The boycott, sanctions, and divestment movement is targeting German multinational sportswear company Puma for its sponsorship of the Israeli national soccer team.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Protesters, who gathered at various locations around the world, including outside the company's headquarters in Manchester, England, in recent days, have called for Puma to end its ties with the Israeli team and support for the "apartheid" state. The activists' efforts have paid off, as the hashtag #BoycottPuma has also been trending on social media over the past few days.
On its website, the BDS movement accused Puma of involvement in "violations of international law and human rights. Puma is the main sponsor of the Israel Football Association (IFA), which includes teams in Israel's illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land. In addition, Puma's current and past exclusive licenses in Israel have operations in illegal Israeli settlements ... More than 200 Palestinian sports clubs have called on Puma to end the sponsorship deal and stop supporting Israel's illegal land grabs.
"Puma markets itself as a company that cares about equality yet it funds the apartheid the IFA helps sustain. In July 2018, it was announced that Adidas was no longer sponsoring the IFA following an international campaign and the delivery of over 16,000 signatures to Adidas headquarters."
"We can do this again. Join Palestinian athletes calling for a boycott of Puma until it ends its support for Israel's illegal land grabs."
The BDS site said that "in an attempt to deflect criticism, Puma responded to the campaign, claiming a 'devotion to universal equality.' It's time for Puma to abide by its stated commitment to human rights and end all activity in illegal Israeli settlements."
While Adidas ended its contract with the Israel national team in 2018, the company clarified the decision was not politically motivated at the time.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
