WHO ARE WE?
My name is Nadia. I’m a Palestinian-Irish artist and educator. My husband Shehzad is Kashmiri-Canadian, and we live in the suburbs of Washington DC.
Our shared commitment to justice along with the need to do something more than just post to social media, protest, and contact our representatives is what led us to create DisOccupied. An initiative that has taken months of research, vetting thousands of companies and assigning rankings based on their involvement in or support of the conflict.
"Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians" ~ Nelson Mandela
WHAT IS DISOCCUPIED?
A movement that amplifies and highlights the companies and brands we SHOULD be supporting. Our mission is to disoccupy our minds, our closets, our wallets, and our lives from any company that is complicit in global injustice. We seek to help develop a marketplace of existing and emerging brands that align with our values.
We envision a world where communities of diverse faiths and backgrounds harmonize to create lasting change, setting the stage for a movement that transcends borders through conscious consumerism.
WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?
To pressure businesses, especially those doing business in Israel to publicly advocate for a just solution in Palestine. Every individual MUST be equal and free from occupation.
The same organizations enabling injustice for Palestinians are ignoring struggles in Congo, Sudan, Haiti, and elsewhere, in the name of profit. We’re starting with Palestine but we see you.
HOW ARE WE RANKING BRANDS?
Do Not Buy (Red)
These companies have publicly expressed one-sided support for Israel or directly do business in Israel, which supports the Israeli economy and strengthens its policies and actions in the Palestinian territories.
Buy With Caution (Yellow)
These companies are indirectly supporting the Israeli occupation by having investors who do other business in Israel, invest in weapons manufacturers, etc.
Green Level 1
★This large multinational corporation has remained neutral in the conflict and does not have ties to Israel.
Green Level 2
★ ★This small or medium-sized business has remained neutral in the conflict and does not have ties to Israel.
Green Level 3
★ ★ ★This business has an exceptional founder who has remained neutral in the conflict and does not have ties to Israel.
Green Level 4
★ ★ ★ ★This is the highest level, a business that has publicly supported Palestine.
HOW ARE WE FUNDED?
We’ve been doing most of the research ourselves on our own time and have paid for the web development out of pocket and through the help and support of dear friends and family. Moving forward, we would like to be able to hire staff to help us expand this movement internationally.
WHAT IS OUR WISH LIST FOR DISOCCUPIED?
Additional tech features such as being able to suggest alternatives brands available in a user’s country based on location.
Mapping that allows users to see nearby safe businesses.
IT Admin to keep the site functioning smoothly and safe from attack.
Researchers to help vet brands and find alternatives.
Content and video creation for our social media channels involving alternative product reviews, founder interviews, etc.