Aldi apologises for calling Schindler’s List novel a ‘work of fiction’
The German-owned discount retailer was selling copies of Schindler's Ark as ideal to “relax” and “unwind” on an upcoming holiday.
Aldi has apologised after its website described the book Schindler’s Ark as “a work of fiction” and ideal for a relaxing holiday.
The German-owned discount supermarket chain told customers that Schindler’s Ark was suitable for customers to take with them to “relax” and “unwind” on an upcoming break.
The novel, which was published in 1982 and later adapted into Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster Schindler’s List, tells the true story of a Nazi Party member Oskar Schindler’s efforts to save hundreds of Jewish lives from genocide.
It was first discovered by Danny Stone, the chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, who asked Aldi on Twitter: “does anyone check your book descriptions before they’re published?
“Do you think maybe a description of Schindler’s Ark might feature some reference to the genocide of Jews which people are supposed to, apparently, ‘relax and unwind’ to?”
Hey, @AldiUK does anyone check your book descriptions before they're published? Do you think maybe a description of Schindler's Ark might feature some reference to the genocide of Jews which people are supposed to, apparently, 'relax and unwind' to? https://t.co/nDqetNt4Wm pic.twitter.com/OYS3FBgTHg
— Danny Stone (@DannyStone1) October 3, 2022
The novel was still available to buy from Aldi’s website for £1.99, discounted by £1, on Monday morning — but by lunchtime, it appeared to have been removed.
The description beneath the image of the book’s cover read: “Relax, unwind and read with the Schindler’s Ark Book.
“This exciting, trending and best selling [sic] work of fiction is ideal for taking with you on your upcoming holiday.
“It’s an acclaimed title that has been made into a blockbuster film!
“Discover a gripping story that will have you hooked as your body soaks in those sun rays.”
An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for this error and any offence caused.
“We have immediately removed this product from sale whilst we update our website.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
