CAMERA is frequently questioned about the veracity of urban legends circulating on the internet and elsewhere. The following is an example of one of the many rumors that have surfaced since September 11, 2001. For more on urban myths, check out www.snopes.com.

RUMOR:
Fujifilm was distributing world maps to customers which did not include Israel.

AS SEEN ON THE INTERNET FEBRUARY 2002:
"Fuji Anti-Semitism"
Fuji Co. removed Israel from its complimentary world map that they give to their customers with the purchase. Yes, in Fuji stores broad you receive the world map without Israel!!! According to Fuji, we just don't exist...

It is most likely done to entice Arab customers. I am sure, that map without Israel makes Arabs happy, very happy...

It is a very dangerous precedent — it looks like an indication that Arab calls for boycott of Israel start bearing fruits. Many Israelis today called for boycott of all Fuji products - film, cameras, batteries etc (see readers' responses in today's Yediot Aharonot). Luckily — there are alternatives: film – Kodak, Agfa, cameras – Nikon, Olympus, Samsung, Canon etc.

I personally consider this Fuji's action the worst possible insult for our country and for me personally, and, until they apologize and re-print the map, I'm never buying anything made by Fuji and encourage you to do the same! Also, please spread the word around - I believe that Jewish buying power can do wonders. Even 3-5% reduction in Fuji's sales will cause them to reconsider.

Also important to note — Subaru is Fuji. It somewhat narrows down selection of cars, but I still won't be able not to take it into consideration when the time comes.

TRUTH:
Representatives from Fuji and Subaru sent out the following emails to concerning individuals setting the record straight:

From: Fuji CIS [mailto:Fuji_CIS@fujifilm.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 10:10 AM
To: --------------------------
Subject: Re: E-mail Fujifilm: Map

Dear Mr. --------,

This letter is in response to your inquiry about a map bearing the Fujifilm logo. We are sorry for the delay in our reply to your e-mail, which was due to very high e-mail volume. We assure you that no Fujifilm company or distributor published or distributed a map of the kind you described, and that Fujifilm in no way sanctioned the production of such a map.

In looking into the matter, we have learned that a third party wholesaler in the Republique de Cote d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) produced the calendar with such a map. They did so on their own initiative, combining such a map with our logo without our permission and in violation of our policy regarding the use of the Fujifilm logo.

Fujifilm is greatly disturbed that someone would violate our policies and link our company's good name to something we find unacceptable. As soon as we learned of the problem, corrective action was taken to stop the distribution of these calendars.

Thank you very much for contacting us. We appreciate this opportunity to give you the actual facts, and to assure you that Fujifilm is a company of the highest stature and integrity.

Very truly yours,

Website Coordinator
Consumer Information Service Center
Corporate Communications Division

********

Letter from Subaru:

February 25, 2002
From: DSchwartz@subaru.com

Dear Mr. ..........

Thank you for taking the time to contact us requesting the email about Fuji Company.

Subaru of America, Inc. has received several inquiries alleging that the Subaru parent company, Fuji Heavy, Industries, Ltd., is distributing world maps that do not include Israel.

This is completely inaccurate. Fuji Heavy Industries/Subaru distributor has not published or distributed a map of the kind we have heard described. In fact, Israel has been a very important market for Subaru vehicles over the years and we hope this success continues for many years to come.

An email containing this erroneous information also confuses Fuiji Heavy Industries with Fujifilm, a completely separate company that is not related to Subaru/Fuji Heavy Industries.

Subaru of America, Inc. is deeply troubled that a few misinformed individuals would link our organization to such an unacceptable practice. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in informing the public of this erroneous information.

We appreciate that you brought this matter to our attention.

Best wishes!

Denise Schwartz
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Dealer Services Dept
Internet Supervisor