First Hanukkah Barbie Sparks Outrage Over Doll's Nose

Mattel's first official Hanukkah Barbie has drawn criticism from some consumers who perceived the doll's nose as uncomfortably large and reminiscent of antisemitic stereotypes. The doll was released as part of the company's Holiday Sweaters collection, which also includes two Christmas-themed Barbies.

The Hanukkah edition features olive-toned skin and brown hair, distinguishing it from other Barbie models. The doll wears a cobalt sweater adorned with a menorah, dreidels, snowflakes, and Stars of David. The sweater also lights up when a hidden button is pressed. This doll is paired with blue checkered leggings and Ugg boots.

Social media users expressed their discontent, with one commenter on Reddit stating, "The nose seems to have more of a bump to mimic more 'Jewish' facial features." Another user wrote, "First Jewish Barbie and they give her some printed cheap bulls*** to wear. She deserved better." Several observers noted the nose appeared "hooked," a feature that has been historically used in antisemitic caricatures.

According to The New York Post, this Hanukkah Barbie appears to be an updated version of the 'Violet' mold, first created in 2018. One consumer, Alexis, 45, told The Post, "I love that a Barbie celebrates Hanukkah, but why does she have to have a different nose? It’s so small in the scope of things, and obviously it’s not meant to be harmful. But I can’t unsee it."

Despite the criticism, the doll's release also garnered positive reactions. Some fans noted that all Barbies can be considered Jewish, as the doll's inventor, Ruth Handler, was Jewish. Conservative Rabbi Yael Buchler of Riverdale commented to The Post, "Ruth Handler was Jewish, and I think she would be kvelling to know there’s a Hanukkah Barbie." The Rabbi also expressed pleasure that the doll's appearance reflected some members of her congregation.

Ruth Handler, born to Polish-Jewish immigrants, invented the first Barbie doll in 1959 and co-founded Mattel with her husband Elliot.