New York's $268 billion state pension fund on Thursday became the latest to restrict its holdings in Unilever Plc in response to ice-cream maker Ben & Jerry's decision to end sales in Judea and Samaria.
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In a statement, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said a review found the company and its subsidiary "engaged in BDS activities," referring to the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement.
The New York State Common Retirement Fund has total Unilever equity of $111 million, the spokesman said. The fund is the third-largest US public pension fund.
Pension officials in other states including New Jersey, Arizona, and Florida have also moved to sell shares in Unilever or restricted the purchase of new stock for similar reasons.
Unilever representatives did not immediately comment.
Ben & Jerry's moved in July to end a license for its ice cream to be sold in Judea and Samaria, saying sales there were "inconsistent with its values."
Unilever had said the decision was made by Ben & Jerry's independent social mission board, and that it does not support the BDS movement.
In a letter to DiNapoli's office in August, Unilever CEO Alan Jope said Unilever was committed to its business in Israel, where it employs nearly 2,000 people, and the Ben & Jerry's brand would remain in Israel.
"We have welcomed this decision to stay in Israel emphatically, and have been seeking to handle this matter in as respectful and sensitive way as possible," Jope wrote.
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