The Hertz Corp. Withdraws From "Israeli" Airline Deal

The world's largest car hire firm last night called on the "Israeli" airline EL AL to withdraw an internet advert which offered free Hertz rental to British passengers who flew to "Israel" to show their "solidarity" with the country, The Independent has learnt.
The adverts, running on EL AL's website, stated: "Now, more than ever is the time to come to "Israel". Come express your solidarity with "Israel". Fly with EL AL and receive 3 or 4 day car rental for free!"
Hertz Corporation said they did not want to be associated with the offer and said they had called on EL AL to remove it. They have already insisted that their logo be taken off the promotion.
The promotion had sparked anger in the British Muslim community. "We're appalled by EL AL's advert," said Asghar Bukhari of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee. "It's really shocking that this type of promotion can run when innocent Palestinian civilians are being killed on a daily basis. Muslims around the world are already taking a stand and boycotting companies who are actively supporting "Israeli" companies." "If a company like Hertz would pull out of this deal with EL AL it would speak volumes, and mean so much to so many people. We would applaud such a decision."
"We regret if any individuals were offended by the language that EL AL used to promote this offer," a Hertz's spokesperson said.
"The Hertz Corporation, through its franchisees, has an active presence throughout the Middle East and has partnership agreements with several Middle Eastern airlines. Hertz has no political affiliations whatsoever and provides a car rental service to its customers wherever it is required."
The Hertz Corporation is the largest car rental company in the world, and has operations in more than 140 countries. It was founded in Chicago in 1918 by Walter L Jacobs who sold it five years later to Slovakian born John D Hertz, who renamed the company.