Mira and the Boycott
To all my fellow QL members,
I have initiated a boycott effort here in Doha in protest of Israeli’s genocide against the Palestinians. I am still trying to figure out how to put the information that was given at the meeting on QL without flooding QL.
But first, I need to make one thing clear. Before I am stereotyped as a typical hateful anti-Semitic individual from “this” region who blindly hates Jews without cause, I think it’s important that you know a little about me…and then you are free to make whatever claims you please to undermine the credibility of this effort.
I would personally like to peg myself as a human for humanity. Trying my best, within my own capacity, to bring a positive change to the people I share this earth with. Please note, this recent effort of mine, boycotting Israel in support of the Palestinians’ right to live…exist, is not my first humanitarian effort.
I actually started a few years back in high school, by organizing a group of fellow students to sing Christmas Carols at local seniors’ nursing homes. Commonly, forgotten by their families seniors become quite depressed during the holiday season.
I have also, participated in numerous cancer drives, both in the fundraising door-to-door campaigning, to the organizing of the actual events.
Most recently, in Doha, I have raised funds for South African orphanages that were running out of milk and basic resources to care for the infants, mostly orphaned by the Aids epidemic. And last year, at my place of work, I had organized a charity drive in support of Iraqi families who were selling their children for food.
So, no, I am not a blind “Pro-Palestinian”. I feel I am a very informed supporter of the Palestinian cause and Palestinian people. I have thoroughly educated myself on this issue over the years. The Palestinians, which are generally targeted, are civilian populations, who defend themselves with very primitive weapons, such as stones, and home-made rockets against the fourth strongest, most advanced military in the world!
I personally feel I can’t ignore the ethnic cleansing that has been taking place for 60 years! And that is why the “boycott Israel” initiative is meant for all other humanitarians; regardless of race, religion, and culture to send their message to Israel: enough is enough.
For those who don’t wish to participate…then don’t. No one is forcing you. There are rallies all over the globe attended by numbers of up to 10, 000 people, these people want to see an end to the genocide and it is to them that I communicate our most peaceful weapon; boycott.
I have started a group on Google [email protected], and we will be posting on facebook. For anyone, who would like me to give a talk on how we can implement the boycott in our day-to-day lives at their place of work, embassies, socials, rallies, fundraisers etc. please contact me via QL or facebook (once the page is created).
Truly, it is time to Wake-Up people; it seems we have been asleep for much too long…
Sincerely,
Mira
The Israely propaganda machine is live and kicking in QL too.
http://www.helpuswin.org/en/respond-to-these/
Red-pope leads the team.
January 16, 2009
Facts about Starbucks in the Middle East
It is disheartening that calls for boycotts of Starbucks stores and products, which are based on blatant untruths, have had direct impacts on local economies and residents, and have also led to violent situations involving our stores, partners (employees) and customers.
Our more than 160,000 partners and business associates around the globe have diverse views about a wide range of topics. Regardless of that spectrum of belief, Starbucks Coffee Company remains a non-political organization. We do not support any political or religious cause. Further, allegations that Starbucks provides financial support to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army in any way are unequivocally false. Unfortunately, these rumors persist despite our best efforts to refute them.
What we do believe in, and remain focused on, is staying true to our company’s long-standing heritage -- simply connecting with our partners and customers over a cup of high quality coffee and offering the best experience possible to them – regardless of geographical location. Though our roots are in the United States, we are a global company with stores in 49 countries, including more than 230 stores in nine Middle Eastern countries. In countries where we do business, we are proud to be a part of the fabric of the local community -- working directly with local partners who operate our stores, employing thousands of local citizens, serving millions of customers and positively impacting many others through our support of neighborhoods and cities.
Myths
Is it true that Starbucks provides financial support to Israel?
No. This is absolutely untrue. Rumors that Starbucks Coffee Company provides financial support to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army are unequivocally false. Starbucks is a publicly held company and as such, is required to disclose any corporate giving each year through a proxy statement. In addition, articles in the London Telegraph (U.K.), New Straits Times (Malaysia), and Spiked (online) provide an outside perspective on these false rumors.
Has Starbucks ever sent any of its profits to the Israeli government and/or Israeli army?
No. This is absolutely untrue.
Is it true that Starbucks is teaming with other American corporations to send their last several weeks of profits to the Israeli government and/or the Israeli Army?
No. This is absolutely untrue.
Is it true that Starbucks closed its stores in Israel for political reasons?
No. We do not make business decisions based on political issues. We decided to dissolve our partnership in Israel in 2003 due to the on-going operational challenges that we experienced in that market. After many months of discussion with our partner we came to this amicable decision. While this was a difficult decision for both companies, we believe it remains the right decision for our businesses.
Middle East Partnership and Operations
Do you work with a Middle East partner to operate Starbucks stores?
Through a licensing agreement with trading partner and licensee MH Alshaya WLL, a private Kuwait family business, Starbucks has operated in the Middle East since 1999. Today Alshaya Group, recognized as one of the leading and most influential retailing franchisees in the region, operates more than 274 Starbucks stores in the Middle East and Levant region. In addition to its Starbucks stores, the Alshaya Group operates more than 1,700 other retail stores in the region, providing jobs for more than 15,000 employees of more than 35 nationalities.
We are extremely fortunate and proud to have forged a successful partnership for the past ten years and look forward to building on this success.
In which Middle Eastern countries do you operate?
We partner with Alshaya Group to operate Starbucks stores in Egypt, Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Jordan and Lebanon in the Middle East region. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many communities, and we are committed to providing the Starbucks Experience while respecting the local customs and cultures of each country we are a part of. We are also committed to hiring locally, providing jobs to thousands of local citizens in the countries where we operate.
Are you still operating Starbucks stores in Israel? If not, do you have plans to re-open should the opportunity arise?
We decided to dissolve our partnership in Israel in 2003 due to the on-going operational challenges that we experienced in that market.
When and where the business case makes sense and we see a fit for the Starbucks brand in a market we will work closely with a local partner to assess the feasibility of offering our brand to that community. We will therefore continue to assess all opportunities on this basis. At present, we will continue to grow our business in the Middle East as we have been very gratified by the strong reception of the brand in the region. We continue to work closely with our business partner, the Alshaya Group, in developing our plans for the region.
Contact Information:
Starbucks Coffee Company
Customer Relations
(800) 235-2883
[email protected]
Supernurse - it's not about jumping on the bandwagon. Just like u, everyone else has the right to express themselves without getting attacked for it!
journalist girl.....to be honest, I'm not really bothered about human rights and all that 'jumping on the bandwagon crap without actually doing anything productive' bollocks........
That is the most logical statement and venue to boycott someone. Hold those CEO'S accountable in establishing check and balances, by boycotting one product, all it does, is hurting everyone with massive layoffs. No one wins.
I'm glad someone is thinking out of the box, that I would support.
There is always two sides off the coin. Every one has the right to 'put your money where your mouth is.'
'Cada maniatico, con su tema'
'To each madman, its own topic'
I think that this is one way of helping gaza. However I dont think that it is very effective. I would have believe that a better way would be to raise money and purchase shares in the companies (yes it might need millions of dollars) but shareholders can hold the board of directors accountable for where the monies are spent. in this way it would stop the money at the source in addition the investments earn money to be aboe to buy more shares or even to provide money to donate to gaza
Supernurse fair does, but sometimes people wish to make a stand. My question to you is would you be happy paying for goods and that money u've earned going towards a country that systematically violates human rights conventions?
I was pondering about something, Mrs. Mira leading the boycott, Could it lead that she wants to promote her own line of products? I'm just assuming.
Hold on a minute don't delete my post, what ever the reason is.
Thank goodness PM, someone is reading what I'm writing! This has already been discussed and I find it redundant to keep repeating myself over and over.
It would be more productive if people actually read the previous thread first "Who wants do something for Gaza", and post new questions and qualms on this thread.
Well lets hope these boycotters don't cut their nose off to spite their face......
journalist girl....potentially putting people out of work and livelihoods is a bit lame too.......
dmighty probably next week, I'll definitely post when I know for sure.
dmighty probably next week, I'll definitely post when I know for sure.
hey journalist girl, some people I met yesterday want to do that as well! You can definitely help them out.
The more the better, it eases the workload on everyone. We are already doing things that must be completed by the next meeting and then we are definitely looking at brochures and leaflets as a next step.
Salute for your effort.
dmigtysolomon,
This should have been started few years ago. But, it's better late than nothing.. See this link:
http://www.qatar-tribune.com/data/20090111/content.asp?section=analysis1_1
"Several days into Israel’s Gaza assault, Richard Ramsey, managing director of British telecom specialising in voice-over-internet services, sent an email to the Israeli tech firm MobileMax: “As a result of the Israeli government action in the last few days we’ll no longer be in a position to consider doing business with yourself or any other Israeli company.”
Ramsey says his decision wasn’t political; he just didn’t want to lose customers. “We can’t afford to lose any of our clients,” he explains, “so it was purely commercially defensive.” It was this kind of cold business calculation that led many companies to pull out of South Africa two decades ago. And it’s precisely the kind of calculation that is our most realistic hope of bringing justice, so long denied, to Palestine."
when is the next gathering/s?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Mira, perhaps a leaflet can be produced? Willing to help out on this.
dmightysolomon, I will be releasing a list, but I want to hold as many meetings as possible because there are different categories in these lists, and we need to be able to differentiate, that's why I keep having mini-meetings to properly educate people on this.
Thanks again for all of your support.
We must be the change we wish to see in the world.- Gandhi
Supernurse, this may be a load of BS to you, but perhaps others think this would genuinely be a step in the right direction. Disagreeing with it is fine, as you have you're own points of view on this, but wishing ill on others like htat is a bit lame.
What prevailing situation there is in the muslim world they are responsible themselves. They have all the resources yet they are after america (zionists). I am not against chrisitians. The real enemies are zionists both for muslims and christians. Mira, please try to emphasis on the following:
Why rich Sheiks put their money in zionists banks (they own responsible)
Why they cannot do noting they are rich in oil and gas and many many more resources (they own are responsible)
How many universities there are in the musim world
How much they spent on research and education
They wish they only have a very unique model of car with a blonde inside with drinks, thats all now I have to say.
Mira, I wanted to give u a hard time, but keep up the good work. Hope people actually boycott permanently and not be hypocrites like last time.
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Lebanon... the love of my soul!
sorry mira didnt make it., you know why, right.?, ill try to drop by in the next meeting., :)
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call me ONE.
Rezy, I am not historian yet I would advise yoy first take out some spare time to study history of ME and america. Zionists didn't let alive any leader in the muslim world for their sake. You have examples of Naisr of Egype, King Faisal of KSA, Bhutto of Pakistan, Suharto of Indonesia. Qaddafi is still alive but he and his country have been isolated.
Coke is actually colombian ;)
i fully agree with you,
somebody release a list, I told it's only Coke I am drinking. So, what's wrong with my statement? I said, I support your movement so I will find a replacement for Coke. Can't you get it? Now if you want me to convince more people, same with my family, we are already five who are not really that addicted to coke so we can change that. So what's your problem? Your aggressiveness is the same as the people you hate! Your treatment of people who opposed your view is the same as the treatment Israel is giving to the Gazans. Mira is trying to reach-out. But you, you are trying to distant yourself to reality!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
ITS TIME TO LEAVE, TAKE CARE... DON'T BOTHER EACH OTHER. THERE WOULD BE NO RESULT.. AS USUAL...
dont waste ur time at arguers
قد اسمعت لو ناديت حيا
و لكن لا حياة لمن تنادي
rezymalik...Am I representative of what?
Ok, so you guys boycott the products and establishments as listed......for what reason? This would just end up where loads of people lose their jobs, their livelihoods.......is that the idea? Well, lets hope then, that your family, friends loved ones actually work in connection with these products etc an lose their jobs thanks to all the gibbering BS you lot spout.......
then what the purpose of OIC, whats the mean of existance.
Mira, in my opinion its the Begining of the End. Everybody know world economic system is under control of a group of some zionists. They even own American Reserve Bank and America cannot print a single dollor currency note for its own. Sooner or later there would be no jewish in this world. This is our belief. Individual boycott is somewhat okay but would not be so effected unless world and specially muslim world start to boycott the products into their countries. However, they will have to provide alternate products for their people. As an individual we can only share our views in terms of posting hidden truths, past realities, future plans and so on. I also believe to support for any movement, individual, group who works for humanitarian cause. No more personal interests
at least we would not die, if we'll not use those product's , are you the representative of the same? talking much about....
i think solomon will never understand whts the situation going on to the effectee's... leave him.
oh perlease...bloody do gooders see how long you last without those products........go and do some proper work.....hiding behind the safety and comfort of your computer screen in the safety of your villas.....Get your bums to Gaza and do some real graft maybe you might actually make a difference to these people you are 'trying' to help....
No dmightysolomon, I am going to continue to bother you to come to the next gathering :)
Please IGNORE THE LIST, I have the same list, if I wanted to post it I would have.
ok guys lets change the topic of discussion, it might put negative impact.. on those cant understand the situation .
Mira I know about that, but that doesnt mean that we shouldn't be doing it... we are not corporate level. I mean I've done it as an individual and i'm surviving l7amdela. America didnt put a million dollar fine on me for doing that.
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Lebanon... the love of my soul!
a publicity. You are giving them a free advertisement! Anyway, Aside from Coke, almost all the listed products are not in our list of groceries or essentials! So, I have to find a replacement for Coke! Will my contribution be enough now?
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
rezymalik just hang in there. I'll give you clear and focused direction on how to make this an effective boycott. And no, you will not have to abandon everything you use.
I just think direct face to face contact is the way to start this initiative.
Abu Adil I did add you.
maamuu row means we all unite to Congrat him...
My friend thexonic, this DID start before and was even at the corporate level, whole companies boycotted production and trade with Israel, companies that took part were big names like PEPSI and L'Oreal.
Then America made the Arab League Boycott of Israel illegal by enforcing U.S. anti-boycotting laws. And some companies who did participate in the boycott had to fork over millions of dollars in fines.
Meera,
Please add me to ur google group.
I have sent my email id as PM.
Please check.
rezymail
wat row u talkin abt ? How the hell will i type when i am standing ?? :(
Please understand the situation.
What we will do if tomorrow Israel bombs the hospitals?
Or the continue the massacre again
We have seen the world bodies can't do anything towards stopping them.
The poor people of different countries, who are against any kind of inhuman actions, can only react in this way.
In most of the cases it is the money that does matter.
lets stand in row to Congratulate Mr. Barack H. Obama for becoming the President of the United States of America.
God bless him..
Mira u still didnt answer me, tell me what is the point of the boycott now?????? why didnt this thing start from before?????
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Lebanon... the love of my soul!
ya i agree with you, so from where we should start, even most of us not aware whts bad or good! people when they go out they just see the moving world, they dont see what to get what to not....
Guys, please just ignore trolls! There is much more important things to do with our time...once ignored they usually disappear.
3. Emad I totally second your point, but trolls will be trolls.
trust me rezymalik, it can be done. At first there's a little shell-shock but there are loads of competitors out there who want your business. The point is, not all of the companies on that list are in the same league. Some might actually be open to change...and some companies even have a history of supporting the Arab League's Boycott of Israel.
dont you show the sympathy for those injured or died.
r u insane??????????
SN, that is what is this hate compaign for. Israel destroys palestine and muslims worldover with their hard earned donations rebuild palestine....
This is getting off-topic.. I think Mira has already said: "For those who don’t wish to participate…then don’t. No one is forcing you." :S
Whats wrong with you people!?
,
Emad =>
Oh for Gods sake, if anyone wants to be of any use, go and work as a voluteer in one of the Gaza hospitals...go and get your hands dirty instead of all this boycott rubbish, what the Hell good will that do to the victims? ( I mean Israeli and Palestinian or whatever )!!!!
to find the substitute of these items ,i dont think so is a difficult task.
blablabla then we will questioning the tractor that ploughs the feilds, the pump that supplies the water and the fertiliser and the sprays to keep away the bugs..
I am sure some of the above companies providing those will also have connection with Israel..
Looks like I have to use that patch in the garden, get a few chickens and a cow and so on..to only make this Boycott work..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
yea Guyz cool down...
U can have the Perrier water to cool urself down.
But wait, is tat too listed up there...?? Damnnnn
lol, see that's why avoided putting up a "general" list, many of these companies do not even support Israel, i.e. Gap only sells "some" items that are made in Israel. As concerned consumers we can make an active vocal effort to inform them of our dissatisfaction.
Companies like Coca-Cola...don't even bother, they heavily invest in Israel and do support the State in various capacities.
Actually we are presently making a substitutes list. Stay tuned, we'll be having another meeting in the near future. These general lists are a turn-off for boycott efforts, that's why they have NOT been successful to date.
UKEng, I don't think such items, tractors etc have any sale in Qatar in first place
cool it down
IS THE WHITE KITKAT AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET?
THERE ARE SOME USEFULL ITEMS WE CANT DENY TO USE THEM..BECAUSE OF BEING ADDICTIVE...
lol UkEng...
Might be those chickens and Cows were fed from the grains etc they bought Indirectly from Israeil...:)
Mira u must be joking... Where was the boycott until now? why all of a sudden people wake up to boycott after stuffing themself with starbucks and mcdonalds... whats the point now????, this boycott is worthless, the funding has already been done and its not gonna change the future if the boycott is started now. It's just a showoff and nothing more, once things settle down everyone will be back to funding israel lol... its funny how my own palestinians friends used to tell me that I am a fool for being on a boycott that i started in 2006 and now they themself are boycotting... wtf seriously... boycott is just a joke for u people.
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Lebanon... the love of my soul!
Mira, don't you have anything better to do? Are you Rent-A-Protest?.....
the next step to give substitutes
for most of the items
Darude, You don't need to, you are already on life support! Perhaps, that is due to using those half!!
White perhaps no sins. Black more...
96.99% from the above list is mostly used by everyone i guess, in their daily life.
Oh dear oh dear........
White Kit Kat ?
After all the name kitkat is still there- Right ?
UKEng, buy fresh vegetables and fruits..
HII GUYS....
U can have white kit kat
almost gave me a heart attack while showing me that list and the brand names
have to quit half of them now
I heard philip morris (cigarette producers) is also contributing to israel.
Holy Cow
KitKat is my Fav. Gonna trash tat frm now on...:(
It is a generous effort. Allah bless you
It would also be help for having a list, for the things that we can buy.
Prevention is better than Medicine..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
Scarlet, yes I understand that. Here is a list.
Now tell me which of these products you miss?
Except for Johnson & Johnson and Nestle all others are useless.
the meeting missed u
a flood starts with but one drop of water...didn't you know that?
Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked,the good fortune to run into the ones I do,and the eyesight to tell the difference.
I don't know for others but muslims have little to boycott as many of the products are just a luxory, not essential commodities, for muslims which are israf to have in first place for any muslim. Hence there can be only a meagre revenue going from muslims to israel. How will that affect?
Excellent abohmaid! Forward it to me when it's complete.
lol, britexpat, I will send you details of the proposal some time today or tomorrow. Just keep checking your inbox :)
thanks for ur efforts
i am translating
The world needs peoples like you so things can change for the best of the humanity .Keep on working and sure you can do a lot .
"When there is a will there is a way "
Good luck
further action and progress of the 'Boycott' Campaign..
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Thanks for the clarification.. I was ready to throw my yarmulka at you, but have now decided against it.
I would now ask that you PM me some literature or details of the proposal. Perhaps I can join your next "get together"
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in an afternoon meeting in Dukhan. It's work-related. Sorry, Mira, if you want we can meet privately in smaller group!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
All the best Mira.......
Great Effort !!
lol. Dmightysolomon that's why you were suppose to come! You could still take part in the effort and not go against any of your beliefs.
many shares your view but still many questions to answer. As I said in previous threads and now knowing your previous works, I would summarize it as positive works except for this last one! IMHO only!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
Emmm now who has called u an anti-semite? Well so much for democracy and the freedom to take a stand on certain things! Good luck in what you're aiming for Mira.
Mira, I tried to send you a PM but seems you dont accept them?
I didnt make it last night, sick baby at home but would love the literature you passed out and what your plans are.
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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"
for all those interested, please send me your e-mail and I can add you to the googlegroup. All of the info is posted there.