As death toll from Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank surpasses 18,000, calls for an immediate full ceasefire from across the world are gaining traction. Recognising the power of social media in documenting Israel’s atrocities to garner resistance against the genocide, many celebrities and internet personalities are using their following to amplify the cause.
Recently, Spanish retailer Zara came under fire for launching an ad campaign with images that bear striking resemblance to corpses and destruction from Palestine as per internet users. The incident has heightened sentiments against Israel and its corporate allies, with many calling for a boycott against the clothing label.
Pakistani actor Sanam Saeed took to her Instagram Story to voice her criticism of Zara. Sharing a post of a news article covering the incident, Sanam reaffirmed the boycott call against the brand. “We are not helpless,” the 38-year-old began in the overlaying text. “We have the power to make a difference and hit back where it hurts! That should be the end of Zara for all of us!” Sanam penned in a forthright plea.
The Ishq-e-Laa actor Sajal Aly also endorsed the call and shared a reel to her Instagram Story, denouncing the fast fashion label. “Shame on you, Zara,” the actor wrote.
On Tuesday, Zara pulled an advertising campaign featuring mannequins with missing limbs and statues wrapped in white from the front page of its website and app on Monday after it prompted calls by some pro-Palestine activists for a boycott of the fashion retailer.
Inditex, which owns Zara, said the change was part of its normal procedure of refreshing content. It did not comment on the boycott calls but said the ‘Atelier’ collection was conceived in July and the photos were taken in September.
In a statement issued days after the controversy first emerged, the fashion label said, “Unfortunately, some customers felt offended by these images, which have now been removed, and saw in them something far from what was intended when they were created. Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone.”
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