BDS Success: Israeli Firm Sodastream Leaves Palestinian West Bank after Boycott

[4now]

The Israeli Occupation institutions in the Palestinian West Bank are increasingly being boycotted, especially in Europe (Oxfam is based in Britain). Although it is clearly illegal for an Occupying Power to move its population into occupied territory (Geneva Convention of 1949), far right wing Israeli governments have flooded this Palestinian territory with hundreds of thousands of illegal squatters, who have usurped Palestinian property, confined Palestinians to Bantustans, and imposed onerous checkpoints on them. The Jewish supremacist squatter settlements are Jewish-only and no Palestinian can live in them. The militant squatters are often heavily armed and are increasingly attacking Palestinians and their mosques and other institutions, as well as waging economic warfare on them by cutting down their olive trees.

The European Union has decided to use its economic clout to push back against the clear Israeli determination to annex the whole West Bank while keeping its indigenous Palestinian population stateless and without the rights of citizenship.

The European Union has insisted that Israeli institutions and companies based in the Palestinian West Bank be excluded from any Israeli participation in a program of the European Union. (The EU treats Israel like a member, offering it many perquisites, opportunities for technology interchange, and access to EU markets; Brussels is saying, however, that none of that largesse can go to Israelis in the Occupied Weat Bank.)

About a third of Israel’s trade is with Europe (the US and China are its biggest trading partners, and Turkey comes after the EU). The EU imports $300 million a year from the settlements, but is clearly moving toward cutting that trade off…”

http://www.juancole.com/2014/10/sodastream-palestinian-boycott.html

Drip, drip, drip. Soon it will be a flood.

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanction movement is getting bigger everyday.
End Israeli apartheid.
Boycott, Divest, Sanction.
http://www.bdsmovement.net/

[oberliner]

1. That's going to make for a tough commute for those Palestinian workers

I would imagine most of them would have preferred for the factory not to have been relocated to inside Israel.

[Israeli]

15. Nope ...

...they are going to be replaced by Bedouins.

Nope again ....

Any suggestion that SodaStream is employing Palestinians in an illegal Israeli settlement on stolen Palestinian land out of the kindness of its heart is ludicrous.

Palestinian workers are paid far less than their Israeli counterparts and SodaStream recently fired 60 Palestinians following a dispute over food for the breaking of the Ramadan fast. Workers have previously said they are treated ‘like slaves’”.

Palestinians are forced to work inside settlements in sub-standard conditions because of Israel’s deliberate destruction of the Palestinian economy. There’s an urgent need for the creation of decent and dignified jobs within the Palestinian economy.

All of the main Palestinian trade unions have called for boycott and are members of the Palestinian BDS National Committee, the civil society coalition that leads the BDS movement and helped to initiate the campaign against SodaStream.

See : http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/activism/bds/120-bds-holds-corporation-accountable-sodastream

[oberliner]

18. You have no idea what you are talking about here

We remain committed to the family of our employees and will do everything in our power to enable continuity of employment for all of them, including our Palestinian employees,” Hurwitz said by e-mail.

They have stated that they will facilitate the acquisition of Israeli work permits for all of the Palestinian employees impacted by the move so that they can continue to work in the plant that will now be sixty miles away.

"Hell yeah, I'm happy. We're like family. We have fun,'' said Mohammed Yousef, 22, from the Palestinian village of Jaba. "We are Jews and Muslims here. We are here peacefully. We have no problems. Everyone is complaining about settlements here and everywhere, but SodaStream is different.''

The workers here say they take home about $1,200 monthly–anywhere from double to triple common wages in the territories. The company also provides pensions and some medical insurance.

"I talk a lot to friends abroad. They say, 'You are an Arab. How can you work there?'" he said. "Nobody knows there are 1,000 people and their lives will be turned upside down by the (boycott). You are killing them, so stop it.''

[Israeli]

21. Link ???? n/t

[Israeli]

22. Here is a link for you ....

http://www.timesofisrael.com/sodastream-to-invest-in-negev/

Carbonated drink firm to build plant in South after receiving grant from government; initiative likely to reduce unemployment among Bedouins

According to the report, the plant will provide employment opportunities to around 1,000 workers, many of them Bedouins.

News1 reported that local leaders praised the initiative for the desperately-needed jobs it would create and its predicted contribution to the region’s development.

“It is a good solution which could considerably reduce unemployment in the city of Rahat, particularly among Bedouin women,” the website quoted Rahat Mayor Faiz Abu Sahiban as saying.

BTW ...." They have stated that they will facilitate the acquisition of Israeli work permits for all of the Palestinian employees impacted by the move so that they can continue to work in the plant that will now be sixty miles away."

Will they be providing transport by Palestinian only buses ?????

[shira]

28. Seems you went from the peace camp to the other side...

If the goal of boycotts is to end the occupation, then what about peace?

Imagine Israel pulls out of the W.Bank entirely by next year and announces it. What makes you think there will be peace as a result?

Seems you want an end to occupation no matter the result.

[Israeli]

31. Seriously shira ....

...what makes you think that any of us give a damn what a Right wing American like yourself thinks about us ??

ONE WEEK

Anti-Supreme Court law.
Segregated buses.
Massive settlement construction.
Police violence in Jerusalem.
Confrontation with the US.

Netanyahu did it all
In just one week.

Tomorrow, Sat. at 7.30 pm, we will join the gathering of Israeli peace-seekers at the Memorial Rally at Rabin Square, Tel Aviv.
Published in Haaretz October 31, 2014

http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/weekly_ad/1414715047/

[shira]

35. You're avoiding the question...

How does ending the occupation result in peace?

You used to be for peace based on a negotiated settlement. You even said you blame Abbas for rejecting Olmert's offer. Olmert's offer was better than an end to occupation and settlements, and Abbas rejected that. So what makes you think ending occupation will result in peace when Abbas couldn't even accept a deal that was better than an end to occupation?

[Jefferson23]

36. +1. n/t

[4now]

2. Sodastream Is on its way out.

[oberliner]

3. Could demand for healthier drinks and the fall in desire for soda in the US be the reason?

Or at least, maybe played a role?

[4now]

4. Are Coke and Pepsi having the same problems?

Are their stock prices crashing?
Sodastream is marketing itself as a healthy alternative to soda pop.
From the posted article.
"Earlier this year, SodaStream (SODA) hired Scarlett Johansson to tell us why making your own soda at home is better for your health and better for the world. “Sorry, Coke and Pepsi,” she cooed.

Now SodaStream looks like the sorry one. The company’s revenue fell 12.9 percent in the third quarter, with revenue in the Americas tumbling by 41 percent, according to results reported on Wednesday. The stock has been in free fall for months"

[oberliner]

5. I don't think they are as dependent on the US market

I would point out that Sodastream's stock dipped from 75 in July of 2011 to 28 in November of that same year. By July of 2013 it was back up to 72. Only to now find it's price down near 20. Much more volatile than giant companies like Coke and Pepsi.

I would think the number of people in the US who would buy this product but do not because of the BDS movement is pretty small.

I'm not even sure what other companies exist in that market - i.e. home carbonated water machines.

[shaayecanaan]

24. its a razor and blade business

As far as I can tell they take a hit on the machine but make it back in consumables.

The syrups are just sugar in a bottle and easily changed out for cordial or whatever. The co2 bottles can be changed out for something like keg king.

To be honest, I don't think that you get decent levels of carbonation from a soda stream anyway. I use a beer keg a regulator and co2 to make soda water and even I have to apply pressure and wiggle the keg around for 10 mins to get decent fizz. I can't see Scarlett farting about on her hands and knees trying to carbonate her own water. Maybe she's not a good fit for the brand.

Probably a lot of people use these things once or twice and then forget about them.

[oberliner]

32. That makes sense

I don't own one myself so I can't speak to how well they work.

[azurnoir]

26. Cusinart makes one too

this is the deluxe version

[oberliner]

33. Pretty negative reviews for that one on Amazon

Did a little research and found that the folks at Mondoweiss have compiled a list of SodaStream alternatives:

http://mondoweiss.net/2013/02/occupation-alternatives-sodastream

[azurnoir]

34. Hamilton Beach also I was just at Target

and you believe on line reviews? if so I have a bridge for sale

[Israeli]

16. Maybe .....

....maybe not ....

Jim Charnier, an analyst at Monness Crespi Hardt, told the Wall Street Journal that he had been expecting a poor quarter when he learned early in September that Macy's had stopped carrying SodaStream and saw other negative figures from the market.

For more than a year, religious and human rights organizations throughout the United States have urged Macy’s, Target and other corporations to de-shelve SodaStream products because of the company's complicity with Israel's occupation and settlements. SodaStream products are largely manufactured in the West Bank Mishor Adumim settlement industrial zone.

“We are very disappointed in our recent performance,” said Daniel Birnbaum, Chief Executive Officer of SodaStream. “Our U.S. business underperformed due to lower than expected demand for our soda makers and flavors which was the primary driver of the overall shortfall in the third quarter. While we were successful over the last few years in establishing a solid base of repeat users in the U.S., we have not succeeded in attracting new consumers to our home carbonation system at the rate we believe should be achieved. The third quarter results are a clear indication that we must alter our course and improve our execution across the board. We have already begun a strategic shift of the SodaStream brand towards health & wellness, primarily in the U.S., where we believe this message will resonate more strongly with consumers….”

SodaStream states that calls for boycott are indeed a "risk factor" and a cause for "rising political tensions and negative publicity", although this official notice makes no mention of boycott. However, the company has declared in the past that moving its factory out Mishor Adumim would require the expenditure of resources and, more importantly, "limit certain of the tax benefits for which we are currently eligible." These benefits stem from the fact that the Israeli government provides economic incentives, including tax deductions, for businesses operating in West Bank settlements.

John Lewis in the UK had been the latest retailer to stop stocking SodaStream products and protests forced a SodaStream store in Brighton, UK, to close recently. SodaStream also had to deal with a public relations headache early this year when the U.K. charity Oxfam criticized its brand ambassador Scarlett Johansson for working with the settlement company. Johansson stepped down from her role with Oxfam and defended the company.

Soros Fund Management, the family office of the billionaire investor George Soros, also sold its stake in SodaStream this past August.

Maybe's continued at ...
http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/activism/bds/92-macy-s-stops-stocking-sodastream

[Mosby]

11. sodastream might be bought by pepsi

At least according to the article your chart links to. I agree with the guy who said they can't make coke or Pepsi soda, that's very true, I think they should focus on flavored seltzer water, a segment that is growing rapidly.

[grossproffit]

14. Also natural alternatives to corn syrup and artificial coloring. eom.

[hack89]

6. So a bunch of Palestinians will lose their jobs

why is this a good thing? Soda Stream will make a shit ton of money regardless.

[Israeli]

25. why is this a good thing?....

Why ?.....

Putting an end to the occupation,

Accepting the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent and sovereign State of Palestine in all the territories occupied by Israel in 1967,

Reinstating the pre-1967 "Green Line" as the border between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine (with possible minor exchanges of territories agreed between the parties); the border will be open for the free movement of people and goods, subject to mutual agreement.

Establishing Jerusalem as the capital of the two states, with East Jerusalem (including the Haram al-Sharif) serving as the capital of Palestine and West Jerusalem (including the Western Wall) serving as the capital of Israel. The city is to be united on the physical and municipal level, based on mutual agreement.

Recognizing in principle the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, allowing each refugee to choose freely between compensation and repatriation to Palestine and Israel, and fixing by mutual agreement the number of refugees who will be able to return to Israel in annual quotas, without undermining the foundations of Israel.

Safeguarding the security of both Israel and Palestine by mutual agreement and guarantees.
Striving for overall peace between Israel and all Arab countries and the creation of a regional union.

http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/about/general_info/

[hack89]

27. The borders will never be open

Let's remember why the security wall went up in the first place. When the occupation ends the Palestinians will be isolated. They have already been replaced in the Israeli economy for the most part by foreign guest workers.

[shira]

37. Tell the 500 Palestinians losing their jobs it's a good thing. n/t

[Israeli]

38. End the occupation !!!..........

The cynical use of Palestinian workers in the SodaStream controversy

As a rule, Palestinians working for Israelis in the West Bank hate the settlements and the occupation. But they have to feed their families, so they swallow their pride.

I wish there were a way of ending the theft of the Palestinians’ land, and their freedom, and their pride by means other than the boycott. I have no desire to take away anybody’s job, Palestinian or Jew. But the boycott is working where elections, demonstrations, words, Palestinian non-violence and Obama all failed. If somebody can show me a way to bring down the occupation that doesn’t cost anyone his job – and that isn’t a proven failure – I will gladly support it. But no one has yet. So until then, I will see the boycott not as something to rejoice over, but as the lesser of two evils, the greater one being the humiliation Israel imposes on the Palestinians, even those who work at SodaStream.

http://972mag.com/the-cynical-exploitation-of-palestinian-workers-in-scarlett-johanssonsodastream-affair/86698/

[grossproffit]

7. Thanks! My husband just ordered a backup. If it's on the boycott list then it's for us.

[King_David]

8. I bought 1 too

But I prefer just club soda.

[Mosby]

12. have you tried flavored waters?

We like the arrowhead seltzer water my favorite is black cherry.

[shaayecanaan]

23. looks like it won't be on the boycott list much longer

I guess you'll have to take up some other hobby to get a puerile rise out of people. Maybe baby seal clubbing or something.

[grossproffit]

30. Funny, that's how I view the BDS propaganda.

Childish, silly and and trivial.

[King_David]

9. giants Baidu, Ping-An invest in Israeli VC

http://www.timesofisrael.com/chinese-giants-baidu-ping-an-invest-in-israeli-vc/

There ain't no drip drip drip as far as real investment in Israel goes.

[grossproffit]

13. We've added some Israeli companies to our portfolio.

It feels so good to be supporting Israel. My husband and I both became fascinated with Israel in college during our Middle Eastern studies.

[azurnoir]

10. the Israeli government gave sodastream a $20,000,000 grant for the move

The SodaStream spokeswoman, Nirit Hurwitz, said that the company had received a $20 million grant from the Israeli government to build the Lehavim plant, and that it expected the consolidation to “result in savings of 2 percent across our entire cost base.”

“Our costs have increased and our profitability has eroded” as annual revenue has quintupled to $500 million since 2007, Ms. Hurwitz said in an email. “Time has now come to make the change to a single state-of-the-art facility that will be our flagship site globally.”

“I could leave there tomorrow, for me it would be easier, but what about the employees?” he asked in an interview then. “I feel like I have a responsibility there. Those who oppose the factory are using SodaStream and manipulating our Palestinian workers in order to demonize the state of Israel, and I won’t let them.”

On Wednesday, Mr. Birnbaum said the company was asking the Israeli government for permits so that the Palestinians could work at the site in Lehavim. “We are committed to doing everything in our power to enable continuity of employment to our family of employees,” he said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/world/middleeast/sodastream-to-close-factory-in-west-bank.html

[Israeli]

17. Drip, drip, drip...........

http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/activism/bds/3-photos-bds-victory-as-vancouver-blocks-israeli-ship

http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/activism/bds/20-bds-victory-uefa-says-no-to-jerusalem-tournament-bid

http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/activism/bds/107-union-of-progressive-jews-boycotts-jewish-festival

http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/activism/bds/111-exeter-u-votes-to-boycott-settlement-products

http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/activism/bds/124-a-cautious-bds-victory

[oberliner]

19. Stick with "alternativenews.org"

You'll always be able to read exactly the articles you want to read.

Makes life a lot simpler I guess.

[Israeli]

20. More sour grapes :)

I'm Gush Shalom oberliner......we were the first to boycott the settlements .

Gush Shalom FAQs on the Boycott of Settlement Goods

http://www.sadaka.ie/Files/Gush_Shalom_FAQs.pdf

More .....

Boycott goes on trial in Israel's High Court

Civil rights organizations argue the ‘anti-boycott law’ has created a chilling effect, stifling debate on one of the most divisive issues facing Israeli society. If that’s the case, the state counters, then how has BDS grown so much in recent years?

The civil society groups argued that even if the law is nearly impossible to enforce, its very existence has a “chilling effect,” leading to self-censorship and stifling of a necessary and legitimate political debate about Israeli policy, and that it is not an attack on Israel itself. They claimed that the law effectively blocks a legitimate form of non-violent protest against the policies of the state. Peace organization Gush Shalom, for example, was forced to remove from its website a list of products and companies originating from the West Bank; its lawyers claimed that the law thus alters and hinders prior activity of the organization.

Source : http://972mag.com/boycott-goes-on-trial-in-israels-high-court/87263/

[King_David]

29. BDS groups boycott all of Israel

want a one party state.

And as has been illustrated often have a hate on for ALL Jews including us in the Golah.