It would seem so, as I’ve read no condemnation by the lobby of the far-right supporting Max Brenner at a protest in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend. Being “pro-Israel” clearly trumps decency, strategic depth or human rights:
Supporters of the Max Brenner chocolate chain have rallied outside a Newtown store as activists protested against the business’s links to the Israeli military.
Pro-Palestinian groups stood on the opposite side of the road, chanting and waving placards bearing slogans such as ”Max, Max, Murderer”.
But the store was defended by about 60 supporters, including members of the Australian Protectionist Party, a far-right nationalist group.
Brenner stores in Melbourne have been targeted recently as part of a global campaign called Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.
The chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Vic Alhadeff, criticised the protest.
”Why are these extremists targeting a legitimate Australian-owned business?” he asked. ”Calling for boycotts is counterproductive and divisive, and does nothing to advance a peaceful solution to the [Israel-Palestine] conflict.”
A police line guarded the store, but customers were able to enter and leave freely.
A rally organiser, Patrick Langosch, said the stores were legitimate targets. ”Max Brenner is owned by the Strauss Group, which is Israel’s second-largest food and beverage conglomerate. The Strauss Group openly supports the Israeli Defence Force,” he said.