The board of directors of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, which was founded by two Jewish men from New York, said the pro-Palestinian protests sweeping American college campuses and graduation ceremonies are “essential” to democracy.
The Vermont-based frozen dairy dessert maker, owned by Unilever and sold on some university campuses, called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza in January.
“Lunch counter sit-ins, student-led protests against the Vietnam War and apartheid South Africa, and now campus protests in solidarity with Gaza are all part of a rich history of free speech and nonviolent protest, and change. and are essential for a strong democracy,” the independent commission said in a statement.
Three years ago, Ben & Jerry’s announced it would stop selling ice cream in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, saying it was “inconsistent” with its values, and major parent company Unilever announced “new arrangements” for ice cream sales. ” is an Israeli cream that is exploring.
Unilever subsequently transferred Ben & Jerry’s operations in Israel to a local licensee and continued to sell ice cream in the country. Ben & Jerry’s board of directors filed suit to block the sale, and the suit was later “settled.”
Unilever currently plans to spin out its ice cream division by 2025 to streamline its business.
London-based Unilever did not respond to a request for comment.
Founded in Vermont in 1978 by Long Islanders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, Ben & Jerry’s was acquired by Unilever in 2000 for $326 million.
As part of the agreement, Ben & Jerry’s board of directors was granted autonomy to represent the brand’s position on high-profile political issues. Mr. Cohen and Mr. Greenfield do not hold any official positions at Ben & Jerry’s.
Many companies and executives initially condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, but few said much about specific acts of war afterward, including sending aid to the region. Some companies also supported philanthropy.
Ben & Jerry’s has been vocal on many issues, including same-sex marriage, prison reform, and abortion rights.
