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 and Chelsea F.C. kick off strategic partnership to put a stop to anti-Semitism in sports
The Red Card for Hate initiative will take the form of three specific projects geared toward encouraging supporters, government officials and the public at large to treat anti-Semitism more seriously and to engage in discourse for effective action.
World Jewish Congress stands with British Jews in demanding Labor leader Corbyn turn words into actions to combat anti-Semitism in party
In joint statement, the Jewish Leadership Council and Board of Deputies of British Jews said: "Words in letters and newspaper articles will never be enough. We welcome the fact that Mr Corbyn's words have changed but it is action by which the Jewish community will judge him and the Labour Party."

On visit to Estonia, WJC CEO Robert Singer urges authorities to ‘act swiftly and vigorously’ against all signs of anti-Semitism
Over the course of his three-day visit, Singer met with Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mikhelson, Chairman of the Jewish Community of Estonia Alla Jakobson and other senior officials

Lithuanian Jews reject proposed legislation to censor goods deemed to "distort the historical facts of Lithuania"
Lithuanian Jewish Community chairwoman Faina Kukliansky says: "Lithuania must remain open and democratic. Freedom of speech and human rights must be insured in our country just as actively as the calls to fight for the protection of consumer rights through these amendments.”

Ronald S. Lauder: “The Jews Will Never Forget the Bravery of the Bulgarians”
Bulgaria's Magazine 79 interview WJC President Lauder during commemoration events of the 75th anniversary of the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews.

From Sofia: A Lunch With WJC President Ronald S. Lauder
Shalom President Alexander Oscar announces plan to honor Lauder with the Stara Planina Order, which is the highest order Bulgaria has to offer.

Documentary of bid to uncover UN secretary-general's Nazi past wins film prize - Jewish Chronicle
The documentary includes press conferences with heads of the World Jewish Congress, who went all out to uncover the truth about Waldheim, and defensive interviews with Waldheim both in English and German.

Poles and the Holocaust in historical perspective - Tablet
As the controversy surrounding Poland’s new law continues, it’s crucial to keep the facts and the complexities of the subject in mind | By Menachem Z. Rosensaft.
There are no comments
Fill up the form above and be the first one