H&M Pulls ‘Tallit’ Scarf From Israeli Site — Still for Sale in U.S.

Image by H&M

By Maia Efrem January 8, 2016

H&M issued an apology and pulled a scarf from its Israel stores after complaints that the item, sold on the popular Swedish retailer’s website, looked , or Jewish prayer shawl.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, the company issued an apology, saying, “We are truly sorry if we have offended anyone with this piece. Everyone is welcome at H&M and we never take a religious or political stand. Our intention was never to upset anyone. Stripes is one of the trends for this season and we’ve been inspired by this.”

The striped and fringed women’s scarf was sold for $17.99 and is still available for purchase in the United States.

“The quantities were small and the products are no longer available in some markets. The item is currently not available in stores in Israel following a local decision of removal,” the company said.

The scarf’s matching poncho is also available on the retailer’s U.S. site for $34.99. But we doubt the company will fill a second purchase order for the design.

Image by H&M

Maia Efrem is the former research editor and assistant to the editor and was also responsible for the Forward’s annual Salary Survey. Previously she served as the editor of Blognik Beat, a blog written by students who emigrated from or have ties to the Former Soviet Union. Maia is a graduate of Hunter College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO