The Let’s Love Louder initiative is a call to action to lead with empathy and our hearts. The open letter to the beer community is bringing awareness of Israel’s military occupation of Palestine and advocating to end the genocide of Gaza. Launched by Jacque Irizarry, graphic designer, photographer, activist, and a Bevolution Creators in Bev Grant recipient, this letter and accompanying pledge are meant to empower the brewing industry to rise up and “open our hearts and love louder.”
Beer is for Everyone, and Women of the Bevolution have partnered with Jacque and her initiative, Let’s Love Louder, to amplify this message worldwide. Through a collaborative fundraiser, 100% of the profits from merchandise sales will go to support Tomorrow’s Women, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young Palestinian and Israeli women to enact change in conflict zones. This includes providing immediate humanitarian aid to women, their families, and communities in Gaza through the Gaza Girls program.
The merchandise artwork* symbolizes peace and hope and was designed by Jacque. The art features three poppies, which are displayed as a sign of solidarity and to represent the Palestinian connection to their land. Around the poppies, there are seven straws of wheat and five olives, which are plants both grown in the region and collectively symbolize 75 years of the occupation of Palestine.
“Let us be the change that moves the world closer to peace. Let us craft the courage to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Let our love be louder than hate. Let us be the heartbeat the industry needs right now.”
– Jacque Irizarry
Why is this important? What’s happening, you ask?
- It’s a human rights issue.
- For 75 years, Israel has occupied Palestine, which includes the Gaza Strip and West Bank, with a population of 5 million people. The Gaza Strip has a population of 2.1 million people.
- Since October 7, 2023, at least 27,478 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza (the majority of whom are civilians) and 66,835 Palestinians injured, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. This includes more than 11,500 children. At least 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals in Israel, the majority of whom are civilians, have been killed, most on October 7 and in the immediate aftermath. Sourced from Human Rights Watch.
- The US provides $3.8 billion in annual aid to Israel, plus $14.5 billion in supplemental aid that’s been passed by the House. Sources: AP News, The Intercept
- US tax dollars are funding Israel’s military. The brewery industry alone contributed over $2.7 billion in federal tax revenue in 2022. Sourced from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Let’s Love Louder Pledge Form: View Here
IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE, HERE ARE RESOURCES:
Take Action for Palestine Toolkit & Resources (Sourced by Feminist): View Here
A Guide for Advocating for Palestine: View Here
The Colonization of Palestine (sourced from the Public Library): View Here
Resources on Palestinian Human Rights: View Here
*In light of the complex political situation surrounding Palestine, we’re offering two distinct design options. One features the bold statement “Free Palestine,” symbolizing solidarity and advocacy. However, we acknowledge the reality that advocating for such causes can be challenging in certain environments. For individuals who may face consequences or feel unsafe expressing their support openly, we’ve created a second design without the explicit call to action. This approach respects varying comfort levels and safety concerns, allowing individuals to participate in the cause in a manner that aligns with their personal circumstances.