Our mission
Our mission is to help connect consumers with businesses that stand for a free Palestine. They may be businesses that follow BDS principles, that are Palestinian-owned, or that have explicitly demonstrated their solidarity in different ways (messaging in store or on social media, fundraising, etc.).
Following the lead of the BDS movement's Apartheid Free Zones, we aim to make it easier for people to spend their money at businesses that oppose genocide, apartheid, and occupation.
We also want to help businesses by relaying their ethical stances to their communities and supporting them as they do so. Through their engagement with Watermelon Maps, we hope to get all allied businesses to be more deeply involved in the fight for Palestinian justice, no matter where they are starting from.
As state actors and the international community continue to fail the Palestinian people, it is left to civil society to fight for them. Every action counts to work towards justice and equality, including our purchases. Watermelon Maps helps people spend wisely with Palestine in mind.
Help us fulfil our mission by sharing our work with your friends, family, and business network!
Our mission
Our mission is to help connect consumers with businesses that stand for a free Palestine. They may be businesses that follow BDS principles, that are Palestinian-owned, or that have explicitly demonstrated their solidarity in different ways (messaging in store or on social media, fundraising, etc.).
Following the lead of the BDS movement's Apartheid Free Zones, we aim to make it easier for people to spend their money at businesses that oppose genocide, apartheid, and occupation.
We also want to help businesses by relaying their ethical stances to their communities and supporting them as they do so. Through their engagement with Watermelon Maps, we hope to get all allied businesses to be more deeply involved in the fight for Palestinian justice, no matter where they are starting from.
As state actors and the international community continue to fail the Palestinian people, it is left to civil society to fight for them. Every action counts to work towards justice and equality, including our purchases. Watermelon Maps helps people spend wisely with Palestine in mind.
Help us fulfil our mission by sharing our work with your friends, family, and business network!
Frequently asked questions
How do you select a business to support?
We believe any business who's shown an inclination to support the Palestinian struggle is classified as pro Palestinian. The business does not have to be Palestinian owned or make significant financial contributions to the cause. Sharing of content on social media or even displaying a Palestinian flag counts for us.
Why don't I see a business I submitted on the directory yet?
We contact each business for their approval to be on the directory before listing them. If you've submitted a business but still don't see it after a week, the business owner has not replied or given their approval to be listed. We encourage consumers to directly contact business owners and let them know how important it is for a business to be publicly pro Palestinian in these times. Please email info@watermelonmaps.com for a sample flyer template that can be distributed to businesses.
How do I get in touch to add my own city?
We've received interest from several cities across Canada. Please email us to coordinate and add a directory and map for your city on our website. Our email is info@watermelonmaps.com or you can email our backup account at watermelonmaps@gmail.com (we've been informed the watermelonmaps.com domain may be getting caught by spam filters)
Why do you use Google Maps and where can I learn more about the custom map?
We've chosen to start with a Google Maps plugin because it's one of the most widely used maps applications. We will consider expanding to different maps applications in the future. For now, you can learn more about managing a custom Google Maps on your device here:
https://support.google.com/mymaps/answer/3024454?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
Isn't this project antisemitic?
There are stupid questions. This is one of them.
Do you plan to use social media?
Although we dislike social media companies, we acknowledge their utility in marketing our platform. Our social media strategy is currently in development to ensure we adhere to our principles and focus on the awareness and growth of small businesses. We do not plan to charge for promotions or have any monetary gain for ourselves through social media.
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