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Ben & Jerry’s, the iconic ice cream brand known as much for its activism as its flavors, has demanded for Israel ceasefire. This time, its board is calling for a “permanent and immediate ceasefire” in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, demonstrating the company’s commitment to peace and social justice.
Ben & Jerry’s Stance on the Conflict
The announcement, aligning with the company’s long history of advocating for peace, comes amidst intense and deadly clashes in the Gaza region. Over 100,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, injured, or missing, escalating international concern and outcry.
Anuradha Mittal, head of Ben & Jerry’s board and a noted activist, emphasized that promoting peace has been at the core of the company’s values for over four decades. This statement is not the brand’s first foray into the Israel-Palestine issue. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s sparked controversy and faced backlash, including from the Israeli government, when it ceased ice cream sales in parts of Palestine deemed illegally occupied by Israelis, such as the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Wider Corporate Response to the Conflict
While several smaller companies have expressed support for Israel ceasefire, the voice of large multinational corporations in this arena has been notably muted. Ben & Jerry’s, under its parent company Unilever, stands out for its vocal stance. Other large organizations like the United Auto Workers and American Postal Workers Union have also supported calls for a ceasefire.
The Role of Unilever
Unilever’s position in this matter is significant, given its ownership of Ben & Jerry’s. When acquiring Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, Unilever agreed to allow the ice cream maker to maintain an independent board to guide its social mission. This unique arrangement has enabled Ben & Jerry’s to take bold stances on various issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to climate change, sometimes diverging from Unilever’s corporate policies.
The Impact and Backlash for advocating Israel Ceasefire
Ben & Jerry’s call for a ceasefire has reignited discussions about the role of corporations in political and humanitarian crises. The company’s stance has been both lauded for its courage in standing for peace and criticized as being politically motivated. In some cases, such as North Carolina, there have been moves to withdraw state pensions and other funds from Unilever over the issue.
As the Israel-Gaza conflict continues, the bold stand by Ben & Jerry’s board throws a spotlight on the role of corporate entities in global political issues. While their call for a ceasefire aligns with the company’s longstanding commitment to social justice, it also underscores the complex relationship between business interests and moral stances in today’s interconnected world.
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