Irish cafés are coming together to raise money for the children of Palestine
Coffee for Palestine is appealing to cafés around Ireland to pledge ten coffees a day from 23-29 September to raise money for the children of Palestine. Here, we speak with the organisers about where the idea came from, how to get involved, and the importance of coming together to show solidarity and support.
With over 60 businesses already involved and more joining the initiative each day, Coffee for Palestine is calling on cafés across Ireland to pledge ten coffees a day for seven days, from 23-29 September. With a goal of reaching €2,500, the funds raised will be donated to three charities supporting children in Gaza with medical aid, water and education, as chosen by Eman from Izz Cafe, Cork. They are Al Tamayuz School in North Gaza, Ele Elna Elak and Children Not Numbers.
The campaign to bring small Irish businesses together to show support as a collective in a meaningful way was organised by Eman Alkarajeh from Café Izz, Deirdre Breen from Studio Boon, and Clare Condon from Good Day Deli. Here, we speak to them about the initiative, how we can all get involved, and the importance of standing in solidarity.
“The idea came from being profoundly heartbroken about the ongoing suffering in Gaza and wanting to help,” Clare from Good Day Deli tells us. “We have donated, shared information, signed petitions, attended protests but it can feel quite futile when the violence is continuing and impacting on so many children in Gaza.”
Bringing the initial idea to invite local Cork businesses to donate ten coffees for seven days to Eman from Izz Café—who have been incredible advocates for Palestine since they first opened in 2019—the wheels were instantly set in motion.
“When I send my children off to school each morning, or when I can easily make a doctor’s appointment when they feel unwell, I’m reminded of the immense privileges we often take for granted—like access to clean water, bread, and other basic necessities,” Eman says. “These moments fill me with a deep sense of guilt, knowing that the people of Gaza are deprived of such fundamental rights. So when I learned about this initiative, I was truly moved. I felt grateful to be part of a campaign dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable in Gaza.”
The design element came from Deidre from Studio Boon, whom Clare knew to be the only woman for the job, as her keen ability to convey purpose through design is unmatched. “When Clare approached me with this idea I knew straight away that I wanted to be involved,” Deirdre recalls. “Over the last 12 months, like many others, I’ve been devastated by what’s happening in Palestine. I’ve attended some of the Cork Palestine Solidarity marches in Cork city when I’ve had the time, and have been deeply moved by the power of collective solidarity.
“This campaign felt like a tangible way to put my skills and energy to good use and to show support for the people in Palestine. It’s been a wonderful experience working with like-minded people like Clare and Eman. The power of unity cannot be underestimated and it’s so energising to see the show of support from cafes and restaurants around the country.”
Back in July, Eman was able to return to Palestine for the first time in her life, and her husband Izz has family in the West Bank, so she advised on political and cultural sensitivities, and selected the charities, while Deirdre set about designing the logo.
“The Coffee For Palestine logo utilises the tatreez coffee bean motif, known as ‘Habbet Binn’.” Clare explains. “This symbol holds cultural significance in Palestinian embroidery, particularly in the Jaffa and Gaza regions. Serving as a delightful and intricate representation of a coffee bean, a fundamental element in Palestinian hospitality and social gatherings, this motif symbolises warmth and welcome. The colour palette is inspired by the food and flora of Palestine.”
With a growing social media following and more businesses getting involved by the day, Coffee for Palestine is living proof that common humanity and concern brings people together in their droves.
What started with three people reaching out to ten local Cork businesses has already grown to over 60 cafés in as little as ten days. While the majority of these businesses are Cork-based, it’s taking off across the country, with even a café in Lisbon getting involved, meaning they’ve already surpassed their fundraising goal by thousands of Euro.
Pledging the price of ten coffees a day for seven days is a donation of about €250, and with ten cafés on board, that’s €2,500, with 50 cafés on board, that’s €12,500, with 100 businesses on board, that’s €25,000 raised for the children in Palestine. “There are 9,000 cafés and restaurants in Ireland,” Clare says. “So even if 1% join, we have potential to raise up to €25,000 together as an industry with this campaign.”
“It also doesn’t have to be just coffee sales. One shop is embroidering the Coffee For Palestine logo and selling that to raise funds,” Clare continues. “We would love to see this campaign reach other businesses around the country so we can raise as much as possible for the children in Palestine.”
So, how can we get involved?
If you’re a café or restaurant, you can register with Coffee For Palestine here. Follow @coffeeforpalestine on Instagram. They will send you campaign material to post on your social media. Donations can also be made directly to the Coffee for Palestine iDonate page, from which money will be drawn down and donated to Al Tamayoz School, Ele Elna Elak, and Children Not Numbers on Tuesday 1 October.
Feature image sourced from @gooddaydeli, all other imagery sourced from @cafeizz.
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