Boycott PUMA to Champion Palestinian Rights
The Occupied Palestinian Territory has witnessed heart-wrenching events, marked by the tragic loss of numerous lives, most notably innocent children. The cruelty endured at the hands of Israeli forces serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for change. Despite the undeniable horrors, PUMA, a globally recognized sportswear brand, has persistently endorsed the illegal occupation, supporting the undermining of basic human rights. This article delves into the reasons why boycotting PUMA is not only justified but also imperative in advocating for the rights of Palestinians.
Why PUMA Needs To Withdraw from Illegally Occupied Palestinian Territory
PUMA is the only global sponsor of the Israel Football Association (IFA), which as documented by Human Rights Watch, includes football clubs based in illegal and unauthorized Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land. By endorsing the IFA, PUMA inadvertently supports the presence of illegal Israeli settlements, contributing to the displacement of Palestinians from their rightful land, and indirectly supports acts of aggression against Palestinian sports. Tragically, in 2018 alone, Israeli snipers prematurely terminated the careers of numerous Palestinian athletes in Gaza. In response, Palestinian teams and athletes have been rallying for a boycott of PUMA until the brand terminates its sponsorship with the IFA. PUMA’s own assessment of its human rights even found its “sponsorship activities” as one of its “weak spots.”
Despite the calls for change from 235 Palestinian teams, PUMA continues to endorse the Israel Football Association. Furthermore, both current and previous exclusive licensees of Puma in Israel are engaged in activities within unauthorized Israeli settlements. PUMA's association and support with the Israel’s oppressive actions is clear. Yet this complicity in human rights abuses cannot be ignored. PUMA, as a global brand, bears a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and promote inclusivity and respect for human rights. And, by continuing to operate in a manner that supports the Israeli apartheid regime's actions, PUMA will likely lose its brand reputation and success in the eyes of consumers worldwide who stand for human rights.
Countering Occupation: The High Human Cost of Illegal Settlements
To break the cycle of violence and expansion of illegal settlements, pressure is key. Urging corporations, like PUMA, to champion Palestinian rights needs a united front to send a powerful message to Israeli forces. The cost of the occupation is too high to bear. Israel’s brutal military occupation has lasted for half a century, which has resulted in systemic human violations. It has included expelling Palestinian families, including children, from their homes to make room for settlements and violent force to enforce repression.
The establishment of Israeli settlements are war crimes and under violation of international law given its unlawful territorial seizures. Yet, this practice is an integral part of Israel's occupation framework, displacing indigenous Palestinian families, appropriating vital natural resources, and impeding the freedom of movement for Palestinians. Puma’s sponsorship of the IFA inadvertently allows Israel’s settlement regime to continue and expand. Despite facing condemnation from UN advisors, numerous elected officials, and a multitude of civil society and human rights organizations representing a significant portion of the public, the IFA has also failed to take steps to sever its involvement in illegal Israeli settlements. All the while, Puma's response has been to assert a commitment to universal equality, which appears to be a clear move to deflect criticism. It’s high time for Puma to abide by its stated commitment to human rights and end all activity in illegal Israeli settlements.
Boycotting PUMA: What You Can Do
TikTok Source: Venetia La Manna
Spread Awareness: Share this blog post to raise awareness about the issue of why we should boycott PUMA
Use Your Voice: Comment under PUMA's (@puma @Puma.uk @PumaSportStyle@PumaRunning @pumafootball) posts on social media with the hashtag #BoycottPuma
Sign the Petition: Add your voice to the petition urging PUMA to end its support Israeli’s illegal occupation and violence against Palestine
Email PUMA: Let PUMA know directly that you stand with Palestinian athletes and will boycott the brand until it ends its support for Israel’s Occupation
Demand a cease of fire: Contact your MP to stop Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip that has killed over 8,000 Palestinians, over 40% of whom are children.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative for PUMA to take a stand in support of human rights and justice. By severing its association with the Israel Football Association, PUMA has the opportunity to send a resounding message, demonstrating its commitment to breaking ties with Israel’s illegal occupation and championing the rights of Palestinians. Together, we have the capacity to drive positive change on a global scale. By uniting in our call for PUMA to take a stance, we can be the force that sparks the transformation that our world so desperately needs. Let us stand together, unwavering in our commitment to human rights and justice, and compel PUMA to be on the right side of history.