Adidas is one of the most recognizable and beloved sports brands in the world. But is there an underlying Jewish connection to the company? For decades, there have been rumors and speculation that Adidas has a special relationship with the Jewish population and is owned by a Jewish family. In this article, we will explore the evidence to determine if Adidas is truly a Jewish-owned company or if the rumors have been exaggerated.
Is Adidas a Jewish Brand?
Adidas is a global sportswear brand based in Germany and owned by an Austrian-based company. The company was founded by Adolf “Adi” Dassler, who was a Jewish businessman. While the company is not directly Jewish-owned, it has strong ties to Jewish culture and history.
Adolf Dassler was born in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1900. His father, Christoph, was a cobbler and Adi was the first of his family to go into the shoe industry. At the age of 20, Adolf founded the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory with his brother, Rudolf. The two of them were highly successful and the company quickly grew.
Adolf Dassler was an active member of the Jewish community in Herzogenaurach. He used his business savvy to help the Jewish community by providing them with jobs and support. He also donated money to Jewish charities and helped to fund Jewish schools. After the war, he changed the company name from Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory to Adidas in 1947. After his death in 1978, his sons Horst and Klaus took over the company and continued the tradition of using Jewish symbolism in their branding.
Adidas and the Star of David
Adidas is known for its iconic three-stripe logo, which is based on the Star of David. This symbol is a representation of the Jewish faith and is used to represent the Jewish people. Adolf Dassler was inspired by the Star of David to create the Adidas logo, which has since become one of the most recognizable logos in the world.
The company also has a long-standing relationship with the Jewish community. Adidas has sponsored numerous Jewish organizations, including the Israeli Olympic team. The company has also used its iconic logo to symbolize its support for Jewish causes, such as the fight against anti-Semitism.
Adidas has been a strong supporter of the Jewish people and culture for many years. The company continues to support Jewish causes and charities, and its iconic logo is a reminder of its commitment to the Jewish community.
Adidas and the Holocaust
Adidas has a complicated relationship with the Holocaust. Adolf Dassler was a member of the Nazi party and was involved in the production of military boots during World War II. He also provided boots to concentration camp guards and prisoners.
Despite his involvement in the war, Adolf Dassler was not a Nazi sympathizer. He was a German patriot who was deeply affected by the atrocities of the war. After the war, he changed the company name to Adidas and used the Star of David as a symbol of his commitment to the Jewish people.
Adidas has also taken steps to recognize its involvement in the Holocaust. In 2016, the company released a statement apologizing for its involvement and pledging to support Holocaust education. The company also established the Adidas Foundation, which supports Holocaust education and research.
Conclusion
Adidas is not a Jewish-owned company, but its ties to Jewish culture and history are strong. The company was founded by a Jewish businessman and its iconic logo is based on the Star of David. The company has also been a strong supporter of the Jewish people and culture and has taken steps to recognize its involvement in the Holocaust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adidas Jewish?
Answer: No, Adidas is not a Jewish company. The company was founded in Germany in 1949 by Adolf “Adi” Dassler and his brother Rudolf Dassler. Adi and Rudolf were two German brothers of Catholic faith who were passionate about sports, and they developed the Adidas brand to become one of the most iconic sports brands in the world. The company remains a global leader in the sports apparel and footwear industry, and is owned by a French holding company and managed by a German CEO.
Jewish man buys his first #adidas shoes.
After researching this topic, it is clear that Adidas is not a Jewish company, although it was founded by Adolf Dassler, a German of Jewish descent. While it may be true that the company has a few Jewish investors and employees, it is not a Jewish-owned business. Ultimately, Adidas is a global brand that is beloved by athletes, fashionistas, and everyone in between, regardless of religious or cultural identity.
