SodaStream changes labeling to 'Made in the West Bank'

[Little Tich]

source: Haaretz

The manufacturer of home carbonation systems, which has been the target of anti-Israel boycotts, was accused of misrepresentation in the U.S. state of Oregon.

SodaStream, the Israeli manufacturer of home carbonation systems, has changed its product labeling to “Made in the West Bank” following complaints by human rights activists in the Unites States.

The company's main production facility is in the industrial zone of Ma'aleh Adumim, an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, where it employs Palestinian workers.

The facility's location has made SodaStream a target of the global anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement and put the company at odds with European policies blocking the import of products made in West Bank settlements.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/1.650579

[Warpy]

1. Their Palestinian Arab employees wrote an open letter a year or so ago

telling people not to include Soda Stream in the BDS movement since they employed so many Palestinian Arabs but also did so above the prevailing wage.

It's a good company. I hate that it's being hurt as collateral damage.

[msongs]

2. made in occupied palestine by a company taking advantage of that situation nt

[oberliner]

3. In what way is the company taking advantage?

Seems like they are providing jobs for Palestinian workers which would be a positive thing, wouldn't it?

[azurnoir]

4. well it's a half step towards the postive

better than made in Barkan Israel-not as good as made in Barkan Palestine

[Little Tich]

5. Funny you should mention Barkan Wineries.

I actually bought a bottle of their Kiddush wine once. It had been staring at me from a shelf in the bottle shop for some time, but I knew where it came from. However, curiosity forced my hand, and I did finally buy a bottle.

Later on, I shared it with my Saudi friend, and we necked the bottle on the balcony. I joked about it being made from the crushed hopes of the Palestinian People, but it tasted really good. It had a rich fruity cherry flavour, and was really sweet, like a Tokay, but red. Damn, it was a nice bottle of wine.

I'll never buy any more of their wines again, but at least I know what I'm missing out on. Stupid apartheid forces me to stop buying something I want.