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Unilever's Letter on Ben and Jerry's BDS Activity

(Foundation for Defense of Democracies ) Richard Goldberg, Orde Kittrie, and David May - Unilever CEO Alan Jope sent a letter to major Jewish organizations in the U.S. and UK on July 27, 2021, in an effort to defend the company's decision to terminate its Ben & Jerry's licensee in Israel in a manner consistent with the global boycott (BDS) campaign to isolate the Jewish state. While Unilever wants to blame the Ben & Jerry's "independent Board," Unilever reportedly is the sole shareholder and owner of Ben & Jerry's and made a conscious choice to implement a boycott of Israel. U.S. federal law defines the "boycott of, divestment from, and sanctions against Israel" to include actions that "are politically motivated and are intended to penalize or otherwise limit commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in any territory controlled by Israel." The Ben & Jerry's decision also violates the laws of the State of Israel: The Prohibition of Discrimination in Products Law and the prohibition of boycotting various areas of the country. The decision also might run afoul of 33 U.S. state anti-boycott laws, resolutions, and executive orders. Unless Unilever reverses its decision, the company will likely be added to state-based prohibited company lists in the months ahead.
2021-08-05 00:00:00
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