Coop Allanza: Boykott Israeli Waren and Gaza Cola for Peace!

Coop Allanza: Boykott Israeli Waren and Gaza Cola for Peace!

In a significant step, the large Italian supermarket chain Coop Allanza 3.0 has set the sale of Israeli products. This decision is made as an expression of solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and marks a symbolic act against violence in the region. The distant products include Israeli peanuts, tahini sauce and sodastream gasps as well as refill. The measure took place on the occasion of a report of an ethics committee and through the intervention of activists at a meeting on June 21. Coop Allanza 3.0 has over 350 branches throughout Italy, from Friuli-Venzia Giulia to Puglia.

The supermarket chain is now launching the "Gaza Cola" drink, which is produced by a Palestinian company. The doses of "Gaza Cola" adorn Arabic characters, the Palestinian flag and design elements of the Kufiya. This initiative comes from Osama Qashoo, a filmmaker and activist born in the West Bank, who is also a supporter of the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions). The proceeds from the sale of the drink are intended for the reconstruction of the AL Karama Hospital, which has suffered considerable damage in the conflict. Qashoo had already participated in the "Gaza Freedom Flotilla" in 2010 that tried to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip before it was stopped by the Israeli army.

solidarity and boycott call

Coop Allanza 3.0 emphasized in a press release that it cannot contradict violence in the Gaza Strip and demands an immediate hiring of military operations. This decision is in accordance with its principles and reflects its commitment to support organizations that demand an end to violence in the region. In addition, the company took part in the national campaign 'Coop for Refugees', which civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine and Sudan help.

International boycott calls against Israeli products are not limited to Italy. In the United States, there are also movements that recommend similar measures against brands such as McDonald’s and Starbucks to draw attention to the situation in the Gaza conflict. Demonstrations recently called for a boycott of Starbucks in Zurich, while in Lausanne Red Color in front of an McDonald’s restaurant was poured out to point out the suffering of the Palestinians. Nestlé is also exposed to boycott calls, especially in Turkey, where Nescafé was banished.

Despite the critical voices that classify the BDS movement as anti-Semitic, it emphasizes its principles against discrimination and tries to identify targeted companies that are directly connected to the offenses of Israel. In this context, the latest developments in Italy and elsewhere are a growing trend that increases public awareness of the complex political and humanitarian aspects of the Middle East conflict