At Wakuli, we stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The suffering that has unfolded for decades, and the ongoing violence, destruction and genocide, demand urgent action.

Our mission has always been to fight inequality and injustice in the coffee industry. We work directly with farmers to create supply chains that benefit people, not exploit them. This fight for justice doesn't stop at coffee. As a business committed to ending exploitation, we feel a responsibility to take a stand against all forms of oppression. Many of our colleagues have already been actively raising awareness, volunteering and joining demonstrations.

As a company, we now join them in action.

While governments, including the Dutch state, continue to look away from the occupation, apartheid, and genocide, we choose to act with the means we have. If those in power do nothing, we must do everything in our power - however small. We are determined not to be part of systems that normalise or sustain oppression. That's why Wakuli has officially joined the international BDS movement as an Apartheid Free Zone.

Becoming an Apartheid Free Zone means we commit to not supporting or normalising Israel’s regime of occupation, apartheid and genocide. It also means we actively review our suppliers and business partners to ensure we are not complicit in these systems of oppression. While we recognise that this is an ongoing process, we have already taken steps in this direction and are committed to further aligning our practices. The campaign connects us to a global network of organisations, cities, and businesses that stand for freedom, justice and equality.

And this Sunday the 5th of October, we are taking an even bigger step: all Wakuli bars across the country will close from 12:00 pm onwards. We do this so that our colleagues who wish to join the Rode Lijn Demonstration in Amsterdam can do so, and so that our closed doors visibly express solidarity with Gaza and the urgent call for justice.

We want to be clear: this is not a statement against Israeli people. It is a statement against the current regime of Israel, its illegal occupation of the West Bank, apartheid and the ongoing genocide. There is no neutrality in the face of these crimes.

Every act matters. Where you buy, what you vote for, how you act - these choices have power. As a business, we believe more companies must take responsibility by speaking out. It cannot be left only to individuals, artists, activists or cultural institutions. Commercial companies like ours have power to make injustice visible and to put pressure on governments. We know much more is needed. But we hope that our action will inspire others to follow.

Solidarity means action.

What can you do?

  • Join the Rode Lijn Demonstration this Sunday 1pm in Amsterdam 
  • Support initiatives that work for justice and freedom for Palestine
  • Use your voice and your choices to demand change
  • Are you a company? Join BDS and become an Apartheid Free Zone

Learn more:

In solidarity,

Lukas & Yorick

Wakuli

This Sunday, October 5th: All Wakuli Retail Bars in the Netherlands close at 12:00 pm

Questions? Reach out to coffee@wakuli.com