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This infamous recalled K-mart Christmas bag spotted online again​

Content Warning: This article briefly discusses sensitive subjects such as war, military occupation, and genocide in Gaza, which may be triggering for some. Reader discretion is advised. Please practice kindness in the comment section.

Businesses are starting to reveal the products they have on offer for the upcoming festive season.

Kmart, like many businesses out there, has done the same thing—but with an unexpected outcome. As we have previously written about, one of its items, a tote bag, sparked controversy and was recalled last week.

But it seems the bag has resurfaced in an online marketplace.

Kmart recently released a controversial ‘Merry Ham-mas’ tote bag, which received backlash from Jewish lobby groups.

The bag’s statement was criticised as it was close to the name of the terrorist group Hamas.

The controversial Kmart tote bag was recalled. Credit: @AustralianJA / X (formerly Twitter)

In our previous article, we reported that the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) slammed the bag on social media and said, ‘Although this is potentially funny (the AJA committee has tossed around some non-PC jokes), it's really not a good look.’

Kmart owner Wesfarmers immediately removed the ‘Ham-mas’ bags and apologised for the product ‘unreservedly’.

This slip-up also became a punchline for American late-night TV host John Oliver.

'It feels like ham-mas starts a little earlier every year, doesn’t it?' he joked.

‘Things are, understandably, very tense right now, and it seems like everyone is finding themselves making mistakes.'

This news comes after tensions rose in Australia over the ongoing conflict between Israeli and Gaza. A clash between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestine groups sparked in Melbourne after a burger store was burned.

However, weeks after the bag was recalled from shelves, the ‘Ham-mas’ tote bag reappeared online, being sold for about $19 (after a 20 per cent discount) by an artist and designer on a popular online platform for small-scale designers and resellers, Redbubble.

The recalled tote bag reappeared on the online platform Redbubble. Credit: Redbubble

The product description said, ‘You’re probably going to want to check out the cheeky redesign,’ with a winking face emoji.

The bag was promoted by its designer and seller, OEV Designs, who joined Redbubble in March 2023.

Key Takeaways

• A controversial Kmart Christmas bag that sparked backlash due to its 'Merry Ham-mas' slogan has resurfaced online.
• The bag had been pulled from Kmart shelves after criticism from Jewish lobby groups, who felt the name was too close to the terrorist group Hamas.
• Despite Kmart owner Wesfarmers removing the product and apologising, the bag has reappeared on the online clothing and art platform Redbubble.
• Tensions have been escalating in Australia due to an ongoing military campaign by the Israeli army in Hamas-controlled Gaza, leading to clashes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups in Melbourne.

Everyone is going through difficult times right now, and we hope that the tension between the two states will ease soon.

 

[Knell]

Sounds delish magpie1...I am not a turkey person - love roast pork and chicken though...and ham.

 

[Cuddles3]

From my point of view it looks like a celebration of Hamas and my daughter-in-law who is catholic also found it offensive

As a Catholic I don't find it offensive at all. It is a HAM bag. Some people just like to pick on anything.

 

[pymmie]

This was not a clever idea considering the circumstances taking place in our world at the moment. I am glad K-Mart has re-called the item

 

[IJH]

As a Catholic I don't find it offensive at all. It is a HAM bag. Some people just like to pick on anything.

You are entitled to your opinion as is my Jewish/Catholic family. "Some people just like to pick on anything" is an unnecessary offensive remark

 

[Lesle]

Content Warning: This article briefly discusses sensitive subjects such as war, military occupation, and genocide in Gaza, which may be triggering for some. Reader discretion is advised. Please practice kindness in the comment section.

Businesses are starting to reveal the products they have on offer for the upcoming festive season.

Kmart, like many businesses out there, has done the same thing—but with an unexpected outcome. As we have previously written about, one of its items, a tote bag, sparked controversy and was recalled last week.

But it seems the bag has resurfaced in an online marketplace.

Kmart recently released a controversial ‘Merry Ham-mas’ tote bag, which received backlash from Jewish lobby groups.

The bag’s statement was criticised as it was close to the name of the terrorist group Hamas.

View attachment 34901

The controversial Kmart tote bag was recalled. Credit: @AustralianJA / X (formerly Twitter)

In our previous article, we reported that the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) slammed the bag on social media and said, ‘Although this is potentially funny (the AJA committee has tossed around some non-PC jokes), it's really not a good look.’

Kmart owner Wesfarmers immediately removed the ‘Ham-mas’ bags and apologised for the product ‘unreservedly’.

This slip-up also became a punchline for American late-night TV host John Oliver.

'It feels like ham-mas starts a little earlier every year, doesn’t it?' he joked.

‘Things are, understandably, very tense right now, and it seems like everyone is finding themselves making mistakes.'

This news comes after tensions rose in Australia over the ongoing conflict between Israeli and Gaza. A clash between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestine groups sparked in Melbourne after a burger store was burned.

However, weeks after the bag was recalled from shelves, the ‘Ham-mas’ tote bag reappeared online, being sold for about $19 (after a 20 per cent discount) by an artist and designer on a popular online platform for small-scale designers and resellers, Redbubble.

View attachment 34902

The recalled tote bag reappeared on the online platform Redbubble. Credit: Redbubble

The product description said, ‘You’re probably going to want to check out the cheeky redesign,’ with a winking face emoji.

The bag was promoted by its designer and seller, OEV Designs, who joined Redbubble in March 2023.

Key Takeaways

• A controversial Kmart Christmas bag that sparked backlash due to its 'Merry Ham-mas' slogan has resurfaced online.
• The bag had been pulled from Kmart shelves after criticism from Jewish lobby groups, who felt the name was too close to the terrorist group Hamas.
• Despite Kmart owner Wesfarmers removing the product and apologising, the bag has reappeared on the online clothing and art platform Redbubble.
• Tensions have been escalating in Australia due to an ongoing military campaign by the Israeli army in Hamas-controlled Gaza, leading to clashes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups in Melbourne.

Everyone is going through difficult times right now, and we hope that the tension between the two states will ease soon.

When I first read it, I couldn’t understand what all the hype was about I just thought it was a Christmas ham bag, but now I see it as a tote on a woman’s shoulder I understand. Not very nice. Definitely should be removed from sale.

 

[Knell]

You are entitled to your opinion as is my Jewish/Catholic family. "Some people just like to pick on anything" is an unnecessary offensive remark

That IS the point - everyone does have a right to their opinion - why have you come back on this - because you think you have more right to be offended? Product has been recalled or whatever. Most people did not make a connection. Does not matter what religion you or anybody is - right to an opinion is the point. As I said, most people would not make a connection - offence is taken - not given!

 

[IJH]

That IS the point - everyone does have a right to their opinion - why have you come back on this - because you think you have more right to be offended? Product has been recalled or whatever. Most people did not make a connection. Does not matter what religion you or anybody is - right to an opinion is the point. As I said, most people would not make a connection - offence is taken - not given!

I came back on this only because of the the remark that was made and I DID take offence because it was directed at me whether you saw it or not You felt you needed to make a point about this which is your prerogative. This is now at an end a far as I am concerned

 

[mOiOz]

I came back on this only because of the the remark that was made and I DID take offence because it was directed at me whether you saw it or not You felt you needed to make a point about this which is your prerogative. This is now at an end a far as I am concerned

I understand you IJH - and fully agree - we have to stand our ground!

 

[magpie1]

That IS the point - everyone does have a right to their opinion - why have you come back on this - because you think you have more right to be offended? Product has been recalled or whatever. Most people did not make a connection. Does not matter what religion you or anybody is - right to an opinion is the point. As I said, most people would not make a connection - offence is taken - not given!

Most people would not make a connection....however because of what is happening overseas at the moment, you might expect some members of the community to be offended by the product because of their religious beliefs....so to them it does matter. It has been re-called which is good and the conversation has been closed also.......Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.

 

[Royal Watcher]

I am one of those "outraged minority" and this is disgusting. How would you feel if one of your family was being held hostage by Hamas or slaughtered in the most brutal way on 7th October

I’m sorry, usually I’m a bit “get over it” too BUT can my fellow Aussies be a bit less dismissive & have some compassion with what’s really going on in the Middle East please?
I feel so sad for mothers & fathers of all the children & young people that have been slaughtered by EVIL & have been killed because their so called own people HAM…MAS are using them as human shields! Not only is HAM…MAS
EVIL personified, they want to wipe the Jewish people off the face of the Earth!!
That is their aim! You people who refer to this as ‘tensions’ between states are very naive - go get educated & call a spade a spade! These people ( NOT the innocent Palestinians) are TERRORISTS not militants etc as some of our deplorable politicians have referred to them as! I’m ashamed as an Australian of the spineless way some of our politicians have acted towards this whole affair! Two countries could have made all this not have ever been a problem that it is today if they had taken these people who call themselves Palestinians into their countries & given them a home! That’s Jordan & Egypt! The West also has a lot to be ashamed of, as in so many places they have moved boarders without a thought for the people who live there!!
The Israeli nation have a God given right to their homeland & Jerusalem for that matter! I’m unapologetically a Christian, not Jewish, but the founder of my faith was a Jewish carpenter, so how could I go against the Jews!?
My hope would be that one day we can all live side by side in peace but until then we can all be a little bit more understanding to the concerns of others who are suffering terribly here for the EVIL wreaked on their homeland a few weeks ago! C’mon Aussies, becos you don’t see that on the bag doesn’t mean the name of EVIL doesn’t stand out to others! HAM…MAS the name, means “VIOLENCE”!!!! I rest my case

 

[mOiOz]

I’m sorry, usually I’m a bit “get over it” too BUT can my fellow Aussies be a bit less dismissive & have some compassion with what’s really going on in the Middle East please?
I feel so sad for mothers & fathers of all the children & young people that have been slaughtered by EVIL & have been killed because their so called own people HAM…MAS are using them as human shields! Not only is HAM…MAS
EVIL personified, they want to wipe the Jewish people off the face of the Earth!!
That is their aim! You people who refer to this as ‘tensions’ between states are very naive - go get educated & call a spade a spade! These people ( NOT the innocent Palestinians) are TERRORISTS not militants etc as some of our deplorable politicians have referred to them as! I’m ashamed as an Australian of the spineless way some of our politicians have acted towards this whole affair! Two countries could have made all this not have ever been a problem that it is today if they had taken these people who call themselves Palestinians into their countries & given them a home! That’s Jordan & Egypt! The West also has a lot to be ashamed of, as in so many places they have moved boarders without a thought for the people who live there!!
The Israeli nation have a God given right to their homeland & Jerusalem for that matter! I’m unapologetically a Christian, not Jewish, but the founder of my faith was a Jewish carpenter, so how could I go against the Jews!?
My hope would be that one day we can all live side by side in peace but until then we can all be a little bit more understanding to the concerns of others who are suffering terribly here for the EVIL wreaked on their homeland a few weeks ago! C’mon Aussies, becos you don’t see that on the bag doesn’t mean the name of EVIL doesn’t stand out to others! HAM…MAS the name, means “VIOLENCE”!!!! I rest my case

God Bless You Royal Watcher, you summed that up perfectly - in a nutshell. Thanks for your compassion and great intellect on the issue.
xxx
PS: How about running for Prime Minister in the next election...!

 

[Royal Watcher]

God Bless You Royal Watcher, you summed that up perfectly - in a nutshell. Thanks for your compassion and great intellect on the issue.
xxx
PS: How about running for Prime Minister in the next election...!

No thanks! I could not compromise my beliefs by having to tow the party line!
They’d soon kick me out
But Thankyou for ur “vote”!!

 

[Knell]

I’m sorry, usually I’m a bit “get over it” too BUT can my fellow Aussies be a bit less dismissive & have some compassion with what’s really going on in the Middle East please?
I feel so sad for mothers & fathers of all the children & young people that have been slaughtered by EVIL & have been killed because their so called own people HAM…MAS are using them as human shields! Not only is HAM…MAS
EVIL personified, they want to wipe the Jewish people off the face of the Earth!!
That is their aim! You people who refer to this as ‘tensions’ between states are very naive - go get educated & call a spade a spade! These people ( NOT the innocent Palestinians) are TERRORISTS not militants etc as some of our deplorable politicians have referred to them as! I’m ashamed as an Australian of the spineless way some of our politicians have acted towards this whole affair! Two countries could have made all this not have ever been a problem that it is today if they had taken these people who call themselves Palestinians into their countries & given them a home! That’s Jordan & Egypt! The West also has a lot to be ashamed of, as in so many places they have moved boarders without a thought for the people who live there!!
The Israeli nation have a God given right to their homeland & Jerusalem for that matter! I’m unapologetically a Christian, not Jewish, but the founder of my faith was a Jewish carpenter, so how could I go against the Jews!?
My hope would be that one day we can all live side by side in peace but until then we can all be a little bit more understanding to the concerns of others who are suffering terribly here for the EVIL wreaked on their homeland a few weeks ago! C’mon Aussies, becos you don’t see that on the bag doesn’t mean the name of EVIL doesn’t stand out to others! HAM…MAS the name, means “VIOLENCE”!!!! I rest my case

Well, a homily!

You make the assumption or accusation, in fact, that "fellow Aussies" are dismissive of what is going on in the Middle East, in particular. I don’t believe that anyone is doing that - regardless of religious beliefs. These conflicts have been going on for a long time - long before Hamas took control. Most people are horrified and disgusted by the cruelty and inhumane actions. This was a topic about a Ham Bag - some have taken offence to, regardless of whether or not the intent of the wording Merry Ham-mas Bag was contrived. I assume it was probably made in China and personally find it hard to believe that China gives a rat’s ar** about their conflicts, but I don’t know to be sure. However, should it be seen as offensive/insulting - I really don't know who should take the most "offense" from it - I can see offense both ways if I really think about it and want to make a leap based on subjective opinion. Personally, I am offended, however, by the hate and violence spilling out in our streets and communities here in our country!

“You might hear someone casually use words like, “crazy,” “unhinged,” or “psychotic.” These terms are clearly insulting when describing someone living with a mental illness. “ However, I personally see it for what it is..a figure of speech - usually not with intent to personally insult someone who is actually living with a mental illness - otherwise I would be living a very ‘offended’ life every day of my life.

“If you say “Merry Christmas” to someone who celebrates Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or nothing at all, you could make them feel marginalised: like their own beliefs aren't valued or respected by society. And that's not a good way to feel around the holidays.” Woke society say “Happy Holidays”.

Christmas vs Xmas - perhaps some could take offence due to the fact that it could be considered by some as “X has long been recognised as an occult symbol for Satan, and the black art or witchcraft of satanism."

I could go on….going too far?

 

[IJH]

Well, a homily!

You make the assumption or accusation, in fact, that "fellow Aussies" are dismissive of what is going on in the Middle East, in particular. I don’t believe that anyone is doing that - regardless of religious beliefs. These conflicts have been going on for a long time - long before Hamas took control. Most people are horrified and disgusted by the cruelty and inhumane actions. This was a topic about a Ham Bag - some have taken offence to, regardless of whether or not the intent of the wording Merry Ham-mas Bag was contrived. I assume it was probably made in China and personally find it hard to believe that China gives a rat’s ar** about their conflicts, but I don’t know to be sure. However, should it be seen as offensive/insulting - I really don't know who should take the most "offense" from it - I can see offense both ways if I really think about it and want to make a leap based on subjective opinion. Personally, I am offended, however, by the hate and violence spilling out in our streets and communities here in our country!

“You might hear someone casually use words like, “crazy,” “unhinged,” or “psychotic.” These terms are clearly insulting when describing someone living with a mental illness. “ However, I personally see it for what it is..a figure of speech - usually not with intent to personally insult someone who is actually living with a mental illness - otherwise I would be living a very ‘offended’ life every day of my life.

“If you say “Merry Christmas” to someone who celebrates Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or nothing at all, you could make them feel marginalised: like their own beliefs aren't valued or respected by society. And that's not a good way to feel around the holidays.” Woke society say “Happy Holidays”.

Christmas vs Xmas - perhaps some could take offence due to the fact that it could be considered by some as “X has long been recognised as an occult symbol for Satan, and the black art or witchcraft of satanism."

I could go on….going too far?

You once asked me in my response to "cookie" why did I come back on this! You are guilty about this very thing - why are you continually coming back on this when you were not personally mentioned in this post. STOP NOW!

 

[Knell]

You once asked me in my response to "cookie" why did I come back on this! You are guilty about this very thing - why are you continually coming back on this when you were not personally mentioned in this post. STOP NOW!

Excuse me! Why do you think you have the right to tell me what to do?

 

[IJH]

Excuse me! Why do you think you have the right to tell me what to do?

You thought you had the right well so do I

 

[Knell]

You thought you had the right well so do I

No I did not say you did not have the right - I was referring to your comment "Some people just like to pick on anything" is an unnecessary offensive remark" as coming back on a view point as yet another personal offence on you!