As the holiday season approaches, it becomes increasingly challenging to embrace the joyful spirit of Christmas while being aware of the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Palestine. Witnessing a distressing live portrayal of genocide unfolding right before our eyes dampens any desire to partake in celebrations. The irony of celebrating Christmas while families in Gaza endure displacement, loss of loved ones, and agonizing hunger is troubling. Many of us grapple with this moral conflict as Christmas approaches.
Navigating Ethical Shopping
This year, as we strive to boycott major corporations that support Israel's actions, shopping for big brands feels wrong. But we also understand the struggle to participate in holiday work exchanges and families with children eagerly awaiting Santa Claus's arrival. So, instead of shopping for big brands this year, let's focus on staying local and supporting national companies that have publicly supported Palestine.
Here is a curated list of national companies that you can support:
- Lulus Crackers
- Z&Z
- Holy Land Dates
- Knafeh queens
- Olive Odessey
- Haraz coffee shop
- Treat you batter
- Canaan Palestine
- Playgrounds For Palestine
- Queen City Coffee
- Baba's Olives
- Diaspora Co. Spices
- Alard Products
- Huda Beauty
- Mona Kattan Perfume
- Lush Cosmetics
- DYF Beauty
- Sitti Soap
- Mul Cosmetics
- Suva Beauty
- Studio Tanais
- Yafa Queen
- Dr. Sebaa Co.
- Simihaze Beauty
- Dieux Skin
- Noun Naturals
- Anat International
- Native Threads
- Kuvrd
- West Bank Apparel
- Yalla Detroit
- ThePaliProject
- Lubna
- West Bank Hoodie
- Rami Kashou
- Wear The Peace
- Hirabawi
- Love Closely
- Return Of Palestine
- Ayan Resources
- Zaytoona Stitches
- Flstin Fits
- La Farrah Boutique
- Royal Thobe
- Dipped in Culture
- Suzy Tamimi
- Palestinian Hustle
- Nol Collective
- Darza
- Hama
- Turath USA
- Dj Basbousa
- Hilweh Market
- Handmade Palestine
- Olive & heart
- LifeStraw
- Watan
- Shop Palestine
- Halseesan Books & Play
- Tatreez and Tea
- Ohjiya
- Yousra & Co
- Palestinian Soap Cooperative
- Nominal
- The Coral Beach
- Timalaus
- Awtani
- Zudo
- Jewels of Lara
- Farah Merhi
- Modern Wall Art
- Totah Studio
- Days Of Eid
- They Called Me A Lioness
- Justice For Some
- Make Change
- Except for Palestine
- Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books
- Small Doses
- Sim Kern
- The Hundred Years' War On Palestine
- The Land in Our Bones By Layla K. Feghali
- Palestine on A Plate Joudie Kalla
- Feast in the Middle East by Blanche Araj
- Olives Lemons and Zaatar by Rawia Bishara
- The Gaza Kitchen by Laila el-Haddad and Maggie Schmitt
- Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora
- Craving Palestine
- Adopt an Olive Tree-
- Ryze Projects
- NaTakallam
Supporting Palestinian Authors
In addition to supporting companies, we can also support Palestinian authors and their works. Here are some recommended books:
- "The Hundred Years' War On Palestine"
- "The Land in Our Bones" by Layla K. Feghali
- "Palestine on A Plate" by Joudie Kalla
- "Feast in the Middle East" by Blanche Araj
- "Olives Lemons and Zaatar" by Rawia Bishara
- "The Gaza Kitchen" by Laila el-Haddad and Maggie Schmitt
- "Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora"
- "Craving Palestine"
- "Adopt an Olive Tree-"
Booksellers and Bookstores
To find these books and support independent booksellers, check out the following:
- Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books
- Standford University Press
- Thiftbooks
- Jarir Bookstore
- BookShop
- Interlink Publishing
- MIT Press Bookstore
- Red Emma's
- Cresent Moon Store
- Maktaba
- Ryze Projects
Conclusion
This holiday season, let's make a conscious effort to support companies and individuals that speak up for Palestine. By choosing to shop ethically and support national companies, we can contribute to the cause while celebrating the spirit of Christmas. Together, we can make a difference and bring about change. Visit Arab America's blog for more information and resources.
Image Source: Arab America
