#SkipTheTrip: Boycott Against Israel Holiday Occupies Oscars Swag Bags
The Oscars gift swags are some of most coveted goodie bags around, but a new addition to the offered goods – a $76,198 trip to Israel – is causing a stir among actors, actresses and activists alike.
The five Academy Award-nominated directors and the 20 lead and supporting actor and actress nominees will be receiving the 10-day trip, which is being funded by the Israeli government. The gift bag is not affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars.
Oscar nominees urged to #SkipTheTrip to Israel in swag bag https://t.co/Mtc53HZ5Ve via @reuters pic.twitter.com/V41ZYgY5w5
— Nancy Kricorian (@nancykric) February 24, 2016
The hashtag #SkipTheTrip has since been launched by activists against the occupation of Palestine and the perceived history of genocide by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people. Two US-based groups campaigning for an end to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territories placed a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times against the swag bag addition.
Full-Page Ad in Los Angeles Times Calls on Oscar Nominees to #SkipTheTrip Offered By Israeli Government https://t.co/slYmAJct7h via @jvplive
— Bill Dane (@BillDane) February 25, 2016
As the trip is partially paid for by the Israeli government, the campaign contends that the offered holiday is a part of a larger ‘Brand Israel’ strategy – in order to distract holiday-makers from the occupation. Celebrities that will be offered the trip include Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Matt Damon and Kate Winslet.
#SkipTheTrip #Oscars2016 .. Say no to injustice and occupation
— دانا أبولبن (@DanaAbulaban) February 25, 2016
#Oscars nominees shouldn't take a free trip to Israel at the expense of Palestinians! #SkiptheTrip: https://t.co/LqscXWCA4g
— tadmura (@tadmura) February 25, 2016
Join Palestinians calling on #Oscars nominees to reject Israel propaganda trips: https://t.co/NBPZXWWscf #SkiptheTrip
— AnonyMISSKarin❌ (@KarinBorjeesson) February 25, 2016