Full Breakdown
Bloomingdale’s Under Investigation After Controversial Note in Chanukah Gift
12/17/2025, 7:11:02 AM
Incident Overview
A holiday gift from Bloomingdale’s has ignited controversy after a customer reported finding a handwritten note reading “free Palestine” inside a package of Chanukah pajamas. The incident occurred on December 15, when Arielle Harris received the gift from her boyfriend, Andrew Jones. The note was placed on top of a receipt within the package, which featured pajamas adorned with Jewish stars from the brand P.J. Salvage. Harris shared her experience on social media, prompting an internal investigation by Bloomingdale’s.
Company Response
Bloomingdale’s has acknowledged the situation, with Jennifer Chadroff, the director of brand communications, confirming that the retailer is taking the matter seriously. Chadroff stated, “This was an unauthorized and unacceptable act,” emphasizing that antisemitism and discrimination have no place in the company’s values. Following the incident, a senior executive from Bloomingdale’s reached out to Harris and Jones to offer a preliminary apology and discuss the matter further.
Community Reactions
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from Jewish leaders and organizations. Deborah Lipstadt, former U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, expressed her outrage, stating, “No shame,” in response to the note's inclusion in a holiday gift. Joan Leslie McGill, executive director of the U.S. Israel Education Association, reinforced the sentiment by asserting that “Jewish identity does not require permission, and it will not be intimidated.” Critics argue that the act of inserting a political message into a holiday gift is not activism but rather an inappropriate targeting of Jewish individuals during a significant cultural celebration.
Criticism of the Act
Many commentators have expressed that the incident reflects a broader issue of antisemitism, particularly in contexts where Jewish identity is politicized. One critic noted that the act turned a simple holiday gesture into something hostile and humiliating, stating, “Chanukah isn’t a political statement. Being Jewish isn’t a provocation.” This sentiment underscores the concerns regarding the intersection of personal identity and political expression, especially during culturally significant times.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the incident has been widely reported, there is a lack of detailed information regarding the specific employee responsible for the note and the internal measures Bloomingdale’s plans to implement following the investigation. The retailer has not disclosed how the note was allowed to be included in the gift package.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was an unauthorized and unacceptable act,” — Jennifer Chadroff, Director of Brand Communications, Bloomingdale’s
- “A ‘free Palestine’ note in a Bloomingdale’s Chanukah gift.” — Deborah Lipstadt, Former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism
- “Jewish identity does not require permission, and it will not be intimidated.” — Joan Leslie McGill, Executive Director, U.S. Israel Education Association
