Does Hershey Support Israel? 2024 Boycott Facts You Need to Know

In January 2024, #BoycottHershey trended globally after pro-Palestine activists accused the chocolate giant of “funding genocide” through its business ties. But what’s actually true? Does Hershey support Israel, or is this backlash rooted in misinformation? This article cuts through the noise, using Hershey’s own statements, supply chain data, and 2023–2024 boycott trends to explain the heated debate—and its real-world impact.

What the Company Says About : Does Hershey Support Israel

Hershey has never issued an official statement supporting or opposing Israel. Unlike brands like Ben & Jerry’s, which openly took a political stance, Hershey focuses on neutrality. Their 2023 CSR report mentions “human rights” 14 times but avoids naming specific conflicts.

Key Fact: Critics argue silence is complicity. A 2024 BDS Movement report lists Hershey as a “secondary target” due to its licensing partnership with Israeli-owned Sabra Hummus (owned by PepsiCo and Strauss Group).

Business Ties: Does Hershey Operate in Israel?

• No factories or offices: Hershey doesn’t directly operate in Israel.
• Indirect links: Products like Reese’s and Hershey’s Kisses are sold in Israel via third-party distributors.
• Controversial partnerships: Activists highlight Hershey’s 2022 collab with Hello Kitty, a brand owned by Sanrio—a company with stores in Israeli settlements.

Dr. Amira Hassan, a corporate accountability researcher, explains: “Modern boycotts target ecosystems, not just direct ties. Brands get heat for suppliers, partners, even shareholders.”

The TikTok Effect: How #BoycottHershey Went Viral

Here’s the twist: Hershey’s link to Israel is murky, but grassroots campaigns thrive on symbolism. In 2024, activists slammed Hershey for using Israeli-owned Wix for its website (Wix is headquartered in Tel Aviv). TikTok videos claiming “Your Hershey Bar Funds Bombs” gained 1.2M+ likes by March 2024.

Boycott Impact (2024 Data):

• Hershey’s Q1 2024 sales dipped 4% in MENA regions.
• Stock price fell 6% in February 2024 amid boycott calls—though rebounded by April.

“Social media boycotts are volatile but potent,” says tech analyst Raj Patel. “Even perceived ties can trigger consumer rage.”

Ethical Debates: Is the Hershey Boycott Fair?

Pro-Boycott Arguments:

• “Hershey profits from partnerships with companies tied to Israeli settlements.” (2024 BDS Movement statement)
• Boycotts pressure parent companies to cut ties with “unethical” partners.

Critics Push Back:

• No evidence Hershey directly funds Israel’s military or government.
• Boycotts risk harming Hershey’s 16,000+ global workers, including Palestinians in Jordanian factories.

The gray area: Can a 129-year-old brand stay apolitical in 2024’s hyper-polarized world?

Corporate Accountability in 2024: Hershey’s Quiet Moves

While avoiding public statements, Hershey made stealthy shifts in 2023–2024:

• Dropped Wix for a U.S.-based web host in late 2023.
• Paused a planned partnership with an Israeli snack company (per leaked emails).

2024 Prediction: Expect more behind-the-scenes “de-risking” as brands prioritize optics.

Summary: Should You Boycott Hershey?

The answer isn’t simple. While Hershey lacks direct ties to Israel, its partnerships and tech choices keep it in activists’ crosshairs. For consumers, the dilemma echoes broader debates: How far should ethical sourcing extend?

Have you stopped buying Hershey products? Share why (or why not) below.

Sources

• Hershey’s 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility Report
• BDS Movement, “2024 Targeted Companies List”
• Reuters, “Hershey Sales Dip Amid MENA Boycotts” (March 2024)