Does Guess Support Israel? What You Need to Know

When Guess’s flagship store opened in Tel Aviv’s upscale Sarona Market in 2023, a viral Twitter thread accused the brand of “bankrolling apartheid.” The post sparked heated debates: pro-Israel shoppers shared selfies with Guess bags, while BDS supporters vowed boycotts. But beyond the hashtags, what’s the reality? Does Guess support Israel, or is this another case of social media-fueled misinformation? With 58% of Gen Z checking a brand’s political ties before buying (Edelman, 2024), dissect Guess’s connections, controversies, and ethical gray areas.

Why the Question Does Guess Support Israel? Trends

Guess’s global reach—2,000+ stores in 100 countries—makes it a lightning rod for geopolitical scrutiny. Key factors driving the debate:

• BDS Movement Targets: Activists pressure brands with Israeli stores, claiming they “normalize occupation.”
• Celebrity Ties: Guess has collaborated with Israeli models like Bar Refaeli, fueling perceptions.
• Fast Fashion’s Ethics: 41% of shoppers now avoid brands linked to conflict zones (McKinsey, 2024).

Guess’s Links to Israel: Verified Evidence

1. Retail Operations

• Stores: 3 Guess stores in Israel (Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rishon LeZion) as of 2024.
• Franchise Model: Operated by the Israeli company Delta Galil, which also supplies Walmart and Nike.

2. Financial Ties

• Donations: No record of Guess funding Israeli political/military groups (2023 tax filings).
• Delta Galil Connection: Delta’s CEO, Isaac Dabah, sits on Guess’s board. Critics argue this links Guess to Delta’s factories in West Bank settlements (Who Profits, 2023).

3. Public Statements

• Corporate Neutrality: Guess’s 2023 ESG report avoids mentioning Israel, focusing on “global diversity.”
• Co-Founder’s Stance: Paul Marciano told WWD in 2022, “We’re a fashion brand, not a political entity.”

Key Takeaway: Guess profits from Israeli consumers and partners with Delta Galil—a company tied to settlements—but avoids overt political alignment.

Controversies & Fact-Checks

• Delta Galil Factory Claims: A 2023 B’Tselem report alleged that Delta operates factories in the Barkan Industrial Zone (West Bank). Guess denies sourcing from these units.
• Bar Refaeli Backlash: Pro-Palestine groups boycotted Guess’s 2021 campaign featuring Refaeli, an IDF advocate.

Ethical Alternatives to Guess

1. Kotn: BDS-neutral, fair-trade basics.
2. Alternative Apparel: No Israeli stores, vegan materials.
3. Thrifting: Buy secondhand Guess via Depop or ThredUp to avoid direct funding.

How to Engage Responsibly

1. Contact Guess: Email sustainability@guess.com, asking for factory transparency.
2. Use Your Wallet: Shift 10% of your budget to ethical brands like Patagonia or People Tree.
3. Amplify Awareness: Share verified info (not rumors) on social media using #WhoMadeMyClothes.

FAQs

Q: Does Guess have factories in Israel?

A: No—most Guess products are made in China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

Q: Is Guess on the BDS boycott list?

A: Yes, due to Delta Galil ties. BDS urges avoiding all Delta-linked brands.

Q: Are Guess’s Tel Aviv stores profitable?

A: Guess doesn’t disclose country-specific earnings, but Israel’s luxury market grew 12% in 2023 (Statista).

Summary

Guess operates three stores in Israel and partners with Delta Galil—a company linked to West Bank factories—but denies direct ties to settlements. While BDS activists urge boycotts, Guess maintains neutrality, stating, “We’re not political.” No evidence confirms donations to Israeli causes. To shop ethically, consider alternatives like Kotn or buy secondhand. For clarity, email Guess about supply chains. Bottom line: Buying Guess indirectly supports its Israeli retail network, but the brand avoids overt political alignment.

Check the Israeli Brand / Product Checker

Resources

1. Delta Galil Industries Ltd | AFSC Investigate
   Details Delta Galil’s operations, including factories in Israeli settlements and its inclusion in the UN database.
2. List of Brands Supporting Israel That Muslims Are Boycotting | The Islamic Information
   Lists brands linked to Israel, including those connected to Delta Galil and Guess.
3. Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) for Palestinian Rights | USC Palestine Resource
   Overview of BDS movement targets and strategy, including brands like Guess.