aid and comfort to enemies of my country (USA) and my people (Jewish) is unforgivable! There are other markets and media providers that are not so willfully offensive.
Margie
November 5, 2023 at 8:02 pm
We have spent thousands of dollars on Amazon…however, we will NOT be using or ordering from Amazon until this practice is STOPPED
Captain Kublai
November 5, 2023 at 9:55 pm
Amazon employees are young, stupid, and brainwashed. The removal of these vile pro terrorist slogan items should have been immediate once they were exposed, and it should be said they never should have been put up for sale in the first place. Maybe Bezos is afraid of his cadre, if he doesn’t remove these items? Or maybe he is in philosophical league with the terrorists?
Watson
November 5, 2023 at 11:50 pm
The woke liberal cancel culture is curiously silent about the anti Israel agenda. Hmmm I wonder why?
ZORBA
November 6, 2023 at 12:47 am
Scottish roman Catholic. Disgusted with Amazon, no more orders for this company which clearly supports murder and terrorism. Israel forever.
Brenda
November 6, 2023 at 4:41 am
Not appropriate with the war going on…shame on you for selling them during this horrible time. It would be like on our 9/11 you came out with something like this on saying go terrorist go. Money you make on the sale darkens your business
David
November 6, 2023 at 8:46 am
By Amazons logic, what may be offensive to one person may not be offensive to another person, Amazon Crossed That Line!! Will think hard and long before my hard earned $$$$ goes to their site!!
JWR
November 6, 2023 at 9:22 am
God is still on His throne. He will not tolerate this ungodly world forever. The time of His creation’s extinction is drawing nearer
and nearer by each passing day. Will you be ready to meet Him?
All the wicked people who are running our nations for their gain and
ignore God and His righteousness will one day be no more. It
will not matter to them at that time what they have accumulated out
of greed and wickedness. Repentance and acceptance of God’s plan
of salvation is the only way and that is by the shed blood of Jesus Christ!
Truth willout
November 6, 2023 at 1:57 pm
What else would you expect from sociopathic rich guys who wouldn’t recognize empathy even if it bit them in their collective asses? I’m with the N.Y. Senator.
Time to sell AMZ. Price is falling.
Terri
November 9, 2023 at 9:56 pm
I have been an Amazon prime member since it’s inception, I will no longer order anything from them. No matter it will cost me more. Happy Miami you toad Bezzos
CAMILLE GILLIAM
November 11, 2023 at 8:57 pm
I have never order from Amazon but I don’t think this is a very smart idea and I’m glad I never have order from them. I do have one complaint, we are all paying for everyones postage on what is being bought on Amazon. This is partially why the USPS is in trouble.
William
January 10, 2024 at 7:39 pm
I have been doing Thousand of Dollars a year with Amazon, THAT WILL STOP TODAY. Walmart and other stores have been beating Amazon prices lately and offering Free Delivery also. I believe they will be getting my family business from not on. EVERYONE NEEDS TO POST WHAT IS GOING ON IN ALL MEDIA, Everyone needs to know.
Mary
March 6, 2024 at 8:43 am
Hello Mr. Bezos:
Stop the material concerning Palastine in your company. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO SUPPORT ISRAEL ALL THE WAY. PLEASE BE SENSITIVE TO THIS,
VERY IMPORTANT SIR.