A holiday gift that was meant to bring joy has instead ignited controversy. Bloomingdale’s is now facing scrutiny after a customer reported that a store employee had placed a handwritten note reading “Liberate Palestine” inside the package of Hanukkah pajamas.
Ariel Harris shared her experience on social media, mentioning that her boyfriend gifted her the pajamas featuring a Jewish star from PJ Salvage just as Hanukkah began. The note was discovered inside the package, on top of the receipt.
“This should never have occurred. Bloomingdale’s needs to take responsibility for its staff’s actions,” she remarked.
Interestingly, her boyfriend, Andrew Jones, didn’t look inside the package before giving it to her. “What’s wild is how many people are convinced I fabricated this story,” he commented.
If you’re wondering, Harris described her dismay upon receiving the gift, saying her “heart sank.” An important night of celebration was overshadowed by this unexpected and inappropriate message.
According to Harris and Jones, Bloomingdale’s representatives reached out with an initial apology and suggested a further conversation regarding the incident.
Jennifer Chadorov, who handles brand communication for Bloomingdale’s, confirmed they’re addressing the situation, noting that it is under investigation.
“This was unauthorized and unacceptable behavior,” Chadorov stated. She added that discrimination, including anti-Semitism, is counter to the company’s values and treatment of customers, emphasizing how seriously they are taking this matter.
The incident has drawn criticism from several Jewish leaders after it circulated online. Notably, Deborah Lipstadt, a former U.S. special envoy on anti-Semitism, pointed out the absurdity of such notes appearing in holiday gifts. Joan Leslie McGill, the executive director of the American Israel Education Association, echoed the sentiment, asserting that Jewish identity shouldn’t require validation or be subject to intimidation.
