Adidas is re-promoting a running shoe that was designed for the Munich Olympics. Israel does not agree with the way it is being done.
Following criticism from Israel, sportswear manufacturer Adidas has announced that it will change its advertising campaign for the revival of a running shoe designed for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The Israeli government took offense at the fact that model Bella Hadid was chosen as the face of the campaign. Adidas did not disclose exactly what changes would be made.
Allegations against model
Hadid’s father is Palestinian. Israel accuses her of having made anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic statements in the past.
The 1972 Summer Olympics were overshadowed by an assassination attempt in which eleven Israeli athletes and officials were killed. The attack was carried out by Palestinian terrorists.
Adidas apologizes
“We recognize that connections have been made to tragic historical events – even if these are completely unintentional – and we apologize for any upset or distress this may have caused,” Adidas said in a statement. “For this reason, we are revising the campaign. We believe in sport as a unifying force around the world and will continue our efforts to promote diversity and equality in everything we do.”
Israel on Twitter
Source: Stern
