Online giant Redbubble savaged over anti-Israel propaganda

Redbubble has sparked condemnation by openly backing the sale of anti-Semitic t-shirts that scream ‘F**k Israel’ and ‘Boycott Israel’, as well as other related merchandise including stickers, posters and iPhone cases.

Redbubble, one of Australia's biggest online retailers is openly backing the sale of anti-Semitic propaganda and is refusing to back away from the merchandise.

Online retail giant Redbubble is providing a global platform for anti-Israel propaganda that includes expletive-laden messaging and calls to boycott the country’s products, sparking condemnation from a Jewish leader.

Redbubble is promoting for sale anti-Semitic t-shirts that scream “F**k Israel” and “Boycott Israel” as well as other related merchandise including stickers, posters and iPhone cases.

The Boycott Israel t-shirt is linked to the long-running Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement which has a record of targeting businesses with links to Israel.

Redbubble is also providing a platform for political messages opposing Israel that suggest that “resistance becomes a duty” when “injustice becomes normal’’.

Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich has called for an end to the sale of the items on Redbubble, which describes itself as a third party marketplace where artists can upload their designs.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission outside the Central Shule Chabad Synagogue in Caulfield South. Picture: Josie Hayden

The F..k Israel, End Apartheid t-shirt can be bought on Redbubble for $26.69, in 18 different colours.

Dr Abramovich said the more extreme messaging could not be tolerated, adding that Redbubble’s role in the sales was a show of disrespect for those murdered by Hamas last October 7.

“Companies own the message of the products they sell, and as one of Australia’s biggest online sellers, the company should not be an incubator and a cesspool of antisemitism, extremism and anti-Israel propaganda,’’ he said.

“And it should not function as a gateway for anyone to enter a world of pure hatred.

“It is inexcusable for Redbubble to put out the welcome mat for anyone to promote their evil and genocidal agenda through items that include excusing the atrocities of October 7 under the cover of “resistance” is a “duty” and stickers with calls to exterminate Israel and its boycott. “By doing so, Redbubble is showing zero respect to the Jewish community and the more than 1400 Israelis murdered by the terrorists of Hamas.”

Redbubble claims to help sell products produced by hundreds of thousands of artists.

A spokeswoman for Redbubble owner Articore, whjich is Melbourne-based, said it was a third party marketplace where independent creators uploaded their own designs.

“We continuously strive to strike the right balance between legitimate content moderation and artistic expression,’’ she said.

“We have strict community policies against, among other things, racism, promotion of violence, and vilification but we do allow for legitimate political discussion including criticism of governments, political parties and states.’’

She said the two t-shirts did not violate company policies.

The row comes after more than 32,000 people have died in Gaza and growing concern over the welfare of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian survivors, as well as Jewish hostages.

The well-chronicled deaths of Palestinians has fuelled anger, especially in Muslim countries, although none has provided the opportunity for the large-scale repatriation of people.

Dr Abramovich said profiting from the anti-Israel propaganda was untenable.

“It’s revolting to think that Redbubble is profiting from its selling of this stomach-churning material to a potential audience of millions, and I am sure that the anti-Israel radicals who cannot offer their heinous materials to traditional sellers are delighted that these objects are available for mass consumption,’’ he said.

“At a time of a surge in the harassment, vilification and targeting of Australian Jews, to have such revolting, poisonous products easily available for purchase only helps to create an atmosphere in which attacks against Jews are justified.

“It’s time for Redbubble to walk the walk and to show moral responsibility by withdrawing these items from their virtual shelves, promise that this will not happen again and apologise for their moral failure.”

Since the Hamas attacks on Israel last year, members of the Australian Jewish community have faced unprecedented criticism from Palestinian sympathisers.

Hundreds of businesses have been targeted even though the attackers are often unsure about what the owners’ opinions are about the Israeli response, which has come under increasing global scrutiny.