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Arabs Take on Corporate Giants, Push for Boycott of Disney Products

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Arabs in the US have taken on major corporate giants, using their growing online presence and organizational strength to push for a boycott of Disney products over an exhibit in Orlando, Florida, that they claim supports Israel's claim on Jerusalem. The controversy stems from Disney's plan to open an Israeli pavilion at the Millennium Village, which will feature an exhibit on Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Arabs, who want the return of the eastern half of Jerusalem, are calling for a boycott of Disney products, with 22 Arab League nations to discuss the issue at the United Nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Arabs in the US have taken on corporate giants like Disney and Burger King, using their online presence and organizational strength to push for specific outcomes.
  • The controversy over Disney's exhibit in Orlando, Florida, centers on Jerusalem, with Arabs calling for the return of the eastern half of the city, captured by Israel in 1967.
  • The exhibit in question will feature an Israeli pavilion at the Millennium Village, which will reinforce Israel's claim on Jerusalem as its capital.
  • Arab leaders are calling for a worldwide boycott of Disney products, citing Disney's involvement in promoting a "political debate" on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • The boycott call has been backed by 22 Arab League nations, which will discuss the issue at the United Nations.
  • Arab-Americans and US Muslims are realizing the importance of using online platforms to advocate for their community's interests.
  • However, some Middle East experts believe that Arabs are not yet able to match the organizational strength of groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Statistics:

  • 22 Arab League nations are meeting at the United Nations to discuss the Disney controversy.
  • 3 million Arab-Americans and 10 million US Muslims are pushing for their voices to be heard on issues like the Disney exhibit.
  • The exhibit will open in Orlando, Florida, on October 1.
  • Israel claims Jerusalem as its capital, while Arabs want the return of the eastern half of the city, captured by Israel in 1967.
  • The Arab boycott call has been backed by seven Arab groups at a Washington news conference.

Sources:

  • USA Today
  • United Press International (Copyright 1999 by United Press International. All rights reserved. - News Provided by COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com))

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