Pick n Pay Norwood in Johannesburg has come under fire for its Israel signage.
This week, pro-Palestine supporters staged a protest calling for a boycott of the store.
According to Kosher SA, the store is one of many retailers that stock food products imported from Israel. The protest comes a week before the Jewish holiday, Passover or Pesach, which is celebrated over the Easter weekend.
PROTESTORS TAKE ON PICK N PAY NORWOOD
On Friday, 11 April, pro-Palestine activists staged an in-store protest at Pick n Pay Norwood.
The initiative between organisations like BDS Movement, Palestine Solidarity Alliance, and others demanded the store remove imagery of Israel, including a flag and the Star of David or Magen David, which represents Judaism and the Jewish People.
One of the protestors asked shoppers in a clip posted on social media: “Do you support Apartheid? If you think this is wrong, you can take action right now to support justice and stand against genocide simply by choosing what you buy.”
The protestors were swiftly removed from the store. However, BDS revealed in a subsequent post: “VICTORY! Pick n Pay Norwood has taken down their Zionist genocide-supporting display. This is the power of public outrage, truth-telling, and people refusing to stay silent in the face of genocide”.
It added: “But this is not the end. Now, Pick n Pay, take all Israeli products off your shelves.”
The South African has contacted Pick n Pay for an official comment. Once received, the article will be updated.
SA JEWISH BOARD DEMANDS APOLOGY
Meanwhile, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) has condemned the protest action staged at Pick n Pay Norwood.
The organisation shared on Facebook: “We have conveyed to Pick n Pay our profound sense of hurt and outrage over this incident and how we find it completely unacceptable that the universally recognised symbol of our Jewish faith and heritage should be banned from public spaces in this way.
It added: “We are currently waiting to hear what steps Pick n Pay will be taking to remedy the situation, including issuing an appropriate message apologizing to the Jewish community.”
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PICK N PAY NORWOOD’S PESACH DISPLAY AND PROTEST ACTION?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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