Reaching a new low . . . everything is for sale

While the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) continues on its rampage, killing unarmed Palestinian citizens and enforcing a decade long occupation and program of genocide, Walmart is providing parents with the opportunity to have their children join in the defense of Israel.

With Halloween merely a few days away, Walmart is running a special sale on a costume that replicates the uniform of the IDF.

The image in the advertisement is of a young boy dressed in the uniform with a red beret on his head. But the show stopper is the image of this boy holding in his hand an automatic weapon.

According to the ad, they only have a medium size available at this time. I assume that this “costume” has been available for purchase for awhile and that, with only a medium size available, they have had success selling it.

I have asked myself several questions re: this disgraceful behavior, not only by Walmart, but by those parents who thought it a good idea to outfit their children in a military uniform in celebration of Halloween.

  1. When have the businesses in this country looked to sell military uniforms of foreign countries? Why are U.S. businesses participating in the glorification of the Israeli army?
  2. Is Israel actually considered a foreign country or is it a suburb of the U.S.? After all, many people in influential government positions have dual citizenship.
  3. Would Walmart and those who purchased this uniform be as sanguine if the uniform was that of the Nazi Gestapo?
  4. When “trick or treating,” if the person refuses the child a treat, does he/she shoot him?
  5. What does an IDF uniform have to do with Halloween?

The following text came with the advertisement in the Costume Super Center appearing on line:

“Boy’s Israeli Soldier Costume: The world isn’t as safe as we’d like it to be. There comes a time when your child wants to save the world the only way he knows how, by dressing as his favorite army man! Have your child step into their Jewish heritage by putting on this Boy’s Israeli Soldier Costume. Authentic and modeled directly after the Israeli military officer apparel, it’s got everything they need to enforce the law and protect their citizens! Comes with an authentic beige shirt that has authentic Hebrew printed across the breast that’s bound to signify your child’s love and respect for their culture. It’s also accompanied with a matching pair of pants and complementing belt that ties in the officer’s aura you’re trying so hard to cultivate. What would any soldier be with their signature red beret, don’t worry we’ve got that included as well. Give your kid the official officer uniform by perusing our accessory store for the perfect add-ons. Looking for a faux pistol, machine gun, maybe even a pair of officer boots? We’ve got a wide array to select from. Our attire is the perfect way to help your kid connect with their heritage like never before! Makes for a great pairing with the Hatzolah rescuer costume as well!

“Have your child step into their Jewish heritage by putting on this Boy’s Israeli Soldier Costume.”

How’s that for describing my Jewish heritage? I do not accept Zionism and genocide as my Jewish heritage. I’d rather think of my heritage as the involvement of a large number of Jews in the fight for civil rights and the right for workers to organize unions, and the fight for human dignity.

It did not seem reasonable that a U.S. based company that services U.S. customers would write the text that appears with the uniform’s ad. I tried to track down where this text originated and was told by Costume Super Center that the vendor, Dress Up America, supplied the text. This company is headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y. and has strong ties to Israel.

We live in a primitive, violent, militaristic, exploitative society and everything is for sale. If it can make money, go for it. Nothing is sacred or out of bounds.

GOD BLESS AMERIKA!!

Dave Alpert has masters degrees in social work, educational administration, and psychology. He spent his career working with troubled inner city adolescents.

One Response to Reaching a new low . . . everything is for sale

  1. Israel rocks, you suck, and that’s the end of it.