Imagine you’re at the local store. While reaching for a bottle of Coca-Cola, a friend mentions the product is on a boycott list because of its ties to Israel. You pause, wondering if swapping it for an alternative drink could really make a difference. Turns out, it actually can. Companies like Coca-Cola, with factories in places like the Atarot settlement in the occupied West Bank, pump millions of dollars into Israel’s economy through taxes, jobs, and supply chains.
When people across the globe, especially in Muslim countries like Maldives, stop buying Coke, a major ripple effect is formed. For instance, in 2023, Coca-Cola’s sales in the Middle East plummeted with some regions reporting a 22% drop in sales, costing the company hundreds of millions of dollars. These boycotts, often pushed by the “Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions” (BDS) movement, aim to pressure Israel by targeting companies that profit Israel and its Genocide. And the numbers show that the boycott is not just a symbolic show.
So how can a single person or business contribute to this movement, and be part of a ripple that is affecting Israel in millions of dollars? Imagine a small café owner in Maldives stocking an alternative brand like Kinza Cola or Palestine Cola, instead of Coca-Cola. It automatically becomes a (single) stand against Israel’s actions against Palestine. And when millions of such people or businesses make similar choices, the economic impact piles up. Israel’s economy which is heavily reliant on exports and foreign investment feels the pinch when global brands lose market share. For example, McDonald’s reported a 0.7% sales growth in the Middle East in late 2023, far below their 5.5% target, partly due to boycotts over free meals given to Israeli soldiers. These actions not only affect profits. They also send a message to companies that supporting Israel’s policies comes with a cost.
However, avoiding all products and services connected to Israel can be challenging. Many everyday items and platforms we rely on have some form of Israeli involvement. These products and companies are woven into our lives, often in ways we don’t even notice. For the average person, boycotting every product or service which maybe directly or indirectly related to Israel may not be a realistic option. Sometimes it is overwhelming to track every product, and for some, especially in areas with limited alternatives, it’s just not practical to avoid them all. Still, even partial boycotts can contribute to meaningful effect against Israeli economy. While boycotting every Israeli-linked product might not be easy for some, ditching unhealthy, sugary drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi is both impactful and beneficial for your health. Since these products aren’t basic needs and they serve no essential purpose, eliminating them from our lives is both simple and sensible.
When a café in Maldives stops serving Coke, or a supermarket in Bangladesh promotes alternative brands, it gradually weakens Israel’s economic grip. In 2024, Israel’s economy was already wobbling, with foreign investment in tech dropping and exporters complaining about tougher markets. Every can of Coke you skip, or an alternate brand you support adds to that pressure, showing that even small choices can pack a punch. Boycotting may not change everything overnight, but it’s a deliberate stand against Israelis war crimes. Every alternative product you choose over an Israeli-linked brand is a firm act of resistance. When enough people make these choices, the impact is no longer small. Rather it becomes a collective force that challenges the economy of “world powers”.
So have any of the boycott movements actually worked? Yes it has. If we look at Maldives alone, this movement has forced giants like KFC and Pizza Hut to shut down in Malé and Hulhumalé after facing heavy backlash over their ties to Israel. With protests, and sales plummeting, the public made it clear that brands linked to oppression and genocide are not welcome. Their crippling loss proves that collective resistance can push even global chains out of marketplace, with the help of people who are firm.