Mattel's new Hanukkah Barbie doll sparks controversy: "They gave her a big nose"

Mattel has launched its first Hanukkah Barbie doll, sparking a storm on social media due to its prominent nose design, which many users perceive as an antisemitic stereotype. Alongside criticism, some welcome the Jewish representation but acknowledge the design raises questions.

Toy company Mattel launched its first official Hanukkah Barbie doll this week (Thursday) as part of its 'Holiday Sweaters' collection. The doll, priced at $28, wears a blue sweater with a menorah, dreidels, and Stars of David, and has olive skin, brown hair, and brown eyes. However, its prominent and emphasized nose design sparked a storm on social media. Many users claimed the nose, referred to as a 'hook nose,' reflects an antisemitic stereotype historically used to demean Jews. On the other hand, some voices welcome the Jewish representation, including Yael Buechman from Riverdale, an American influencer, and Daphna Michaelson Janet, director of the David Mraz Foundation for combating antisemitism, who said 'the nose looks bigger in this Barbie' but added 'she has a pretty face.' Mattel did not respond to questions about whether members of the Jewish community were involved in the design.