Jewish News Today: Adidas Apologises Over Israeli Amputee Campaign as UK, France and Canada Move to Ban Settlement Goods
Adidas apologised for featuring an Israeli veteran amputee in a campaign after calls for a boycott, and several Portuguese artists pulled out of a Lisbon comedy festival headlined by Jerry Seinfeld. The UK, France and Canada announced a ban on goods from Israeli settlements, and a Jewish Iranian-American man from Long Island was reportedly freed from prison in Iran.
Adidas Apologises for Campaign With Israeli Amputee
Adidas apologised for featuring Shalev Biton, an Israeli former soldier who lost his left leg during the 2021 Israel-Gaza conflict, in a video promoting its Single Shoe service for amputees, after the campaign sparked calls for a boycott, JTA reported.
Portuguese Artists Quit Seinfeld-Headlined Festival
At least six acts have cancelled their appearances at the MEO Commedia a La Carte Fest in Lisbon, which advertises Jerry Seinfeld's first live appearance in Portugal, citing support for Palestinians, JTA reported. The festival runs from October 29 to November 1.
UK, France and Canada to Ban Settlement Goods
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told Parliament that the UK, France and Canada will ban goods produced in West Bank settlements and in Jewish neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem, JTA reported. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar warned that such steps stoke antisemitism against British Jews.
Long Island Man Reportedly Freed From Iranian Prison
Kamran Hekmati, a Jewish Iranian-American from Long Island, was reportedly released after about a year in Tehran's Evin Prison, according to the Jerusalem Post as cited by JTA. He had been convicted over a visit to Israel 13 years earlier for his son's bar mitzvah and is reportedly unable to leave Iran due to a travel ban. Iranian officials have not confirmed his release. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also announced $70 million in security funding for 290 organisations vulnerable to hate crimes.
