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07/08/2014
NIIRTA Condemns Israel/Palestine Boycotts
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association has said it is "unacceptable" that local businesses have been "dragged into" the Israel Palestine dispute through calls for boycotts of produce from both sides.
NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: "It is disappointing that both pro Israeli and pro Palestinian supporters have on social media and other media outlets called for protests and boycotts against independent retailers.
"Last week our members were being accused of being pro-Palestinian, this week they are now being accused of being pro-Israeli. It is unacceptable for local independent community retailers to be targeted in this way.
"Our members only want to run their shops and have no interest in being dragged into this dispute. We recognise that both sides are passionate in their support but urge them not to call for boycotts or protests against our members.
"The reality is that NIIRTA members source as locally as possible, therefore stocking very little Israeli produce. In any case it is entirely a matter for the consumer on what they buy or do not buy."
(IT/JP)
NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: "It is disappointing that both pro Israeli and pro Palestinian supporters have on social media and other media outlets called for protests and boycotts against independent retailers.
"Last week our members were being accused of being pro-Palestinian, this week they are now being accused of being pro-Israeli. It is unacceptable for local independent community retailers to be targeted in this way.
"Our members only want to run their shops and have no interest in being dragged into this dispute. We recognise that both sides are passionate in their support but urge them not to call for boycotts or protests against our members.
"The reality is that NIIRTA members source as locally as possible, therefore stocking very little Israeli produce. In any case it is entirely a matter for the consumer on what they buy or do not buy."
(IT/JP)
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