Macclesfield Palestine supporters call for boycott of big companies
A Macclesfield-based Palestinian support group has called for a boycott of certain brands, many of which can be bought all over Macclesfield.
Macc for Pal is a volunteer-led organisation which host activism and cultural events, as well as voicing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
At their most recent public meet-up on Saturday April 6 in Macclesfield town centre, the group displayed their solidarity with the Palestinian people, and gave out information on how to boycott Israeli goods.
Some of the brands have or had stores in Macclesfield, whereas others can be bought in Macclesfield restaurants, corner shops and supermarkets.
"We stand for freedom, justice and equality for Palestine," they said.
"We believe people should boycott these companies! Don't let your money fund genocide and apartheid.
"Boycotting was crucial to dismantling the apartheid system in South Africa."
Some of the companies Macc for Pal told passers-by to boycott included Costa Coffee (who have two stores in Macclesfield, plus a plan for one more), and parent company Coca-Cola.
According to the Times of Israel, Coca-Cola have ran a factory in Gaza since 2014.
"Palestinian communities are forcibly removed for illegal Israeli settlements like this to be built," said Anna Hughes of Macc for Pal.
"These settlements are illegal under International law.
"By having an Israeli franchise, Coca-Cola is ignoring international law and profiting from illegal occupation."
Barclays were also on the campaigners boycott list, however, given the fact they shut down in Macclesfield almost a year ago this week, such a boycott would not be as visible as boycotting a brick-and-mortar shop like a Costa.
The group also recommended not buying produce that has come from Israel, and sticking stickers on them.
They also encouraged for the public to buy Zaytoun products from Macclesfield's Oxfam. They sell things like dates and olive oil., which supports Palestinian farmers.
In recent months, Brits have took to the streets to protest against 'Israel-linked' brands like Hewlett-Packard and Puma.
While boycotting had middling results at the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, boycotts involving Israel has been shown to have significant recent impact.
McDonalds (which has a store in Macclesfield) has seen sales slump worldwide, which they linked to the ongoing war.
Starbucks - which has one store in Adlington and plans for one in Macclesfield - has also seen sales decline due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. They also sell their coffee in the petrol station on Churchill Way.
Israel launched its offensive on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which saw 1,400 Israeli people killed. This week marked six months since that date.
Last month, Macc for Pal fundraised £1531 at an event of Palestinian solidarity, to help out the country in the Middle East.
For more information about Macc for Pal please click HERE to head to their social media.
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