US retail giant Walmart has got into hot water for selling a Halloween costume of an Israeli soldier and a fake “Arab sheikh” nose, sparking a wave of widespread indignation.
The store’s website offers sells a soldier’s uniform, including a shirt, trousers, belt and hat, bearing Hebrew writing, at the price of $27.44, reduced from $57.62.
.@walmart Israeli soldier costume claims it'll help kids "step into their Jewish heritage" https://t.co/VyTvoBk4aq pic.twitter.com/eO4OKFbObl
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) October 27, 2015
The company’s official website and Facebook page were immediately flooded with angry comments labeling the whole situation “offensive” and “immoral” with one of the commenters even suggesting Walmart sell “a Hitler outfit for children as well.”
“Your little one can now go to his friend’s house, and take over their bedroom, and all of their toys and claim that God has given him/her the right to take it,” said another commenter, who also provided instructions on how to handle “your little IDF soldier” once he or she put on the uniform.
Social media erupted as news of the costumes spread.
So @Walmart is selling Israel Solider Kids Costumes for #Halloween. Are you kidding me? #BoycottWalmart
— MAYA (@Mayahaidar_) October 27, 2015
@MaxBlumenthal @Walmart Does the costume come with simulated Palestinian necks to step on? #JackbootsSoldSeparately #Capitalism
— Chris Carter (@WanderinChild) October 27, 2015
A “Sheikh Fagin nose,” a latex fake nose which is “perfect for an Arab Sheikh”, according to Walmart’s website, has also been slammed by users.
The large, hook-nosed mask obviously promotes an anti-Semitic stereotype since its name is a reference to Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, in which Fagin is a greedy Jew described as a “receiver of stolen goods.”
@samknight1 @billmon1 The perfect costume for the kid that wants to murder and steal from other kids on Halloween and get away with it.
— Kneel Breem (@Ganbare__Ginkun) October 27, 2015
The retail giant has not responded to the criticisms so far.
This is not the first time Walmart has made a fool of itself days before Halloween. Last year a collection of plus-size outfits branded as “Fat Girls’ Costumes” were available for sale. The company had to apologize after the story made headlines in a number of leading newspapers.
https://www.rt.com/usa/319900-halloween-walmart-idf-costume/
“The large, hook-nosed mask” (Laughing!)
And a good morning to all!
Morning Hal! 🙂
Another reason to never step a foot into a Walmart. Who kontrols amerika? Oy!!
The Large Hooked Beak Khaz!
Did the jew soldier costume come with a “dead” Palestinian dragging behind it, covered with wounds from mortars? If not, then it is not a real israHELL costume.
I guess that they should make the sex trafficking baby raping Saudi and Israeli costume too! That would sell like hotcakes!
Halloween…. Knock … knock. Who’s there…
Rob….
Rob who?
ROB YOU !!!!!
“… a soldier’s uniform, including a shirt, trousers, belt and hat, bearing Hebrew writing,…”
Without a gun it’s not authentic.
And don’t forget the baby seal optional club attachment.