Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson bucks anti-Israel BDS

After eight years of charity work, Johanssen has ended her role as ambassador for British Oxfam over what she called their “fundamental difference of opinion in regard to the boycott, divestment and sanctions [BDS] movement” against Israel. The actress was targeted for acting as paid spokesperson for the Israeli soft drinks firm SodaStream, whose factory, one of 25 worldwide, is located on the West Bank near a Jewish settlement. Of the more than 1,300 workers employed, about 500 are Palestinian with equal pay for all. Answering critics last week, Johansson said she supported “economic cooperation and social interaction between a democratic Israel and Palestine.” Scarlett Johansson, 29, is the highest profile celebrity to publicly defy BDS.