A handful of protesters gathered outside a Staples in Los Angeles on Wednesday after a woman accused a store employee of refusing to print flyers for her because they referenced Zionism.
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Elisheva Rishon told KNX News’ Emily Valdez she put in an order to print materials for a group she runs called the “Black Jewish Zionist Squad.” In an interaction caught on video, an employee at the store told her they weren’t able to print them.
“We're not able to print anything that has any racist messaging,” he said.
In the video, Rishon and the employee argue about the definition of Zionism, a Jewish nationalist movement that advocates for developing a Jewish state in the area that is now Israel.
“Zionism means the yearning to return to a homeland for over 2000 years,” Rishon said. “That’s all it means, and that’s not racist.”
“Does that mean the extermination of an entire people?” rebutted the employee, who identified himself as Arab with a Jewish grandfather.
Many people, including some Jewish groups, are critical of the way Zionism has been used to justify displacement and violence against Palestinians. The issue has become particularly heated amid Israel’s war in Gaza, which has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians.
“I don't know what definition you have, but it's not the definition that I have,” Rishon said to the employee. “And it's not racist, because you have your own interpretation of a religion you don't belong to that you made up in your head.”
Rishon said the Staples employee also refused to print out her postcards about “Jewish joy.”
In a statement, a Staples representative said they’re aware of the interaction and are investigating the circumstances.
“Staples remains committed to serving all customers, and we continue to work hard to ensure respectful and professional interactions in all situations,” the statement said.
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