Vodka firm removes billboard ad after allegations of anti-Semitism
Wed, 23 Nov 2011
The New-York based Wódka Vodka has said it would remove billboards with slogan “Christmas Quality, Hanukkah Pricing” and apologized for it after receiving a number complaints by Jewish groups. Wódka Vodka said it had already begun the process of removing the billboards from public places. The company tweeted: “Although rarely serious, we apologize to anyone we may have offended through our holiday campaign and are removing our billboard immediately.”
Apart from the slogan, the advertisements also depicted an image of a dog wearing a Santa hat and a dog wearing a kippah, with the text “Christmas Quality, Hanukkah Pricing” in large letters.
“We welcome the response of Wódka Vodka, and are glad that they were sensitive to our concerns and the concerns of the many New Yorkers who were offended by this advertisement,” said Ron Meier, regional director for New York of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). “The company acted quickly and appropriately in recognizing that the billboard was offensive to many and should be removed.” The ADL had called the billboard ads “crude and offensive”.
The controversial ads promoting the spirit appeared in several locations in New York, including one at a well-traveled location along the West Side Highway. They quickly generated a barrage of calls and complaints to the ADL, according to the organization.
We welcome any comments you may have on this article. Comments are moderated and we reserve the right to edit or remove any which are derogatory or offensive. The WJC is not responsible for the content of any comments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
World Jewish Congress joins forces with YouTube to flag anti-Semitic and offensive content
The WJC and other partners will help the internet company sort through the millions of videos uploaded every day to actively report hate speech videos and ensure that YouTube is aware of every element promoting anti-Semitism, hate, Holocaust denial and other intolerant content on its platform.
WJC VIDEO | Remembering the innocent lives lost in Israel this year
19 innocent people were murdered in Israel this year in senseless car rammings, stabbings, shootings, and other acts of terror.
Vitriolic protest erupts against Israel at Russian conference - YNet
Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese participants at a youth conference in Russia chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to Jews" and set fire to Israel's flag when they came across members of the Israeli delegation.
Honoring of anti-Semites a ‘problem,’ says Israel’s ambassador to Ukraine - JTA
In recent years, various honors have been paid in Ukraine to several nationalists who are admired locally, but also reviled over accusations of hatred of Jews and complicity in atrocities against them.
WJC and Israel’s Mission to UN to co-host annual 'Ambassadors Against BDS' summit at UN headquarters in New York
US Ambassador Nikki Haley to headline anti-BDS conference, held in UN General Assembly Hall; more than 2,000 students, dignitaries, public officials, diplomats and opinion makers, expected to attend.
Under pressure, Amazon stops selling three Holocaust-denial books - Jewish Chronicle
The online retailer Amazon.com has stopped selling three Holocaust-denial books after the World Jewish Congress and Yad Vashem voiced growing frustration that Amazon was giving a platform to anti-Semites.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder thanks US Senators for letter supporting Jewish communities amid escalating anti-Semitism
“It is beyond reassuring to know that members of the US Senate are taking these threats seriously and are committed to protecting our communities,” Lauder said.
Jewish community in Kyrgyzstan honors citizens who welcomed Jewish refugees during Holocaust
An estimated 20,000 Ashkenazi Jews found refuge in Kyrgyzstan during the Holocaust, according to the Jewish Virtual Library. These refugees were able to settle into their temporary homes with relative ease and in most cases lived in peace and harmony with their neighbors.
There are no comments
Fill up the form above and be the first one