Poland's Auschwitz Memorial called out Amazon to withdraw its "disturbing and disrespectful" merchandise on Twitter after it surfaced that Christmas decorations displaying Auschwitz were being sold by the massive retailer.
It seems that @amazon has removed all of the "Christmas ornaments" with the images of the former Auschwitz camp. Thank you everyone for your activity and response. https://t.co/VGFnSDMWM9
— Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) December 1, 2019
The Christmas paraphernalia included ornaments, a bottle opener, and a mouse-pad, all featuring images from Auschwitz, including the railway line that led toward its infamous gates and the barbed wire fences and victims where Jews and other victims were held prisoner.
Although the Auschwitz Memorial at first thanked Amazon for pulling the products, they soon posted again to clarify that "sadly, it's not over yet." The organization had found a "disturbing online product" from another seller—a mousepad with the image of a freight train that was used to deport people to concentration camps.
Sadly, it is not over yet @amazon. The "Massacre Auschwitcz (!) Birkenau Jewish Death" mousepad is another disturbing online product. We are not sure if @yadvashem would like the "Christmas ornament" with a freight car used for deporting Jews for extermination either. https://t.co/qDEEzqzwSU pic.twitter.com/wXExhFZPmV
— Auschwitz Memorial (@AuschwitzMuseum) December 1, 2019
According to Amazon, these products have been removed from the virtual shelves. "All sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who do not will be subject to action, including potential removal of their account," the company said.