A Heartening Tale: How Palestinian Beer Reached British Shelves Amidst Turmoil
LONDON (AP) — A Palestinian beer has made its debut on British store shelves this week, traveling all the way from the Israeli-occupied West Bank despite stringent border checks, a journey of approximately 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers), and ongoing conflict in the region.
Against All Odds
The story of Taybeh Brewing Co. is one of resilience and defiance. “My grandfather used to say, if you can make it succeed and happen in Palestine, you can succeed anywhere else in the world,” remarked Madees Khoury, the brewmaster at Taybeh and the granddaughter of one of the founders. “These challenges make you stronger.”
Taybeh Brewing Co., founded in 1994, produces a microbrew in a predominantly Muslim area that often frowns upon alcohol for religious reasons. With decades of conflict, water shortages, and incursions by Israeli settlers, it’s remarkable that any beer manages to flow from the Christian village of Taybeh.
The Impact of Conflict
Business has plummeted since the onset of major violence on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel, leading to a brutal war that has resulted in the deaths of over 64,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli military actions have increased in the West Bank, claiming to address a rising militant threat, though human rights groups allege excessive use of force and civilian casualties. Recent settler violence has further complicated matters, including the torching of a church in Taybeh.
A Collaborative Effort
In response to Taybeh’s struggles, Brewgooder, a socially conscious Scottish beer company, stepped in. Co-founder James Hughes, upon learning about Taybeh’s challenges, proposed a collaboration to brew a beer that could navigate the territorial hurdles, boost business, and generate funds for charity.
“We’ve never encountered a brewery facing challenges as severe as Taybeh,” Hughes remarked. “This collaboration tells a completely unique and poignant story.”
Brewing Amidst Barriers
Founded by Khoury’s father, Nadim, and her uncle, David, Taybeh claims to be the oldest microbrewery in the Middle East. Nadim often jokes about the obstacles they face, stating, “You can write a book about the problems we encounter – culture, religion, occupation, and basic necessities.”
Logistical Nightmares
The ongoing war has severely impacted the West Bank’s economy, forcing numerous bars, restaurants, and hotels to shut down, resulting in increased unemployment. The demand for a product often seen as a luxury has evaporated.
Security measures have tightened, leading to longer and more complex logistical challenges for exporting to markets, including the UK. All exports must navigate Israeli crossings, drastically extending the time it takes for Taybeh’s products to reach port. What once took three days has now become a chaotic and costly ordeal, involving extensive paperwork and heightened security checks.
“I could tell you stories about the delays and what we’ve had to endure to deliver our beer,” shared Madees Khoury. “One day, a dog urinated on my product during a manual inspection; how do I explain that to customers?”
A Ray of Hope
The partnership with Brewgooder aims to mitigate such logistical issues. Khoury and Hughes jointly developed “Sun & Stone,” a Mediterranean-style lager brewed with Bavarian hops and British malt. They produced 180,000 cans, each about a pint (440 milliliters) in size.
The collaboration will see the beer sold through Co-op’s 1,600 UK stores starting Wednesday, with all proceeds directed back to Taybeh and local charities, including the Disasters Emergency Committee aiding communities affected by the ongoing conflict.
Inspiring Action
Hughes hopes this initiative will not only support Taybeh but inspire greater awareness and assistance for Palestinians. “At the end of the day, we’ve just brewed a beer,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collective humanitarian efforts in the face of adversity.
Through the resilience of Taybeh Brewing Co. and the spirit of philanthropy showcased by Brewgooder, a unique and powerful connection has been formed, proving that even amidst chaos, hope and solidarity can flourish.
