Halloween Costumes: Walmart Sparks Controversy with Israeli Soldier Outfit for Kids

Walmart has sparked outrage among customers by stocking an Israeli army Halloween outfit for kids.

The costume is available on the store’s website for $28.81 ahead of this year’s Halloween.

Some users of social media expressed outrage at the costume. It comes at a time of spiraling violence between Israelis and the Palestinians.

The store’s “Sheikh Fagin nose”, also available on Walmart’s website, has likewise drawn criticism.

Its large, hook-nosed appearance and the use of the name Fagin – referring to a character in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist – appear also to play into anti-Semitic stereotypes.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) costume was also heavily criticized by many on Twitter. Walmart has not as yet reacted to the criticism.

More than 40 Palestinians have died in unrest in Israel and the Palestinian territories in October 2015, many killed carrying out attacks on Israelis. Nine Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in stabbings and some gun attacks.

Earlier this year, an outfit inspired by transgender reality star and former athlete Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover was condemned as “transphobic” and “deplorable.”

Another costume based on famed Zimbabwean lion Cecil, who was shot by American dentist Walter Palmer, was criticized by an animal welfare charity.