This petition was originally started in June 2020, responding to Ben & Jerry's contradictory presence on social media. After countless companies released statements in support of last Summer's civil unrest and demands for societal change, Ben & Jerry's had been among the most vocal. Enthusiastic about the call to action on police reform and racial injustice, they've remained silent on the occupation of Palestine. This is not an oversight, but a deliberate decision based on a conflict of interests.

Since 1987, Ben & Jerry's has licensed its branding, recipes and image rights to a franchise factory in the Israeli city of Kiryat Malachi. Through a partnership with the Israeli supermarket chain Shufersal, they have distributed their products in illegal settlements in the occupied territories of Palestine (otP). A recent report released by the United Nations Human Rights Office listed Shufersal as complicit in "business activities and related issues that raise particular human rights violations concerns." The ice cream company has a prolific track record for calling out domestic human rights violations, yet they seem pretty comfortable profiting off those experienced by Palestinians. 

In light of the recent, horrific events in Palestine and the Occupied Territories, there's no better time to draw attention to this cause. I hope to draw enough support to this issue that Ben & Jerry's is forced to publicly address it. Ben & Jerry's has no problem telling us actions speak louder than words. Let them know that we hear their hypocrisy loud and clear! Demand that they stop profiting from illegal Israeli settlements by cutting ties with Shufersal! Please share widely on social media, and thanks for your ongoing support!