Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream's decision to halt sales in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem has provoked significant consumer backlash and political debate. While the co-founders defended the choice in 2021 as a stand against Israeli occupation, subsequent events, particularly after October 7, prompted increased criticism. This situation parallels earlier controversies surrounding their corporate activism and reflects broader societal disputes over political stances within business practices. Unilever, B&J's parent company, appears to be reevaluating its brand strategy amid changing consumer expectations.
In 2021, co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield defended the brand's positions on Israel, saying their decision rejects policies perpetuating illegal occupations that violate Palestinian rights.
The Vermont-based company, which sells its products at universities, argued that pro-Palestinian demonstrations across US campuses play a vital role in upholding democracy.
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