Does Tapestry Inc Support Israel? Exposing Hidden Entanglements

In 2023, a TikTok video of a Kate Spade handbag tagged “Made for Tel Aviv” went viral, igniting fury among pro-Palestine activists. Comments like “Tapestry Inc is funding genocide!” flooded social media, but others dismissed it as a rumor. So, does Tapestry Inc support Israel, or is this another case of misinformation? With 70% of luxury shoppers demanding ethical transparency (McKinsey, 2024), let’s dissect Tapestry’s retail ties, BDS boycott claims, and what your purchase truly funds.

Why the Question “Does Tapestry Inc Support Israel?” Sparks Debate

Tapestry Inc—parent company of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman—faces scrutiny as global consumers connect luxury spending to geopolitics. Key flashpoints:

• BDS Movement Pressure: Activists target Tapestry for its Israeli retail partnerships.
• Cultural Controversies: Campaigns like Kate Spade’s “Tel Aviv Nights” collection face backlash.
• Ethical Consumerism: Shoppers demand clarity on brands linked to conflict zones.

Tapestry Inc’s Israel Ties: Verified Facts

1. Retail Operations in Israel

• No Standalone Stores: Tapestry brands (Coach, Kate Spade) are sold through Israeli retailer Hamashbir Lazarchan and e-commerce sites.
• Franchise Model: Partner Delta Israel (a subsidiary of Delta Galil, a BDS target for West Bank factories) distributes Tapestry products.

2. Financial Links

• No Direct Donations: Tapestry’s 2023 SEC filings show no contributions to Israeli political/military groups.
• Delta Galil Connection: Delta Galil operates factories in the Barkan Industrial Zone (West Bank), per WhoProfits 2023. Tapestry’s partnership fees indirectly fund this.

3. Public Statements

• Corporate Neutrality: Tapestry’s 2023 ESG report avoids mentioning Israel-Palestine, focusing on “gender equity.”
• CEO Joanne Crevoiserat’s Quote: “We prioritize craftsmanship over political commentary” (WWD, 2024).

Key Takeaway: Tapestry Inc profits from Israeli consumers and controversial partnerships but avoids overt political alignment.

Tapestry Inc and the BDS Movement

Boycott Campaigns

• #BoycottTapestry Trends: Surged in 2023 after BDS linked Tapestry to Delta Galil’s settlement factories.
• Petitions: A 2024 Avaaz petition demanding Tapestry cut ties with Delta Israel gained 18K signatures.

Controversial Collaborations

• 2023 Coach “Heritage” Campaign: Featured models in Jerusalem’s Old City, accused of erasing Palestinian history.

Ethical Alternatives to Tapestry Brands

1. Maiyet: Luxury handbags made with Palestinian artisans.
2. Stella McCartney: BDS-neutral, sustainable materials.
3. Vintage Coach/Kate Spade: Buy pre-owned via The RealReal to avoid funding new production.

For more options: Explore our BDS-Compliant Luxury Guide.

FAQs

Is Tapestry Inc. on the BDS boycott list?

Yes. BDS lists Tapestry as a “secondary target” due to its Delta Israel ties.

Does Tapestry support Palestine?

Tapestry has never publicly supported Palestine. Critics call its silence “complicit neutrality.”

Are Tapestry products made in Israel?

No—most are made in China and Vietnam, but Delta Galil’s settlement links raise ethical concerns.

Should I boycott Coach and Kate Spade?

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

Summary

Does Tapestry Inc. support Israel? While Tapestry avoids direct donations, its partnership with Delta Israel—a subsidiary tied to West Bank factories—indirectly funds settlement expansion. BDS urges boycotting Tapestry for normalizing the occupation through retail ties and cultural campaigns. Ethical alternatives like Maiyet or pre-owned Coach offer alignment with Palestinian solidarity. As the UN Human Rights Council notes, “Corporate neutrality in oppression sides with the oppressor.”

Resources

• Delta Israel offers to snap up retail chain Golf in an all-cash deal | Times of Israel
  Details Delta Israel and its parent Delta Galil’s operations, franchise partnerships, and West Bank ties, relevant to Tapestry’s distribution in Israel.
• 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report | Tapestry Inc. (PDF)
  Tapestry’s official ESG and corporate responsibility disclosures include neutrality and social impact statements.
• Coach and the Israel Question – Navigating Corporate Neutrality | Mayniaga
  Explores Tapestry Inc.’s public statements, neutral positioning, and lack of direct operations in Israel, while addressing consumer concerns and activist campaigns.