jfid – Skechers is one of the renowned shoe brands from the United States with a massive fan base worldwide, including in Indonesia.
However, recently, Skechers has faced negative attention from some quarters accusing it of being pro-Israel and involved in the occupation of Palestine. What’s the reasoning behind these allegations, and what’s Skechers’ response?
Background
Founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, an entrepreneur who previously held positions as President and CEO of LA Gear, one of America’s largest athletic shoe companies in the 1980s.
According to the Times of Israel, an online media outlet based in Israel, Robert and Michael Greenberg are Jewish individuals actively involved in philanthropic activities for the Jewish community. This includes the Skechers Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2004 by Skechers to aid underprivileged children, especially Jewish children.
Skechers Foundation collaborates with Rabbi Yossi Mintz, a Jewish community leader in California, to organize an annual event called the Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, aiming to raise funds for various educational and social programs for both Jewish and non-Jewish children.
Besides, Skechers has business ties with Israel through collaborations with several Israeli companies, such as the joint venture with MGS Sport Trading Ltd in 2016.
