A robust boycott campaign targeting Western companies that support Israel is gaining momentum in the Arab world. Sparked by social media, the movement has grown in response to the recent Israeli conflict in Gaza, which has been labeled by some as “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing”. With a death toll of over 10,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, the boycott aims to halt financial support to Israel from major international brands.In Bahrain, youths like 14-year-old Jana utilize technology such as tablets to avoid purchasing Western products, seeking local alternatives to avoid funding what they see as aggression. This sentiment is widespread, with protests and calls for diplomatic severance with Israel echoing across the Middle East. Nations like Turkiye and Jordan have withdrawn their ambassadors, while South Africa, Colombia, Chile, and Bolivia have cut diplomatic ties. Bahrain’s legislative body has declared an economic break with Israel, awaiting government confirmation.
The boycott’s reach is amplified by tech-savvy advocates employing online resources and apps to identify products to avoid, alongside traditional advocacy methods such as impactful billboards in Kuwait. The movement has affected sales of brands like McDonald’s, which faced backlash for supporting the Israeli military. The campaign has even led to the closure of Western business outlets in Qatar and a surge in popularity for local alternatives in Egypt, as the public chooses to support their own economies and stand with Palestine. The movement’s message is clear: to encourage consumers to choose where their money goes and to not inadvertently fund conflict. It is a call to action for solidarity with the Palestinian cause, impacting businesses and redefining consumer choices across the Arab world.
: “Hashtag Havoc: ‘Boycott Dior’ Trends as Fashion Giant Faces Backlash Over Model Switch”
Luxury fashion brand Dior is facing a social media storm, with the hashtag “Boycott Dior” gaining momentum on the platform formerly known as Twitter. The controversy erupted when Dior reportedly replaced Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid, known for her pro-Palestinian stance, with Israeli model May Tager in their latest perfume ad campaign. This decision has sparked outrage among netizens, who are calling for a boycott of Dior and its parent company, LVMH. Critics highlight Dior’s ongoing collaboration with Johnny Depp and express disappointment over the perceived targeting of Hadid, who has been a vocal advocate for Palestine and faced considerable online harassment for her views. As the debate intensifies, Dior has yet to release an official statement on the campaign shift or its implications on the brand’s position regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.