Walmart and Amazon are facing criticism for the sale of a child-sized Israeli soldier costume.
The “Israeli Soldier Costume for Kids” for sale on both companies’ websites includes a military green belt, pants and shirt with Hebrew writing, and red beret-style hat. The toy gun pictured is not included.
Walmart.com lists the item as “out of stock” while Walmart’s Canadian site does not show the costume at all. Amazon still has the costume available in all sizes, including for toddlers.
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Many took to social media to express their dismay at the costume, amid a recent wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
“We should not be politicizing the costumes our children wear on Halloween,” the Muslim Public Affairs Council tweeted.
“Someone please tell me that this @walmart halloween costume of an israeli soldier for kids isn’t real.” Said another.
On Amazon, more than 150 comments fill the customer review section, with feedback that the costume is “inappropriate” and “shame shame shame.”
“Would never buy this, let alone sell it. Shame on the manufacturer and Amazon both,” read a comment with the heading “terrible product”.
Other reviews give the costume a top rating of five stars, alongside comments like “Great costume. Great country.”
Walmart has been in hot water before for controversial costumes: last year the retail giant issued an apology and pulled a men’s Pashtun Papa costume, which was accompanied online by the text “Shock your friends with this Islamic costume.”
Global News reached out to Walmart and Amazon for comment, but did not receive responses in time for publication.
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