Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.
There is a saying in English, “to put your money where your mouth is”. It means to show with your actions, and not just your words, that you believe in something.
This week we learnt that the idiom can be quite literal - and tasty.
Below you will find stories about peaceable people who have been proactively showing their support for those impacted by the war in Gaza, from joint memorials to friendly matches and - the tasty part - fizzy pop.
Best wishes always,
Nicola
PS. Head to the highlights for some truly marvellous medical news that is not to be missed.
Cola for a cause
“We've devised a plan aimed at aiding our fellow Palestinians, with a special focus on the children of Gaza,” announced Hussein Hassoun on social media.
Two months later, that plan has seen Hussein and his brothers Mohammed and Ahmad overwhelmed by its success.
The trio, of Palestinian descent and born and raised in Sweden, launched Palestine Drinks as an alternative to major brands that many have opted to boycott.
All profits will go to charities working in Gaza and the West Bank through a charity foundation set to be registered with Swedish authorities.
“Orders have been coming in by the millions. Sales have been very good. The only thing holding us back is the production,” Mohamed Kiswani, communications director for Palestine Drinks parent company Safad Food, told The National. Read more from Neil Halligan here.
QUOTED
'We're asking people and demanding people not to choose sides, but to be on the side of humanity and human rights. We're working towards a shared future'
- Rana Salman is the Palestinian executive director of Combatants for Peace, an activist group that leads an annual joint memorial ceremony for Palestinians and Israelis who have lost family members to the conflict
Football not war
The Palestine women's national team took to a pitch in Europe for the first time this week.
The friendly game against The Bohemian Football Club at Dalymount Park stadium in Dublin coincided with the annual Nakba Day. Proceeds from the sold-out match were distributed among charitable organisations, including Palestine Sport for Life, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Aclaí Palestine.
The Palestinian players, their families and supporters came from across the world – West Bank, Jordan, the US and Canada included.
"This is the most special moment we’ve ever had," said Palestinian-German player Nadine Mohamad.
Read more here.
Also to note – read about the US aid pier that is now complete, meet the influencers who say social media has changed the world’s perspective on the plight of the Palestinians and learn about the latest group of children and cancer patients that have arrived in the UAE from Gaza for treatment.
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SNAPSHOT
Discover the stories behind the most captivating photos of the week
IMPACT ON INSTAGRAM
HIGHLIGHTS
| Blood test can detect cancer seven years before it develops | |
| Study finds weight drugs such as Ozempic can benefit stroke patients | |
| Remote-controlled surgery from 7,000km away showcased in Abu Dhabi |
