Thursday, June 27, 2024
Kuwaiti citizens are refusing to support companies that back "Israel" according to Arab Barometer surveys
Kuwaitis are refusing to support companies that back "Israel" according to Arab Barometer surveys.
Ever since the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip on October 7th, Kuwait's support for the suffering region has been remarkable. Kuwaitis of all backgrounds have expressed solidarity with Gaza through protests, relief efforts, and aid donations, including support from non-Gaza-focused humanitarian groups. This article will mainly focus on campaigns and boycotts against companies that support Israel, which were some of the most significant actions.
In October 2023, the boycott campaign started, encouraging people to avoid Kuwaiti companies like Starbucks and McDonald's, which have backed Israel in its conflict. One of the most significant campaigns was titled "Have You Killed a Palestinian Today?".
Since that time, the call to boycott has led to significant discussions in Kuwaiti society, with people on both sides. Advocates believe that the boycott is required due to humanitarian, religious, and Arab responsibilities towards Gaza.
However, critics see this demand as pandering to popular opinion, influenced by certain media figures and politicians to bolster what they perceive as extremist ideologies in Kuwait. They assert that it may harm the Kuwaiti economy, leading to an unfriendly atmosphere for investment. The focused companies are national businesses authorized by the appropriate agencies, solely carrying the name of their overseas partners. Therefore, refusing to support them would be like harming oneself, affecting the country's economy. Furthermore, certain critics have highlighted the lack of structure and coordination in the boycott declarations, leading to inadequate information for the Kuwaiti population regarding the specific entities to boycott.
This happened at the same time as the initial stage of the "Arab Barometer" survey, which was carried out in Kuwait for the third time in February and March 2024. The study involved Princeton University, Harvard University, Kuwait University's Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies, and the Peace Center, surveying 1,210 Kuwaitis from households of both genders in all six provinces of Kuwait.
I was privileged to take part in this survey, the biggest of its kind, that seeks to gather the opinions of citizens in Arab countries on political, economic, and social matters. Before the fieldwork started, a few researchers proposed including questions about the Gaza war to understand the perspectives of Kuwaitis.
One question required respondents to pick from a list of methods for demonstrating solidarity with Gaza, with the option to choose multiple answers. The findings showed that a large 83.6% preferred boycotting companies that support Israel. Afterward came the statistics for "keeping up with war updates" at 64.8%, "contributing funds to support Gaza" at 62.6%, "showing unity via social media" at 44.1%, and "joining public solidarity gatherings" at 21.5%.
Due to a lack of financial data, the full extent of losses suffered by brands in Kuwait from the boycott campaign cannot be accurately measured. However, a Bloomberg report from January mentioned that the campaign, which targeted Starbucks, has increased sales for local coffee shops.
The results from before show the extent of the solidarity of the Kuwaiti people with Gaza in its time of crisis, and are also a result of voluntary decision-making. The freedom atmosphere in Kuwait has allowed its people to be free in their decisions.
Al-Mabarrah Islamic Charity: 82 families benefited from the sacrifices inside Kuwait
Al-Mabarrah Islamic Charity in Kuwait has successfully distributed sacrifices to 82 needy families during the blessed ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, with a total of 45 animals distributed. The project aims to promote solidarity, compassion, and interconnectedness among Muslims within the community. Chairman Mansour Al-Loughani highlighted the organization's efforts in providing food baskets, water distribution, and support for people with disabilities and the sick. The charity has launched a campaign to "Cool their summer" during extreme temperatures and encourages continued support from the community through donations on their website or hotline. Al-Loughani expressed gratitude to the people of Kuwait for their generosity and called for ongoing support to ensure the success and sustainability of their projects. He also offered prayers for the well-being and protection of Kuwait under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
A strategic partnership between Namaa Charity and the Endowments Secretariat to implement health projects
Namaa Charity, in partnership with the Endowments Secretariat, has launched health projects to treat patients with MS and rheumatoid arthritis. The funding comes from the Endowment Fund for Health Development and aims to create a disease-free society in Kuwait. The initiative will benefit 104 patients, with a focus on providing expensive medications to those in need. The project also aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients, especially for chronic diseases.
This partnership is part of Namaa Charity's efforts to support those unable to afford treatment costs and provide hope to vulnerable patients. The organization collaborates with the private sector to ensure patients receive necessary medications. Additionally, Namaa Charity works with various institutions to deliver humanitarian services and assist those in need. They emphasize the importance of social solidarity and removing obstacles faced by patients.
The strategic partnership between Namaa Charity and the Endowments Secretariat includes various humanitarian projects in Kuwait, such as educational and seasonal initiatives. By strengthening community partnerships, Namaa Charity aims to provide quality services to all members of society and garner support for those in need. Coordination between donors and implementers is essential for the success of joint charitable projects.
The Charitable Organization distributes prosthetic devices to 200 beneficiaries with motor, hearing and visual disabilities
The Charitable Organization, in collaboration with the volunteer team "The Will for People with Disabilities" and with the support of the General Secretariat of Endowments, distributed prosthetic and medical devices to 200 beneficiaries with motor, hearing, and visual disabilities under the "Fazaa for People with Disabilities" project. The Director General of the organization, Badr Saud Al-Sumait, emphasized the importance of this program in supporting individuals with disabilities to communicate with society and live normal lives. He expressed gratitude for the support of the General Secretariat of Endowments and highlighted their long-standing partnership in implementing charitable projects. Al-Sumait stressed the organization's commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to become self-reliant and integrate into society.
Additionally, Al-Sumait commended the Al-Irada Volunteer Team for their efforts in organizing the program and benefiting a large number of individuals with disabilities and their families. He mentioned the various volunteer teams operating under the organization and their contributions to providing aid to those in need. The Charitable Organization has successful experiences supporting programs for people with special needs, in partnership with relevant authorities and initiatives.
Al-Sumait emphasized the organization's belief in the important role of individuals with disabilities in societal development and their commitment to supporting programs that enhance their status, empower them, and help them achieve their goals. Through partnerships and collaborative efforts, the organization aims to address humanitarian challenges and work towards a more inclusive society for all individuals.
The Authority aims to strengthen societal construction and fabric through valuable initiatives to develop capabilities of people with special needs and deserving societal groups. This is not out of mercy but their right to unleash their energies, integrate into life, and become active members of society. Cooperation is strategic with the Charitable Organization to support specific projects for people with disabilities, regardless of their location. An initiative to provide compensatory devices to groups with disabilities was proposed by the Authority and studied by the Secretariat, found to be beneficial. Quality support projects are encouraged to facilitate the lives of these groups and provide moral support. Previous and future support projects for these groups are part of the continuous efforts to serve and support them. The Irada Volunteer Team, in collaboration with the Endowment Secretariat, produced a film on prayer and ablution for the deaf, which was well-received and translated into multiple languages. The ceremony of distributing prosthetic devices involved various individuals, including the acting Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Endowments, the Director of the Endowment Funds Department, the Head of the Will Team for People with Disabilities, team members, and people with special needs and their families.
