UWS Ben & Jerry's Takes Pro-Israel Stand, Spurning Parent Company

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — In the wake of Ben & Jerry's decision to stop selling its ice cream in Israel occupied Palestinian territories, independent franchise owners of a Ben & Jerry's on the Upper West Side have announced that they do not agree with the corporate office's decision and will begin donating 10 percent of profits to educational causes in Israel.

In a statement on July 19, the Vermont-based ice cream business said, "We believe it is inconsistent with our values for Ben & Jerry's ice cream to be sold in the Occupied Palestinian Territory," and that it will not renew its license agreement with the manufacturer in the region when it expires at the end of next year.

On Monday, Joel Gasman & Family, the independent owner and operator of the Ben & Jerry's at West 104th Street and Broadway, released its own statement voicing opposition against the decision by the corporate office.

"As independent franchise owners with Ben & Jerry's, we feel the recent actions by its corporate office do not reflect our personal views, and we’re saddened by the impact that this has had on our business and the Jewish community," wrote Gasman and family. "We are proud Jews, Americans, and active supporters of the New York Jewish community and State of Israel. We think the only concern you should have when coming into our store is deciding if you want rainbow or chocolate sprinkles!"

More than 90 people commented on the post, with the vast majority supporting the Upper West Side business owner's decision.

Ben & Jerry's has done business in Israel since 1987 and said it will continue to do so in certain areas of the country.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said the decision was "antisemitic," and called on the United States to sanction Ben & Jerry's.