The word "ham" may bring to mind thoughts of holiday feasts, but for some, it can evoke images of the notorious and barbaric terror group “HAMAS.”

That's exactly what happened when discount store Kmart in Australia released a Christmas-themed bag for hams emblazoned with the phrase "Merry Ham-Mas."

Outcry from the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) quickly spread as they called out the retail chain for the terror-evoking packaging.

The group shared an image of the $4 tote on social media and expressed their disappointment at the lack of consideration by Kmart's product team.

"While this may be a lighthearted joke to some, it's not a good look," the AJA wrote on Facebook. "We have urged Kmart to remove this product from their stores and online."

Kmart responded to the backlash, issuing an apology, and announcing that the bag would be pulled from all stores and the website.

"We got it wrong on this occasion, and we apologize unreservedly," a Kmart spokesperson stated. "When designing this product, we clearly didn't think through all the implications."

The AJA shared an update, stating that they had been in contact with senior management from Kmart confirming the removal of the offensive bag. Michael Adler, president of the AJA, stressed the importance of addressing propaganda during these "not normal times."

"We commend Kmart for acting swiftly and taking responsibility for their mistake," Adler said. "While there are bigger issues to address, such as actual terrorism, propaganda can also be harmful and must be addressed."

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Christmas ham is a beloved tradition in Australia, often served cold during the warm holiday season. However, the unfortunate association of the word "ham" with the terror group Hamas is a reminder of the power of language and the need for sensitivity, especially during the holiday season.