In a statement released to The Huffington Post, Freedom Seltzer Queen Scarlett Johansson says she never intended on being the face of any social or political movement, distinction, separation or stance as part of her affiliation with SodaStream,” but since the anti-Zionist crowd on the left has been after her, she wants to “clear the air.”
“I remain a supporter of economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine,” Johansson said. “SodaStream is a company that is not only committed to the environment but to building a bridge to peace between Israel and Palestine, supporting neighbors working alongside each other, receiving equal pay, equal benefits and equal rights. That is what is happening in their Ma’ale Adumim factory every working day.”
Johansson made direct reference to Oxfam, the international aid organization for which she has been a prolific fundraiser and supporter, and which supports the boycott of Israeli products made in Judea and Samaria.
“As part of my efforts as an Ambassador for Oxfam, I have witnessed first-hand that progress is made when communities join together and work alongside one another and feel proud of the outcome of that work in the quality of their product and work environment, in the pay they bring home to their families and in the benefits they equally receive,” Johansson said, adding:
“I believe in conscious consumerism and transparency and I trust that the consumer will make their own educated choice that is right for them. I stand behind the SodaStream product and am proud of the work that I have accomplished at Oxfam as an Ambassador for over 8 years. Even though it is a side effect of representing SodaStream, I am happy that light is being shed on this issue in hopes that a greater number of voices will contribute to the conversation of a peaceful two state solution in the near future.”
And now, for your viewing pleasure, a SodaStream video about building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. East your heart out, electronic intifada…