Below is the information from the friends of Al-Aqsa leaflet on companies to boycott.
MARKS & SPENCER
From it’s birth M&S has been linked inextricably to zionism. Lord Marcus Sieff, Chairman of M&S, Once wrote that once one of the fundamental objectives of M&S is to aid the economic development of Israel. M&S supports Israel with millions of dollars in trade every year.
CATERPILLAR
Despite strong protests, in April 2005, the Caterpillar board of directors refused to launch an investigation into the use of CAT bulldozers by Israeli Occupation forces. Over the past 4 1/2 years, CAT bulldozers have razed over one million olive trees, destroyed more than 7000 homes and murdered dozens of people trying to defend their property. Others were killed in their homes when their houses were demolished over their heads without any warning. CAT merchandise includes shoes, clothes and accessories.
COCA COLA
Since 1966 Coca-cola has been a staunch supporter of Israel. In 1997 the government of Israel ‘honoured’ Coca-cola for its continued support of Israel for the last 30 years and for refusing to abide by the Arab League Boycott of Israel.
The full list of Coca-cola brands can be found at http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-coca-cola.html In 2001, the Coca-cola world headquarters hosted and was the main sponsor of the American-Israel chamber of commerce awards gala. Coca-cola sponsors training programs for its workers on the Israeli-Arab conflict and a company funded by the Jewish agency and the Israeli government creates the course content. Recently, it was announced that Coca-cola, in return for $millions in incentives from the Israeli government, is to build a new plant on stolen Palestinian land at Kiryat Gat.
AOL TIME WARNER
AOL allocates 30% of its investment portfolio in Israel. In 1998, AOL recieved the Jubilee Award by the Israeli prime minister Netanyahu. This is the highest tribute ever awarded by Israel in recognition to those who have, through their investments and trade relationships, done the most to strengthen the Israeli economy.
BURGER KING
Despite numerous protests, Burger King failed to shut down a restuarant in the West Bank settlement of Ma’ale Adumim which had been built on land that was stolen from Palestinians.
DELTA GALIL
A Massive company affiliated with Marks & Spencer, Victoria’s Secrets, GAP, Banana Republic, Donna Karan (New York), Ralph Lauren, Playtex, Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss.
Delta Galil is Israel’s largest manufacturer and marketer of textiles and is one of the largest private-label underwear manufacturers in the world. Its founder and, Chairman Mr. Dov Lautman is a close associate of former Israeli President Ehud Barak. Sweatshop watch denounced Delta Galil for its exploitation of Arab labour.
DISNEY
Walt Disney’s Millennium exhibition in Florida depicts Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The annexation of Jerusalem by Israel is illegal under the international law. It cost $8 million to set up the exhibition, of which Israel contributed $1.8 million, as part of its campaign to mentally condition the world into accepting its claims over Jerusalem.
ESTEE LAUDER
Estee Lauder’s Chairman, Ronald Lauder is president of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) – whose main function is to legitimize Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. Ronald Lauder is an ardent Zionist; with views more extreme than that of some Israeli politicians.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Johnson & Johnson purchased Israeli company Biosense for $400 million, and in 1998 recieved the Jubilee Award by the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
L’OREAL
American Jewish Congress has expressed “keen satisfaction that L’Oreal has become a warm friend of Israel”. L’Oreal established Israel as its commercial centre in the Middle East and has increased investment and manufacturing activities there. In 1998 L’Oreal recieved the Jubilee Award by the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
MCDONALDS
McDonalds chairman and CEO Jack M. Greenberg is an honorary director of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., of Metropolitan Chicago. McDonalds Corporation is a major corporate partner of the Jewish United Fund and Jewish Federation, which “works t maintain American military, economic and diplomatic support for Israel”.
NESTLE
Affiliated companies include
Nescafe, Perrier, Vittel, Carnation, Milkmaid, Nesquick, Buitoni, Kit Kat, Milkybar, Quality Street, Smarties, After Eight, Lion, Aero, Toffee crisp, Munchies, Yorkie, Polo, Shreddies and felix cat food.
In 2000, it announced it will invest millions of dollars to operate the new R&D centre in Israel. In 1998 it received the Jubilee Award by the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
STARBUCKS
Howard Shultz, the chairman of Starbucks is an active Zionist. In 1998 he was honoured by Israel with “The Israel 50th Anniversary Tribute Award” for his services to the state. His work as a propagandist for Israel has been praised by Israel as being key to Israel’s long-term PR success.
TESCO
Is a large supporter of Israel and promotes and sells goods, from illegal Israeli settlements built on stolen Palestinian land, in the UK through its supermarkets.
Other companies to boycott – River Island, Lancome, Clinque, Andrex, Kleenex, Armani, Huggies, Sara Lee, Danone – for a full listing go to http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-israel.php and scroll half way down the page.
LongLivePalestine 