US grocery giant Trader Joe's pushed to discontinue Israeli products

Code Pink, a feminist grassroots organization, called on Trader Joe's this week to stop selling Israeli products, accusing the grocery chain of “supporting a system that perpetuates suffering” by stocking goods from Israel.

The call comes amid growing criticism of Israel's war in Gaza and increasing international boycotts against Israeli companies.

In a petition posted on their website, Code Pink demands that Trader Joe's “stop selling Israeli products until Israel respects international law and the human rights of Palestinians.”

The petition has collected over 12,000 signatures. Supporters argue that the grocery chain's commitment to ethical business practices conflicts with selling Israeli goods.

The organization lists several products to be removed from Trader Joe's shelves, including Israeli feta cheese, Bamba puffed peanut snacks and Dorot frozen garlic cubes.

Protesters affiliated with Code Pink recently filmed a video in one of Trader Joe's stores in which they pulled Israeli items from the shelves and referred to one section as “the genocide aisle.”

In the video, protesters approached the store manager, who acknowledged their concerns but explained that merchandising decisions are made at the corporate level.

“As branch managers, there is nothing we can do about it – as far as supply is concerned. “Trader Joe's makes merchandising decisions as a company,” the executive said.

Middle East Eye reached out to Trader Joe's for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Code Pink also plans to expand its campaign with a protest at Trader Joe's headquarters in Monrovia, California on November 4th.

In an event flyer posted online, the organization called on its supporters to join in submitting their petition to the company, saying: “As a company that values ​​customer input and prides itself on ethical business practices, we call on you to join the international campaign. “To boycott Israeli products.”

Code Pink's campaign is part of a broader movement advocating Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.

The group accuses the country of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and has called on companies like Trader Joe's to take a stand and cut ties with Israeli suppliers.

The protest at Trader Joe's headquarters is expected to draw activists from across the region as the Palestinian-led BDS movement continues to gain traction in response to ongoing violence in Gaza.