Customers outraged by Walmart’s Israeli soldier Halloween costume
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/VyTvoBk4aqpic.twitter.com/eO4OKFbObl
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) October 27, 2015The 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.”
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“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
— Sammar♡New Youtuber♡ (@Lebanesemermaid) October 27, 2015@MaxBlumenthal@Walmart Does the costume come with simulated Palestinian necks to step on? #JackbootsSoldSeparately#Capitalism
— Chris Carter (@WanderinChild) October 27, 2015A “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.
— Saiyan Carl (@Ganbare_Gincun) October 27, 2015#wtf@Walmart ? Making a mockery of the #Palestinian Israeli conflict? #shame@ajpluspic.twitter.com/ICRtMjSdad
— Hal-El (@halelcooljay) October 27, 2015The retail giant has not responded to the criticisms so far.
READ MORE: Walmart in hot water over ‘fat girl’ Halloween costume section
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.
