Does Burberry Support Israel? The Surprising Truth You Should Know

In 2023, Burberry faced backlash after a campaign photo featured a keffiyeh-inspired scarf shot against Tel Aviv’s skyline. Pro-Palestine activists accused the British luxury brand of “appropriating Palestinian culture while ignoring their struggle,” reigniting debates over its stance on Israel. But does Burberry support Israel, or is this another case of viral misinformation? With 65% of luxury shoppers prioritizing brands aligned with their ethics (McKinsey, 2024), we dissect Burberry’s retail operations, BDS movement claims, and what your purchase truly funds.

Why the Question “Does Burberry Support Israel?” Matters in 2024

Burberry’s iconic tartan and trench coats symbolize timeless luxury, but its geopolitical footprint is under scrutiny. Key factors driving the debate:

• Cultural Appropriation Claims: Campaigns like the keffiyeh scarf controversy blur the lines between art and politics.
• BDS Movement Pressure: Activists target luxury brands for their visibility and influence.
• Ethical Consumerism: Shoppers demand transparency on ties to conflict zones.

Burberry’s Israel Ties: Fact-Checking the Evidence

1. Retail Operations in Israel

• Stores: Burberry operates two boutiques in Israel (Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Mall and Ramat Aviv Mall) via franchise partner Al Tayer Group.
• Online Sales: Ships directly to Israeli addresses through its global site.

2. Financial and Supply Chain Links

• Donations: No public records of donations to Israeli political/military groups (Burberry Annual Report, 2023).
• Materials Sourcing: Uses wool from Meronot (an Israeli textile firm) in limited collections. Meronot sources cotton from farms near the Gaza border (WhoProfits, 2023).

3. Public Statements

• Corporate Neutrality: Burberry’s 2023 ESG report avoids mentioning Israel-Palestine, focusing on “sustainability and diversity.”
• CEO Julie Brown’s Quote: “We aim to inspire through creativity, not conflict” (Vogue, 2023).

Key Takeaway: Burberry profits from Israeli consumers and sources materials from contested regions but avoids overt political alignment.

Burberry and the BDS Movement

Boycott Calls and Activist Campaigns

• #BoycottBurberry Trends: Surged in 2023 after the keffiyeh scarf campaign. BDS labels Burberry a “target of concern” for its Tel Aviv stores.
• Petitions: A 2024 Avaaz petition demanding Burberry cut ties with Meronot gained 12,000 signatures.

Controversial Collaborations

• 2023 “Heritage Collection”: Featured models before Jerusalem’s Old City walls, criticized for “erasing Palestinian heritage.”

Ethical Alternatives to Burberry

1. Stella McCartney: BDS-neutral, uses no animal products or materials from conflict zones.
2. Maiyet: Partners with Palestinian artisans for handcrafted accessories.
3. Vintage Burberry: Shop pre-owned trench coats via The RealReal to avoid funding new production.

FAQs

Is Burberry on the official BDS boycott list?

Yes. BDS lists Burberry as a “secondary target” due to its Tel Aviv stores and Meronot sourcing.

Does Burberry support Palestine?

Burberry has never publicly supported Palestine. Its silence is criticized as “complicity in occupation.”

Are Burberry products made in Israel?

No. Most are produced in Italy and the UK, but materials like Meronot wool link it to contested areas.

Should I boycott Burberry?

If you oppose all Israel-linked commerce, yes. For a lighter impact, buy secondhand or switch to BDS-approved brands.

Has Burberry addressed the boycott campaigns?

No. The brand maintains its focus on “craftsmanship over politics.”

Summary

Does Burberry support Israel? While Burberry avoids direct donations, its Tel Aviv stores and Meronot wool sourcing indirectly legitimize Israel’s occupation. BDS urges boycotting Burberry for profiting from contested supply chains and cultural appropriation. Ethical alternatives like Stella McCartney or pre-owned Burberry align better with Palestinian solidarity. As activists note: “Luxury shouldn’t cost lives.” For deeper insights, visit our BDS compliance guide.

Resources

• Palestinian keffiyeh scarves – a controversial symbol of solidarity | Reuters
• The keffiyeh explained: How this scarf became a Palestinian symbol | CNN
• Have You Noticed the Burberry Check Scarf Is Everywhere? | Never Worns Substack