As the ongoing occupation of Palestine and violence continues, you might be wondering whether Zara has been seen to offer their support to Israel during the war. Here, we’re taking a look at the controversies the brand has faced and why pro-Palestine activists have called for shoppers to boycott the high street brand.

Next, read more about Zara’s ethics and sustainability.

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2023 ad campaign

In December 2023, Zara pulled a controversial ad campaign from its website following wide-spread criticism. The campaign in question depicted mannequins with missing limbs and statues wrapped in white shroud, which led to activists likening the images to scenes from Gaza during the conflict.

Soon #BoycottZara started trending on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. However while Zara did pull the imagery from its website, the brand stated that the campaign was first discussed in July and the photographs were taken in September, prior to the current war between Palestine and Israel.

The campaign led to protestors targeting Zara stores in cities across the world. In London, protestors marched on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street in December 2023 and stopped outside two of the high street giant’s usually busy stores, urging people to boycott them. According to Bracknell News, they chanted, “Zara, Zara, you can’t hide, stop supporting genocide.”

Did Zara apologise?

Zara removed the imagery from its website, app and social media accounts and posted an apology on Instagram.

It stated, “The campaign, that was conceived in July and photographed in September, presents a series of images of unfinished sculptures in a sculptor’s studio and was created with the sole purpose of showcasing craft-made garments in an artistic context.

“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.”

Anti-Palestinian comments

According to NBC News, Zara’s head womenswear designer Vanessa Perilman had an argument online with Palestinian model Qaher Harhash regarding his support for the people in Gaza.

In 2021, Perilman is alleged to have written in a direct message over Instagram to Harhash, “Maybe if your people were educated then they wouldn’t blow up the hospitals and schools that Israel helped to pay for in Gaza.

“The people in my industry know the truth about Israel and palestine and I will NEVER stop defending Israel and people like you come and go in the end.

 “Israelis don’t teach children to hate nor throw stones at soldiers as your people do.”

Harhash later posted pictures of the argument to his Instagram stories, which went viral.

Inditex, the company that owns Zara, said in a statement to NBC that it “does not accept any lack of respect to any culture, religion, country, race or belief.

“Zara is a diverse company and we shall never tolerate discrimination of any kind. We condemn these comments that do not reflect our core values of respect for one another, and we regret the offense that they have caused.”

Other controversy

This isn’t the first time Zara has been criticised for their alleged support for Israel. According to Al Jazeera, some Palestinians posted videos online of them burning Zara clothes in 2022 after a franchise owner of Zara stores in Israel reportedly hosted an event for Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir in his home.

Conclusion: does Zara support Israel?

There have been a number of controversies surrounding Zara’s alleged support for Israel. It’s worth looking at these historical moments and making your own mind up about whether you feel Zara supports Israel and whether you want to continue supporting them.

This article does not represent our opinion of the brand. Instead, we are outlining the various controversies to help you make your own decision.