Behind the scenes of the genocide ongoing in Palestine lies a complex web of funding, much of which traces back to industries supporting Israel. Through their financial contributions and supply chains, they inadvertently aid in the perpetuation of crimes against humanity.
What’s happening in Gaza?
Since 1948, Israel has been the culprit in a series of massacres against Palestinians, continuing a cycle of violence and oppression that left horror in the historical memoir of Palestine. These indiscriminate killings and widespread destruction have inflicted immense suffering and contributed to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
In a report from Al Jazeera, at least 33,634 Palestinians have been killed while more than 70,000 have been injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza as of April 12, 2024, since October 7, 2023.
Many Palestinians are also forced to evacuate due to the nonstop air, land, and sea attacks. Approximately 70% of the infrastructure in the region has been decimated, leaving its inhabitants without secured shelters to seek refuge in.
Among the targeted facilities are 318 schools, 1,612 industrial facilities, 169 health facilities, 201 mosques, three churches, and 169 press offices.
These deliberate attacks on critical infrastructure paint a grim picture of collective punishment inflicted upon innocent civilians, rendering the area nearly uninhabitable—compelling individuals into mass and inhumane displacement.
A Much Complex Web: Funding a Genocide
In 2018, Airbnb faced backlash for initially listing properties located in Israeli settlements on the occupied West Bank. While Airbnb eventually delisted these properties and stated that they were not supporting the Israeli settlements policy, the incident sparked controversy and accusations of complicity in Israel's occupation.
Similarly, SodaStream, an Israeli company, also encountered controversy for operating a manufacturing plant in a West Bank settlement, exploiting Palestinian labor and resources.
Certain brands have been identified for their ties to the funding of the genocide in Gaza. These brands may not directly participate in the conflict, but their affiliations or investments indirectly contribute to the violence.
Among these are the multinational corporations involved in the finance, technology, and defense industries. While the exact number may vary, the impact of their involvement remains significant. Hence, a call for a boycott was set in place to disrupt the flow of resources that sustained the genocide. By doing so, individuals and communities can send a powerful message of solidarity and protest, as economic pressure has been historically proven effective in influencing policy changes and corporate behavior.
Alternatives And Why They Matter
To divert from brands associated with funding genocide, consumers can turn to alternative options that prioritize ethical practices and social responsibility in various sectors, such as clothing, footwear, household products, and food.
Clothing Lines
Local clothing brands in the Philippines offer stylish and sustainable alternatives to international labels with questionable ethical records.
Brands like Kamiseta, Bayo, and Bench are beloved in the Philippines for their style and affordability. These brands cater to various age groups, providing quality clothing without supporting genocide.
Supporting local brands like these promotes our unique identity and encourages fellow Filipinos to invest in products made with care and attention to detail. By patronizing these brands, individuals can stand against injustice and show solidarity with those affected by conflict and oppression.
Shoe Lines
Beyond just clothing, our nation boasts a rich heritage of durable and comfortable footwear, epitomized by Marikina as the shoe capital of the Philippines.
Brands such as Suelas, Risqué Designs, and Black Wing Shoes not only offer quality products but also beckon us to embrace locally crafted goods. These brands instill a sense of nationality and independence, liberating us from the allure of internationally recognized labels.
It is imperative to recognize that embracing famous brands that support or turn a blind eye to acts of genocide—perpetrated by Israel—is morally unjustifiable. Aligning ourselves with such brands contributes to the perpetuation of oppression and suffering.
Instead, we must stand in solidarity with the oppressed, particularly the countless individuals in Gaza who endure unimaginable hardship, including children who may find themselves walking barefoot through the rubble of conflict.
Coffee Shops
A coffee a day keeps the sleep away. In the Philippines, coffee is readily available, whether while visiting a colorful sari-sari store, browsing a grocery shop, or encountering a random vending machine on the streets.
Local coffee shops not only provide aesthetically pleasing surroundings but also offer a wide array of aromatic and delicious coffee options.
Supporting local coffee shops in the Philippines is not just a matter of enjoying quality beverages but a statement of alliance with those who have been unjustly oppressed.
Multinational brands, like Starbucks, which have been complicit in supporting or remaining silent about the genocide, should be unequivocally condemned. It is incumbent upon us to reject these brands and instead lend our support to local businesses that uphold values of integrity and compassion.
Snacks & Fast Food Chains
Opting to eat at Filipino fast-food chains not only supports local businesses but also ensures our money does not go to companies linked to supporting indiscriminate killings.
Recent reports, like one from Jewish News Syndicate, have pointed out that some big food chains like McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Burger Ranch are enforcing higher kosher standards or following Jewish law to show support for Israeli soldiers—an act that upsets several countries.
The situation in Gaza, where millions are starving and aid efforts are being stopped or bombed by Israel, makes it even more urgent to address this support for Israel.
By boycotting these big food chains, we show our support for the Palestinian people and condemn the violence from Israel.
Hair Care & Hygiene
Another example is L'Oréal, a multinational cosmetics company, which has faced criticism for operating a research and development center in Israel.
According to reports, the company’s facility is located in the town of Migdal HaEmek, built on land confiscated from the Palestinian village of al-Mujaydil. This has led to calls for boycotts and protests against the company's complicity in supporting Israel's occupation and colonization of Palestinian land.
Ahava, a cosmetics company that specializes in skincare products made from minerals sourced from the Dead Sea, has also faced controversy for operating a manufacturing plant in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Several human rights organizations have condemned the company’s operations and argued that the company's presence in the occupied territory contributes to the illegal exploitation of Palestinian resources and the perpetuation of the Israeli occupation.
Hence, consumers are increasingly encouraged to opt for alternative brands that do not have ties to Israel or operate in Israeli settlements.
The Philippines, like many nations, has a role to play in dismantling systems of oppression and injustice. By boycotting brands associated with funding atrocities and supporting ethical alternatives that prioritize ethical sourcing and production practices aligned with values of justice, solidarity, and respect for human rights, individuals can contribute to a collective effort toward peace and justice.
Remaining neutral in the face of genocide is not an option; it is an implicit enablement of violence and suffering. As global citizens, we must actively resist complicity and stand in solidarity with the oppressed, wherever they may be.
In the words of Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Article: Andrea Cherryl Bautista
Graphics: Ronalyn Hermosa
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