Ben & Jerry's: We are supporting the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses across the United States

The board of the Ben & Jerry's ice cream company, owned by Unilever, released a statement supporting the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses across the United States, calling them "vital" for democracy.

The society called for the continuation of the demonstrations led by students who "just as they cheered against the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa, are now demonstrating solidarity with Gaza - part of our rich history of freedom of expression and non-violent protest that makes a difference and is essential for a strong democracy," the press release said.
Three years ago, Ben & Jerry's announced that it would stop selling its ice cream in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, saying it was "inconsistent" with its values. After that, Unilever Global transferred the sales license in Israel to a local franchisee, and returned the ice cream sales. The Ben & Jerry's board of directors sued the parent company in an attempt to block the sale, but it was rejected and eventually went through.
Ben & Jerry's was founded by Jews Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Vermont in 1978 and was purchased by Unilever in 2000 for $326 million. As part of the deal, the Ben & Jerry's board of directors was allowed to remain autonomous in representing the brand's position on political and value issues. The company has expressed itself over the years on a number of social issues such as same-sex marriage, prison reform and the right to abortion. Cohen and Greenfield do not currently serve in an official capacity in the company, but serve as its advisors.