Page 11 - TORCH #18 - May 2021

PM David Ben Gurion
Much of Israel’s success in the textiles and fashion industry was attributable to M&S’s research, development and purchasing power. In the 80s and 90s, regarded as M&S’s golden era for high street clothing, the British public were buying fresh chic designs by Israeli fashion designers, which M&S was able to produce in fabulous quality and in double-quick time. By 1997 Marks and Spencer was rated the fourth most profitable retailer in the world.
The ties between the M&S founding families and Israel were so apparent that in 1974, former M&S chairman, Joseph (Teddy) Sieff, Israel Sieff’s brother, was the victim of a PLO assassination attempt at his London home. He survived a bullet to his face after his would-be assassin fled when the second shot jammed.
Marks & Spencer’s Jewish roots and support for Zionism has led the company, now a global brand, to be targeted by anti-Semitic boycotts and protests. Even today, despite the founding Jewish families having no apparent influence, M&S is still vilified by those who disdain Israel.
M&S will always hold a place in the heart of the Jewish community in the UK, as it does with all those who appreciate the legacy of this iconic British brand
that has tried to do things the right way. Perhaps the next time you enter a M&S you will be reminded of the Jewish refugee arriving in Leeds and the tremendous support the Marks & Spencer dynasty gave in the creation of the State of Israel.
CONNECT WITH OVER
110,000
PRO-ISRAEL CHRISTIANS
Follow us at
facebook.com /ChristiansUnitedforIsraelUK