Recalled K-mart ‘Ham-mas’ Christmas bag reappears online

A twist has emerged after Kmart was forced to pull a Christmas product from its shelves after an embarrassing blunder.

A controversial Kmart Christmas bag pulled from shelves after backlash from Jewish lobby groups has resurfaced.

The bag, which reads “Merry Ham-mas”, sparked criticism due to its closeness to the name of terrorist group Hamas.

The Australian Jewish Association said that while “potentially funny”, the bag was not a “good look” for Kmart.

Kmart owner Wesfarmers swiftly removed the bag, admitting they had “got it wrong” and apologised “unreservedly”.

But, within a weeks, the tote had resurfaced for sale on popular online clothing and art platform Redbubble.

The controversial “Ham-mas” bag has reappeared online. Picture: Supplied

The bag appears to be identical to the original and was being sold on Redbubble for about $19, after a 20 per cent discount.

“You’re probably going to want to check out the cheeky redesign,” the description stated with a “winking face emoji”.

The designer and seller, OEV Designs, currently only has a single other item on sale, a “Merry Ham-mas” apron.

The apron, age restricted on Redbubble, features the backside of a pig, smiling and wearing a traditional Christmas hat.

OEV Designs joined Redbubble in March 2023, with the site offering a platform for small-scale designers and resellers.

K-MART STUFF-UP!

Check out the special Christmas bag currently available via K-Mart online. Yes, it's real!!

Although this is potentially funny (the AJA committee has tossed around some non-PC jokes) it's really not a good look.

We suspect some product manager may cause the… pic.twitter.com/vGswVvvNG6

— Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) November 8, 2023

The removal of the Kmart bag, while swiftly done, faced criticism online and was perceived by some as an over-reaction.

American late night TV host John Oliver joked: “It feels like ham-mas starts a little earlier every year, doesn’t it?

“One day it’s ham-oween, the next, your neighbour’s hanging up ham-mas lights”.

“Things are, understandably, very tense right now, and it seems like everyone is finding themselves making mistakes.”

Late night host John Oliver discussed the bag. Picture: Supplied\

Soon after the recall, Twitter user as “ash” posted a satirical version of the bag featuring Palestinian group Fatah.

“Not sure about the new Christmas bag from Kmart,” the tweet said with the quote: “Try not to get Fatah after Christmas.”

It comes as tensions mount in Australia over the ongoing military campaign by Israeli army into Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Clashes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups in Melbourne last week flared up after a burger store was burned.