WHEN BEAUTY IS UGLY

May 27, 2010 at 20:57 (Activism, Associate Post, Boycott Israel, Illegal Settlements, International Solidarity, Israel, Occupation, Photography)

Commentary by Chippy Dee, Photos © by Bud Korotzer

On May 25th CodePink-NYC and Adalah-NY staged another raucous demonstration in front of 2 stores in the Ricky’s chain – one on 3rd Avenue and one on East 14th Street in Manhattan.  Ricky’s continues to carry the Ahava line of creams and lotions that is manufactured in an occupied West Bank colony using stolen Palestinian mineral resources taken from the area near the Dead Sea.  The packaging is dishonestly labeled Made in Israel.

About 30 people, some dressed in robes, towels, and shower caps stood outside the store for an hour chanting,

“Ahava you can’t hide

We can see your dirty side.”

“Hey Ricky’s, what’s that scent?

Smells like an illegal settlement.”  and

“Don’t shop here for Ahava lotion

Human rights are a better notion.”

They sang a song written for the boycott by a very talented member of the group and handed out over 600 leaflets explaining the reasons for the boycott.  A reporter from Russia Today interviewed Nancy Krikorian from CodePink while a cameraman made a video recording of the event.

The reaction of the East Village residents passing by was excellent.  The were smiles, thumbs-up, and thank yous.  One man raised his fist into the air and chanted, “From Iraq to Palestine, Occupation is a crime” as he walked by.  There were no screamers, no spitters, no dirty looks.

When the group moved on to the 2nd store they walked along crowded 14th St. and through Union Sq. which was packed because of the hour and the beautiful weather.  As they handed out leaflets they sang,

“On Ricky’s, what a crime

Ahava steals, you make a dime

Hey Ricky’s, hey Ricky’s”

“Oh Ricky’s, drop that brand

Ahava’s stealin’ people’s land

Hey Ricky’s, hey Ricky’s”

The international boycott will continue to grow.  When someone purchases an Ahava product they are buying stolen merchandise.  EuroPalestine is bringing a suit against Sephora in France for carrying Ahava products and negotiations continue with stores carrying the brand in the U.S.  Justice will prevail.

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