Scarlett Johansson Supports Israel And The Palestinians
Scarlett Johansson has received a lot of flack for the new ad campaign she did for the Israeli beverage company SodaStream, which operates in the disputed West Bank. She promptly responded to the criticism by expressing her support for both Israel and the Palestinians.
In a statement she released to The Huffington Post on Friday, Johansson said she “never intended on being the face of any social or political movement, distinction, separation or stance” as part of her advert for SodaStream International Ltd.
The Israeli owned drinks company recently signed Scarlett Johansson as its first ever “global brand ambassador,” and she will appear in a TV ad during the Super Bowl.
The company and Johansson came under fire from pro-Palestinian groups that maintain because the factory is located in the West Bank, a territory the Palestinians claim belongs to them, it is illegal.
These groups are often more intent on pushing their agenda than they are on the reality of the situation since the factory offers jobs and livelihoods to whole communities of people. The charity Oxfam also had something to say about the new Johansson/SodaStream union as they oppose all trade from ‘Israeli settlements.’
The fact Scarlett Johansson teamed up with SodaStream upset Oxfam, especially considering she has been humanitarian group’s ‘global ambassador’ since 2005.
Nevertheless, Johansson stood strong in her position of support for the Jewish state, as well as expressing her hopes for peace in the future with the Palestinians. She released the following, well-worded and diplomatic statement:
“I remain a supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine. SodaStream is a company that is not only committed to the environment but to building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine, supporting neighbors working alongside each other, receiving equal pay, equal benefits and equal rights.”
Maybe Scarlett Johansson should move into politics? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the feed below.
