Vodka firm removes billboard ad after allegations of anti-Semitism

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.