Dubai’s community joined forces for a weekend fundraising exhibition at the Raw Coffee Company in Al Quoz. The event, organized by Lisa Dale, an author, and British lawyer, and Kim Thompson, the owner of RAW Coffee from New Zealand, aimed to support Palestinian artists during the ongoing conflict.
The exhibition featured a wide array of handcrafted Palestinian products, each telling stories of determination and craftsmanship. Products like olive oil soaps, intricate decor items, hand-painted dishes, bracelets, scarves, crockery with captivating motifs, paintings, bags, hats, and more were available. Notably, the event included products from Talleh, a traditional Palestinian handicrafts business empowering Palestinian women in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Lisa Dale, the author of “People Like Us,” a book inspired by real-life stories of life under Israeli occupation, highlighted the event’s significance as a symbol of hope and collective compassion amidst conflict.
Kim Thompson’s connection to Palestine began in 2019 during the ‘Gulf for Good Hike’ along the Heritage Trail. She expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s success, mentioning that they raised Dh100,000, and many artists’ products sold out. The proceeds are being sent back to Palestine, benefiting the artisans who crafted the jewelry and products.
In a separate initiative, hundreds of UAE residents came together to support the ‘Compassion for Gaza’ project led by Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), aimed at sending essential aid to those in need.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai had earlier directed Dh50 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians through Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).