Supermarket's Orphan Donation Drive Criticized as Exploitative
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Israeli supermarket chain Shufersal's campaign asking customers for 10 shekel donations for orphans of the October 7th attacks has been criticized as exploitative. The author argues that existing government support makes the drive unnecessary and potentially humiliating for the orphans. The campaign is seen as a cynical PR move by the expensive supermarket chain, which offers no matching funds.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shufersal's 10 shekel donation drive for October 7th orphans is criticized as exploitative and unnecessary.
- Existing government programs provide significant financial and social support to orphans of terror attacks.
- The campaign is accused of humiliating orphans by portraying them as destitute and exploiting public sympathy.
- The author suggests the drive is a cynical PR attempt by the supermarket, which offers no matching funds.
- Alternative, more credible ways for Shufersal to improve its image are proposed, such as price reductions.
A recent donation request by Israeli supermarket chain Shufersal, asking customers to contribute 10 shekels for food vouchers for orphans of the October 7th attacks, has drawn sharp criticism. The author argues that such a campaign is unnecessary and potentially harmful, given the existing government support systems for families of fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks. These systems reportedly provide benefits including financial grants, educational support, psychological and dental care, and housing assistance.
The criticism centers on the perception that the campaign portrays orphans as both bereaved and destitute, potentially humiliating them and exploiting public sympathy. The author suggests that the small donation amount, collected at the checkout, creates a false sense of having significantly helped, while the supermarket itself offers no matching contribution. The campaign's vagueness regarding the specific needs or age groups of the intended recipients is also questioned.
While acknowledging the important role of civil society in supplementing government efforts, the author contends that this particular initiative is a cynical attempt by Shufersal to improve its public image by leveraging national trauma. The article points out that the supermarket is perceived as one of the more expensive chains in Israel, and questions why it isn't contributing from its own profits or offering more substantial aid, such as price reductions or regular food baskets for the needy.
The author, Tova Herzl, a retired diplomat, concludes by urging the supermarket to refrain from creating artificial needs to demonstrate compassion at the expense of customers and the dignity of the bereaved families.