Discount supermarket chain Aldi has been criticised for describing a Holocaust novel as “relaxing” holiday reading.
Schindler's Ark is based on the life of Czech industrialist Oskar Schindler who saved around 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust that slaughtered around half of Europe's Jewish population.
The novel, written by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally, won the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction in 1982.
Inspired by Mr Schindler's real-life deeds, the novel in turn inspired Steven Spielberg's acclaimed 1993 historical drama film Schindler's List.
The German supermarket chain which boasts around 960 UK stores, wrote in its online description of the book: “Relax, unwind and read with the Schindler's Ark Book.
“This exciting, trending, and best-selling 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.”
Antisemitism Policy Trust director Danny Stone suggested that the book description may have been overlooked by Aldi, writing via Twitter: “ 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?” he continued.
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
Other Twitter users also criticised the supposed insensitivity of describing the "harrowing" novel in such breezy terms, with one user saying "it's not a good look for your Jewish customers."
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.”
