Activists in New York City have launched a holiday campaign using QR code stickers on popular retail stores, promising discounts and free gifts. However, scanning these codes redirects shoppers to graphic images and information about the ongoing conflict and destruction in Gaza, aiming to highlight corporate complicity.
Key Takeaways
- QR codes disguised as promotional offers lead to content depicting the situation in Gaza.
- The campaign targets brands like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Zara, accusing them of complicity in Israel’s actions.
- The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is behind the initiative, inspired by the anti-Apartheid movement.
- Similar sticker campaigns have been observed in several countries and US states.
A Festive Season Campaign with a Stark Message
During the busy holiday shopping season, a group of activists in New York City has deployed a unique strategy to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Stickers featuring QR codes, which appear to offer discounts or free gifts from major brands, have been placed on storefronts of companies like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Zara. The intention is to capture the attention of shoppers and then confront them with the realities of the war.
Redirecting Consumers to Gaza
Upon scanning the QR codes, instead of finding coupons or promotions, consumers are directed to websites displaying images and information from Gaza. These visuals are intended to highlight the destruction and human cost of the ongoing conflict, which has been described as a genocide by human rights organizations. The campaign, promoted by the New Jersey Palestine Action group, aims to remind shoppers that these brands are perceived as complicit in Israel’s actions.
The BDS Movement's Strategy
The activists are promoting the principles of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a Palestinian-led initiative inspired by the boycott against Apartheid South Africa. The movement seeks to pressure Israel through peaceful means to end its occupation and alleged violations of Palestinian rights. "This was an action that was designed to bring the genocide right to their periphery where they can’t avoid it: to the complicity corporations that they
refuel from daily," stated New Jersey Palestine Action.
Global Reach and Corporate Impact
This initiative is not limited to New York City. The stickers have reportedly been distributed and used in major countries including Spain, France, Germany, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as various US states. The movement has also received requests to translate the stickers into languages like German and French. Reports suggest that both McDonald’s and Starbucks have experienced declines in sales and profits, which they have attributed, in part, to international boycotts supporting Palestine. Additionally, the fashion company Zara recently removed a controversial advertising campaign after facing backlash from pro-Palestine activists who found the imagery reminiscent of the situation in Gaza.
A Call for Action
The campaign concludes with a call for an arms embargo, an end to the siege of Gaza, and an end to what the activists describe as 76 years of displacement, occupation, and apartheid in Palestine. The activists emphasize their commitment to the Palestinian people, stating, "Everything we do is for those in Gaza. We want the Palestinian people to know we will never forget them."
