Oxfam Denounces a Controversial Supporter

October 31, 2008

Oxfam Denounces a Controversial Supporter

The international poverty relief organization Oxfam has denounced a diamond mogul who was involved in the creation of a photo book featuring celebrities, which was designed to raise money for the charity, reports The Jewish Daily Forward.

The actresses Mary-Kate Olson, Susan Sarandon, Kate Hudson, and others agreed to be photographed for a coffee table book, the proceeds of which would benefit Oxfam.

But in the photos, the celebrities are wearing diamonds provided by Lev Leviev, a controversial billionaire who has been involved in housing construction for Jewish settlers on the West Bank. Mr. Leviev’s relationship with the Angolan government, where his diamond mines are located, has also been criticized.

Oxfam has put a statement on its Web site critical of Mr. Leviev, reports the newspaper.

Comments

Found the Oxfam America statement at http://www.oxfamamerica.org/whatwedo/emergencies/israeli-palestinian-conflict/hollywood-pin-ups-statement

— Andrew Oct 31, 05:53 PM #
According to the Oxfam statement at the link above, Leviev is not an Oxfam supporter:

“Given this information, Oxfam immediately acted to reiterate our position to Mr. Leviev and his representatives that he is not an Oxfam supporter or partner and may not claim to be one (which has been our position since January 2008). We also corrected the record in this matter on the Internet.”

“Although it’s true that Oxfam and Leviev Diamonds are both mentioned in this book, Oxfam reiterates our policy that we are not and never will be partners or beneficiaries of Leviev because of both his mining practices and his support of Israeli settlements on Occupied Palestinian Lands which is in contravention of International Law and a major obstacle in the road to peace. We will continue to take steps to educate all the parties involved about the reasons behind our policy and to clarify the issue for the public to the best of our ability. Oxfam is disturbed to find ourselves used in this way and we intend to be proactive in informing those in our community about the deliberate strategy of Leviev Diamonds to connect itself with unwitting charities and celebrities.”

— Michael Oct 31, 09:09 PM #

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