Demonstrators clashed outside Cambridge City Hall in Massachusetts, exchanging slurs and heated remarks during a recent protest. The incident involved one man hurling derogatory insults at the Israel side, calling them “animals,” “pigs,” and “Nazis.” In response, an anti-Israel protester advocated for a boycott of Nike while wearing sneakers adorned with the company’s iconic checkmark logo.
The protester, who spoke at a rally in San Diego State University, urged others to boycott a list of companies including Starbucks, McDonald’s, Disney, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Pepsi, Domino’s, Papa John’s, Nike, CeraVe, Airbnb, Subway, Walmart, and Dasani. The protester emphasized that this demonstration aimed to convey their demands clearly.
While Nike has not issued a public statement regarding the Israel-Hamas war, the company’s CEO did send an internal email to staff condemning the attacks in Israel and expressing condolences for the lives lost. Protests supporting both Palestine and Israel have erupted across the United States following Hamas’ deadly ambush on October 7, which prompted Israel to declare war and launch retaliatory attacks on Gaza. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 7,900 people, including numerous civilians.
During the protest, the Nike-wearing protester stood alongside a group of demonstrators holding a sign that read “End U.S. funds to Israel. Free Palestine.” An observant individual noticed that one of the sign holders was wearing Converse shoes, which is a subsidiary of Nike. In another video, some protesters could be heard chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a slogan that the Anti-Defamation League interprets as a call for the elimination of Israel.
Following Hamas’ attack, the head of Nike’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa division sent an email to staff members acknowledging the devastating impact of the violence. The company’s CEO, John Donahoe, subsequently sent a company-wide message denouncing the attacks and expressing sorrow for the loss of innocent lives on both sides.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has prompted companies to take various stances, leading to backlash from opposing sides. For instance, The Walt Disney Co. announced a $1 million donation to an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel. Another $1 million would go to other nonprofits working in the region, particularly those focused on child relief. However, Disney did not specify if any aid would be directed towards Gaza, and the company has not responded to requests for comment.
The protestor also listed Disney among the 16 companies that should be boycotted due to their positions on the Israel-Hamas war. Some companies have chosen not to take a stance on the conflict to avoid alienating customers and investors. However, remaining silent is also seen as controversial, as it can be interpreted as a statement in itself.
The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to spark debates and demonstrations worldwide, with companies grappling with the dilemma of whether to engage or remain neutral.
