Jordanians Boycott American Brands Over Support For Israel • France 24 English

The bustling Starbucks cafe in downtown Aman has turned into an empty building, with security guard Hassan and his colleagues spending their days without a single customer in sight. This drastic change is the result of a boycott, as one former customer explains. Before the siege in Gaza, Starbucks was full 24 hours a day, but now there's no one to be seen.

The Power of Boycotts

The famous Jordanian sandwich shop chain has also joined the boycott by no longer selling Coca-Cola to customers, replacing it with local beverages. This move is a way of protesting against the US, which is seen as an ally of Israel in the siege of Gaza. Customers are making conscious choices to support this boycott by opting for alternative beverages like orange juice instead of Coca-Cola.

Taking Action for Change

One customer mentioned that they made the switch from Coca-Cola to orange juice as a personal decision to stop supporting the US brand. They believe that if enough people join together, they can make a real difference. This sentiment reflects the power of collective action and how individuals can contribute to creating actual change.

Economic Consequences for Local Businesses

The impact of the boycott is not limited to Starbucks and the sandwich shop chain. Even McDonald's franchises are facing deserted terraces and tables indoors throughout the evening. The war in Gaza has real economic consequences for these American-owned businesses, affecting both their bottom line and local staff.

A Starbucks manager, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted that local staff are the biggest losers of this boycott. It's clear that the repercussions of international conflicts can have far-reaching effects on local businesses and their employees.

In conclusion, the situation at Starbucks and other food chains in downtown Aman serves as a reminder of how global events can directly impact local businesses and communities. The power of individual choices and collective action is evident in the response to this boycott, emphasizing the potential for real change when people come together for a common cause.