Starbucks is assuring customers that it does not provide any type of financial support to Israel or the Israeli army after an “uptick in false rumors” said otherwise.
The coffee giant issued a statement announcing that neither Starbucks nor CEO Howard Schultz “provide financial support to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army in any way.
“Starbucks has been and remains a nonpolitical organization. We do not support any political or religious cause,” the statement said.
The company has publicly refuted claims about its support for Israel before, CNN Money reported. Spokesman Jim Olson said the company is reiterating its position due to an “uptick in false rumors.”
Mr. Olsen wouldn’t say where the rumors are coming from, but CNN reports that a fast-growing boycott campaign on the app Buycott has targeted Starbucks for what it says is the company’s support for “the occupation of Palestine.”
“Starbucks does not support any political or religious causes, and that holds true for Howard as well,” Mr. Olson said. “There’s no financial support from Howard or the company to the Israeli government for any purposes.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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