Actor, Scarlett Johansson, is currently an Ambassador for Oxfam but has just signed up to promote Sodastream.
Sodastream’s main factory is in a settlement – Ma’ale Adumim – in the Occupied West Bank. These settlements are illegal under international law, and an obstacle to peace – therefore settlement production relies on, and supports, an activity that is illegal.
In response to letters sent far, the Oxfam CEO Mark Goldring has stated that Oxfam “is opposed to trade from Israeli settlements, in which Sodastream is engaged. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and have a devastating effect on the lives and livelihoods of the Palestinian communities that Oxfam works with. Trade with businesses operating in settlements exacerbates the ongoing poverty and denial of Palestinians’ rights that Oxfam addresses in its work.”
Significantly, he states that Oxfam “are now engaged in a dialogue with Scarlett Johansson on these important issues”.
Take action!
Please email Mark Goldring, the CEO of Oxfam [email protected]
Calling for Oxfam:
- To call for their global Ambassador, Scarlett Johansson, to immediately end her contract with Sodastream
- or to cut ties with her following her signing up with Sodastream.
Tell Oxfam that its ethical stance is the core of its reputation and that their Global Ambassador’s relationship with Sodastream will associate them with an illegal and unethical occupation
We understand that Oxfam encouraged Oxfam’s Ambassador, Kristin Davis, to end her commercial relationship with Ahava, an Israeli company whose dead sea products come from stolen Palestinian natural resources in the Occupied Territory of the Palestinian West Bank. Oxfam used its good influence at that time – and we encourage Oxfam to do so again.
Arguments to use:
- Sodastream’s main factory is in a settlement – Mishor Adumim – in the Occupied West Bank. These settlements are illegal under international law, and an obstacle to peace – therefore settlement production relies on, and supports, an activity that is illegal.
- Israeli companies operating in the West Bank enjoy cheap land and water, confiscated from the indigenous Palestinian owners; a captive Palestinian labour force; tax benefits; and lax regulation of environmental and labour protection laws.
- Settlement businesses damage rather than support the Palestinian economy. Draw their attention to the World Bank report which has calculated that the restrictions to land (part of the Israel’s occupation and settlement infrastructure) results in loss to the Palestinian economy at about US$3.4 billion (October 2013)
- SodaStream misleads consumers by labelling home beverage carbonating devices as “Made in Israel” despite being made in an illegal settlement.
For further information and references please visit
https://palestinecampaign.org/complain-to-your-local-shop-about-sodastream/