MANDEN TIL HØJRE OG HANS MOR

Jeg er manden til højre.
Og ved min side, min mor.
Vi brændte som levende fakler,
da flammerne fandt os under himlen,
den himmel, der engang lovede os fred,
men nu hælder ild ned over os.

Ingen har spurgt, hvordan det føltes
at se huden smelte fra min mors hænder,
hænderne, der plejede at holde mig tæt,
som når natten var for mørk, og frygten for stor.

Det er filmet, ja.
Men billederne betyder ikke noget her,
ikke når det er vores kroppe, der brænder.
Metoderne?
De betyder kun noget, når det er andre,
der gør det imod dem.

Jeg er nu kun aske i vinden,
en skygge på en skærm, et klip i en reportage.
FN har talt, men ingen lytter,
for Israel siger, at hele verden lyver.
De lyver allesammen.
Og ingen vil forstå.

Min mor skreg ikke,
der var ingen tid til det.
Hun lukkede sine øjne,
som om hun allerede var væk,
og jeg ønskede at gøre det samme,
men flammerne holdt os her, et øjeblik længere.

De siger, vi er onde,
de siger, vi er dem, de bekæmper.
Men jeg var bare manden til højre,
og min mor, bare en mor.
Vi bad ikke om at blive fakler,
vi bad kun om at leve.

Men her er vi,
et øjeblik af smerte,
fortalt og glemt,
i Mellemøstens eneste demokrati,
hvor sandheden er, hvad de siger den er,
og vi?
Vi er bare flammer i natten.

by Pia Bovin, 2024

HAMAS WAS “CREATED AS A BRAND” SO ISRAEL CAN PLAY VICTIM

Learn more about Hamas here

ISRAELI BOMBARDMENT IN THE PAST 365 DAYS HAS KILLED NEARLY 42,000 PALESTINIANS

 ABOUT OVER ONE PERCENT OF

GAZA’S POPULATION

BOYCOTT ISRAEL: WHY SILENCE IS NO LONGER AN OPTION

I’ve always been someone who kept to myself, introverted and careful about what I shared with the world. But losing my mum in 2021 changed everything. She showed me what humanity truly meant, and after her passing, I found myself confronted with a deep inner conflict. The contradictions around me became too big to ignore, and I realized I couldn’t live in silence anymore. So, I made a decision: I would rather die with dignity than live a lie. This is why I choose to boycott Israel—because staying quiet in the face of injustice is no longer an option.

I used to be a painter, using brushes to craft stories of hope and resilience. But today, it feels like my hands have been cut off, and my creative canvas is now marked by the struggle against oppression.

WHY I BOYCOTT ISRAEL: FIGHTING BACK AGAINST TERRORISM

Choosing to boycott Israel wasn’t just about politics for me—it became a moral imperative. The Israeli government and the IDF have committed countless acts of terrorism—targeting civilians, bombing hospitals, and continuing their violent occupation of Palestine. These are acts of war, plain and simple, and I refuse to look the other way.

Even without a brush, my creativity is now my weapon in the fight for human rights.

I take action by avoiding companies that support or benefit from Israel’s occupation. When I skip Starbucks, it’s a deliberate choice to participate in the Starbucks boycott Israel movement. And when I avoid McDonald’s, it’s because I’m part of the McDonald Israel boycott, refusing to let my money fund injustice. The Israel boycott list guides my choices, and every decision I make helps fight back against the oppression.

MY DAILY ACTIONS: HOW I BOYCOTT ISRAEL

Boycotting Israel is something I’ve integrated into my daily life. It’s about making conscious decisions to support human rights and refuse complicity. Here’s how I do it:

1. I avoid buying Israeli products—because every purchase is a vote, and I refuse to vote for apartheid.
2. When I skip my usual coffee stop at Starbucks, I know I’m participating in the Starbucks boycott Israel. Every cup I don’t buy matters.
3. I avoid McDonald’s because I don’t want to support a company tied to the occupation. It’s part of the McDonald Israel boycott effort that I’ve committed to.
4. I share the message with my friends and family. It’s important that people know about the Israel boycott list and how powerful these choices can be.
5. I stand with Palestine every day, in every decision I make, refusing to be complicit in the suffering of others.

At ZLCOPENHAGEN, I’ve made sure we align with these values. We’ve taken a stand and refuse to engage with Israeli customers, because for me, it’s about more than just business. It’s about making sure every action reflects my commitment to justice.

MY MESSAGE TO YOU: DON’T STAY SILENT, TAKE ACTION

This isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us, and the choices we make every day. When I boycott Israel, it’s not just a political act—it’s about standing up for human dignity. I refuse to let terrorism and oppression go unchallenged. Every time I avoid Starbucks or skip McDonald’s, I know I’m taking a small but meaningful stand.

The Israel boycott list gives us the power to fight back in our daily lives. We can refuse to support the corporations and businesses that profit from the occupation and apartheid. Boycott Israel—because silence is complicity, and our choices can make a real difference.

Together, we can fight for justice, for the oppressed, and for the dignity that every human being deserves.

USEFUL LINKS

A PIECE OF MY STORY

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a bit about myself.

I used to be a painter in my childhood. As a painter, my hands and fingers once wielded brushes and colours to tell stories of hope and resilience. Now, it feels like someone has cut my hands, and the canvas of creativity is stained with the struggle against oppression. Yet, even without the strokes of a brush, I am determined to use my creativity as a powerful weapon in the fight for human rights.

I’ve been part of various NGOs like Amnesty, the Red Cross, and Børns Vilkår (a Danish children’s rights organization) while juggling studies. Being the media for myself is essential because, let’s face it, mainstream media can be pretty biased.

Supporting Palestine is close to my heart. Witnessing the human catastrophe there breaks my heart. I’m fortunate to get an education and live in Denmark, but it’s bittersweet. How can we talk about welfare or LGBTQ+ rights when basic human rights are missing? It’s heart-wrenching.

I feel lucky and thankful but also torn. Education is vital, and living in Denmark is a privilege, yet the world’s injustices are overwhelming. We must address the fundamental issues first.

It’s a mix of gratitude, heartbreak, and a drive to make a difference. Thanks for letting me share a piece of my story.

WE ARE PALESTINIANS

ZLCOPENHAGEN proudly stands in solidarity with Palestine, weaving a commitment to social justice into the fabric of its brand. Zahid, the visionary behind ZLCOPENHAGEN, believes in using the fashion platform to advocate for causes that transcend borders and resonate with humanity.

The brand’s support for Palestine goes beyond mere rhetoric; it is a heartfelt expression of empathy and a call for global awareness. Through conscious initiatives and dedication to raising awareness, ZLCOPENHAGEN contributes to the dialogue surrounding the struggles faced by the Palestinian people.

By openly supporting Palestine, ZLCOPENHAGEN becomes a beacon of solidarity within the fashion industry, encouraging a narrative that extends beyond clothing to address social and humanitarian concerns.

We have chosen to refrain from engaging with customers from Israel as part of our commitment to certain political and human rights principles. This decision is rooted in our stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We appreciate your understanding and support for our commitment to these values.

HERE ARE FEW STEPS HOW YOU CAN BOYCOTT THE APARTHEID STATE

We must use the right words. The executive power in Israel, the government of Israel and the IDF, is a terrorist organization.

A terrorist organization is an organization that carries out terrorist acts.

The executive power of Israel, the government of Israel and the IDF carry out acts of terrorism.

The executive power of Israel, the government of Israel and the IDF is a terrorist organization.

The EU’s definition of terrorist acts has been used to place Hamas on the terrorist list and we want the Danish Parliament to assess the executive power in Israel according to the same criteria and recognize that the executive power in Israel is a terrorist organisation. Therefore, Denmark must work to place the executive power in Israel on the EU’s terror list.
There are many indications that Israel has carried out acts of terrorism, including the killing of civilians and attacks on infrastructure such as hospitals. However obvious it may seem, it must be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Public statements, on the other hand, directly from the executive branch of Israel, including Benjamin Netanyahu, government ministers and IDF commanders, do not require investigation.

Therefore, we have scrutinized statements and paired them with criteria from the EU’s counter-terrorism framework.

Learn more how you can boycott Israel HERE

EXPOSING THE HYPOCRISY OF WESTERN VALUES

Think the USA and the West stand firm on their principles? Think again. Discover the contradictions they don’t want you to see.
READ MORE HERE

IDA AUKEN AND THE HANDSHAKE SEEN AROUND THE WORLD

Was it just a handshake or a power move with hidden meaning? Dive into the story behind this intriguing moment.
READ MORE HERE

REUSE, REDUCE, RETHINK & RECYCLE

WHAT IS CSR?

CSR – CRAFTING BEAUTY RESPONSIBLY

At ZLCOPENHAGEN, we believe in a responsibility that extends beyond style and elegance — it’s about making a positive impact on the world. Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) revolves around a deep understanding of what makes us shine and beautiful.

BEYOND FASHION: REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINTS

CSR, for us, is not just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to reducing carbon footprints. We are dedicated to sustainable practices that encompass not only the final product but every step in its creation. Our focus is on continuous improvement, ensuring that each process aligns with our vision of a greener future.

CRAFTED WITH CARE: WHO MAKES US SHINE?

Our concept of creating products places a significant emphasis on who crafts them. We’ve carefully selected artisans and manufacturers who adhere to the highest standards. We vehemently oppose cheap labor practices, such as child labor or forced work. That’s why we choose collaboration with retailers who share our values, ensuring our products are crafted ethically and responsibly.

BALANCING AFFORDABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

At ZLCOPENHAGEN, we believe that sustainability shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. Our products are neither cheap nor expensive; they are a conscientious balance. We invest in processes that are more sustainable and continually strive to make them better with each step. Every decision we make is a small but purposeful contribution to making a positive difference in our world.

JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY: BEAUTY WITH PURPOSE

ZLCOPENHAGEN invites you to join us on this journey — a journey where beauty is not just a reflection in the mirror but a purposeful commitment to a better world. With CSR at our core, our products radiate not only elegance but a story of responsible craftsmanship.

Elevate your style with ZLCOPENHAGEN — where every purchase contributes to a more beautiful and sustainable tomorrow.

TOXIC BY DESIGN

Too many clothes are being bought and thrown away – too little money is paid for them. For the present the price is paid by the planet and by poorly paid textile workers, maybe working under conditions best described as slavery. Perhaps they have children, who are starving, or maybe they are children themselves.

Nowadays there is produced a lot of waste every second worldwide. The long term costs are forwarded to future generations. If we continue abusing our planet so this is going to be only a matter of the future generations till we can no longer enjoy the living conditions we are taking for granted now. That’s why we believe in CSR and we do take care of the waste for the coming generations.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

We have chosen collaborators who ensure decent wages and safe work conditions for their employees. Do not use child labor. Our goal is to provide awareness to people to who we collaborate and to who our products are dedicated. The same way to show up the responsibility for both parts to underline how important it is to be focused on providing good living standards and safe working conditions.

At ZLCOPENHAGEN, we believe in the power of responsible practices, and that commitment extends to our packaging. Our brand is synonymous with quality, style, and a deep respect for the environment. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING, A PROMISE WE KEEP

The majority of our packaging is both recyclable and contains recycled materials, proudly carrying the FSC Certification. Our dedication to sustainability goes further as our packaging is not only recyclable but also bio-degradable. Embracing innovation, we utilize recycled plastic poly mailers for shipping, ensuring your order reaches you safely while minimizing environmental impact.

REUSE, REDUCE, RETHINK & RECYCLE

We champion the principles of reuse, reduce, and recycle. Understanding the impact of packaging on our planet, we invite you to explore the Ellen MacArthur Foundation book “Reuse – Rethinking Packaging” that we offer for free. It’s our way of encouraging a mindset shift towards sustainable living.

MINIMIZING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT WITH CREATIVE PACKAGING

Our commitment doesn’t stop at using eco-friendly materials; we actively seek creative packaging solutions to minimize our carbon footprint. By continuously exploring alternative shipping options and welcoming your ideas at [email protected], we are determined to stay ahead in our quest for sustainability.

JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY

We understand that every small step counts. That’s why we support and promote reuse, reduce, and recycle, aiming for a collective impact on the planet. Join us on this journey towards a greener future, where style meets sustainability, and every purchase makes a positive difference.

At ZLCOPENHAGEN, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about a lifestyle that cares for our Earth.