Which company backs Palestine?

Introduction:

In recent years, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a highly politically charged issue, with many people taking sides and expressing their support for one or the other party. While Israel is widely recognized as a sovereign state, some companies have taken a stance against the Jewish homeland, choosing to back Palestine instead. In this article, we will explore which companies back Palestine and why they do so.

1. Why Do Companies Back Palestine?

Before delving into the specific companies that support Palestine, it is important to understand why some companies choose to take a stance on political issues. There are several reasons why companies may back Palestine:

• Social Responsibility: Many companies today recognize the importance of social responsibility and are committed to making a positive impact in the world. By supporting Palestine, these companies believe they can contribute to bringing peace and justice to the region.
• Customer Demand: Some companies may be responding to pressure from their customers to take a stance on political issues. In recent years, there has been a growing movement among consumers to support Palestinian causes, and companies that do not take a position may face backlash from these customers.
• Ethical Considerations: For some companies, supporting Palestine is simply the right thing to do from an ethical standpoint. They may believe that Israel’s actions in the region are unjust or illegal, and they want to use their resources and influence to bring about change.

2. Companies That Back Palestine

Now that we have discussed the reasons why companies may back Palestine, let us take a look at some of the specific companies that have taken this stance:

1. Airbnb: In 2016, Airbnb announced that it would not list any properties in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The company cited its commitment to social responsibility and its belief that these settlements are illegal under international law.



2. Ben & Jerry’s: In 2017, the Vermont-based ice cream company announced that it would no longer sell its products in Israel. The company cited its long-standing support for Palestinian causes and its opposition to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
3. Caterpillar: Caterpillar is a U.S.-based manufacturing company that produces heavy equipment used by the Israeli military in the occupied territories. In 2014, the company faced criticism from human rights groups for its role in the construction of Israeli settlements. The company has since divested from its business in Israel and stopped selling its products there.
4. European Union: The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. In 2014, the EU announced that it would no longer fund Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move was widely seen as a way to put pressure on Israel to stop building settlements and to support Palestinian causes.
5. Google: In 2017, Google announced that it would not renew its contract with an Israeli software company called Wix. The company had been accused of using its platform to facilitate the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

3. Case Studies:

To illustrate how companies have taken a stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, let us look at some case studies:

Airbnb

In 2016, Airbnb announced that it would no longer list any properties in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move was met with both support and criticism. Some saw it as a way to bring attention to the issue of illegal settlements, while others accused the company of putting pressure on innocent Palestinians who rely on tourism income.

Ben & Jerry’s

In 2017, the Vermont-based ice cream company announced that it would no longer sell its products in Israel.