For centuries, whiskey has stood at the center of the Shabbos-morning kiddush, b’ris milah, wedding, and almost every other Jewish celebration. Now whiskey has entered the political fray, which could threaten Jewish consumption of some of the leading brands of whiskey produced in Scotland.
Approximately two and a half years ago, the councils of two municipalities in Scotland voted to ban the purchase of Israeli products. Some of the scotches and whiskeys produced in these regions are the biggest names in the industry. Now some Jewish organizations are calling for a counter boycott of products produced in those municipalities.
The main organization spearheading the counter boycott is the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, an umbrella group of men’s clubs affiliated with the Conservative movement. The Jerusalem Post reported that the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) has called for Jews to boycott whiskeys produced in the West Dunbartonshire region. Specifically, they singled out three well-known producers of spirits, Morrison Bowmore; Loch Lamond; and Chivas Brothers, which also produces the Glenlivet and Ballantine brands.
Orthodox Jewish leaders, however, have expressed caution. “It would not be fair,†remarked Malcolm Hoenlein to the Five Towns Jewish Times, “to punish these companies simply because the local council voted for the boycott. It must first be determined whether these companies stand behind the boycott too.â€
The Five Towns Jewish Times initiated contact with these three companies to determine whether, in fact, they support the boycott or not. As of press time, only Chivas Brothers provided an official response, while off-the-record comments were elicited from others. It is reported that Morrison Bowmore has also responded that in no shape, manner, or form are they supportive of the boycott against Israel.
Chivas Brothers and its sister company, Pernod Ricard in the United States, spoke extensively with the Five Towns Jewish Times editorial board and responded with the following comments:
“Please be assured that the West Dunbartonshire Council does not represent the views of Chivas Brothers and Pernod Ricard USA.
“Pernod Ricard USA is a long and proud supporter of several leading Jewish causes, including the UJA Federation of New York, which has worked for decades to improve the quality of life for millions of Israelis.
“We will be passing on any correspondence on this subject to West Dunbartonshire Council so they are fully aware of the potential implications of their policy.â€
When asked what the company has done to indicate to the council that they do not support this boycott, company spokesman Jim Long responded, “We have told them that we feel the boycott is counterproductive and will serve no good purpose.â€
Off-the-record comments from people in the industry in Scotland, however, characterized the members of the council as being intransigent. “This is gesture politics . . . because they wish to curry favor with other groups.â€
Moshe Fink, owner of Chateu De Vin in Cedarhurst, remarked, “In my dealings with these companies, they are very pro Jewish causes—some of them even going out of their way to get supervision. We have an obligation to support those companies that go out of their way. Without concrete information that these companies are with this council, it would be wrong to boycott.â€
The Five Towns Jewish Times did contact members of the Jewish community in Scotland. “The entire matter is overblown,†remarked the local Lubavitch shaliach in Glasgow.
How is the local Jewish community reacting to the counter-boycott?
“Anything that is done in the interest of Israel should always be checked with the government of Israel, said Rabbi Hershel Billet, rabbi of the Young Israel of Woodmere. “If they do not agree with it, then it is pointless. It should not be a unilateral decision made by individuals alone.â€
Rabbi Kenneth Hain of Beth Sholom said, “This has been rather precipitous and has gone viral; we should be very careful before we start boycotting. We should not be flippant about it. People who are engaged in the serious advocacy for Israel should be consulted.â€
“Unless the religious Jewish organizations come out for this boycott, I will not join,†remarked a retired public school teacher who davens locally. “I take my cue from them. If we were to boycott every single country that has harmed the Jews we would be sitting in a hovel dressed in rags.â€
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