Forgive me God, because as the world is witnessing a genocide in Gaza and those who have the power to stop it refuse, it seems wrong to write or do anything that takes our attention elsewhere. Especially as Muslims, at this very moment, there should be no greater issue. I believe You are watching each of us to see how we are spending our time and our energy. What are we witnessing and testifying to? It is a defining moment.
So I was shocked and dismayed when I received this email on Tuesday, October 10th, in the first days of the Gaza onslaught, as I was feverishly consuming the horrific news, trying to wrap my head around what was happening, and feeling the weight of darkness and depression:
18K Solid Gold is Waiting for You
A brand new touch of luxury – Nominal Fine Jewelry arrives this Saturday, October 14 at 3 PM EST.
This collection is ethically sourced from Amman, Jordan, and packaged beautifully for a premium experience like never before.
And just like that, a Feisty was born. I immediately emailed back:
“Isn’t this a little tone deaf considering what is happening in Palestine? Maybe you should consider offering a portion of the proceeds to Palestinians to make thinking about jewelry at this tragic time slightly more palatable. And God knows best.”
Twelve minutes later, I received the following reply:
Hello,
I am very sorry you feel that way:( We actually are standing with the right to resist and for the next 48 hours, 100% of all of our profits will be donated directly to Emergency Relief in Palestine! So please feel free to place an order through out this period of time:)
Kind regards,
Two things. I hate apologies that are not apologies. “I’m sorry you feel that way…” is not an apology. It is a cowardly way of trying to sound like you are apologizing, but blaming the problem on you and your feelings, sidestepping the real issue at hand altogether.
Second, I hate empty promises. At first, I felt slightly better that they said they would donate 100% of their proceeds in the first 48 hours to Palestine (of course, better just to donate directly!). But when I went back to check their website several times, there was absolutely no mention of this benefit. Only God knows if they made good on their promise. I certainly hope so, because God saw the email, and it is a big deal when you don’t keep your word as a Muslim (despite what many may think).
Don’t get me wrong. I am a repeat customer of Nominal. I like what they are about and I like what they sell. I have ordered often enough to know that they are good at what they do. Successful, professionally run Muslim businesses are important to support. They even donate a portion of their proceeds to charity, which is lovely, and I will continue to support them.
Nonetheless, this situation deserved a feisty. The lack of insight, empathy, and sense of divine priority were too much to go unanswered in this moment.
Small feisty’s matter because they add up. They can make a difference. If everyone who was bothered actually issued a feisty, I am sure that Nominal would take notice and think twice the next time they want to promote luxury in the face of a Muslim genocide.
Twenty-four hours later, I received the following email:
Hi,
Any feedback you can provide will help us provide you with a better experience. How would you rate the help “N” gave you?
Thanks!
Well, I do appreciate that they answered my email and responded with a good intention. They did demonstrate good customer service follow-up. And, I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me to write-up my first small feisty.
I will give them five stars and a link to this write up. :) May God forgive us all.
My Feisty Rating: 2
The Feisty Scale:
1 = Minor, needs to be corrected due to insensitivity or ignorance.
2 = You should have known better. That was not cool.
3 = That was just wrong.
4 = That was intentionally mean! Look out.
5 = That was downright evil.
Note: Feisty Rating Scale subject to change based on unanticipated new situations. Also, whether I have had enough coffee or sleep.
POSTSCRIPT as of 10/19/2023:
I am thrilled that I just received another mass email from Nominal before I even had a chance to send them the link to my Feisty, and they have made good on their promise! Here is the message of their email:
Salam Grace.
As the events unfold in Palestine, we refuse to sit back and attempt to operate business as usual. We stand with Palestine and must play a part in making a difference, with you.
That is why as of Tuesday, October 17, we are dedicating 100% of profits of all orders for the entire remainder of October to be donated directly to Palestine, through to the end of this month.
Donations will be made to Pious Projects who has had a team on the ground, from Gaza, for many years. All funds will be used for medical support, food, water, relief, and any other pressing matters seen fit by the on-ground teams.
If you would like to donate directly to the campaign without purchasing anything from Nominal, you can do so right here. May Allah reward you.
It's imperative to clarify that what is happening in Palestine is not simply a war or a conflict; it's an ongoing tragedy that we must address as a global community.
This is unequivocally a genocide and an ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering, the struggles, and the injustices that continue to unfold.
The deliberate withholding of necessities such as food, water, and electricity from the homes and hospitals of Gaza, where innocent children make up a significant portion of the population, is a horrifying and inhumane act.
This suffering comes after 75 years of military occupation and repeated acts of terrorism inflicted upon the Palestinian people. It's a history marked by pain and loss, and it's time to take a stand.
We are not just a "brand". We are humans that have beliefs and morals that we will never waver on. We are here because of the amazing support from the community around us.
To everyone by our side, we love you, and we will always stand with you, on the right side of history.
May God bless and reward them and may God help and forgive all of us.
I SO feel this, Grace! It's disturbing to me that many brands/accounts are trying to proceed with "business as usual," when the world is NOT OKAY. Unfortunately, this is where the pressures to keep up with the toxic qualities of capitalism come into play. It saddens me that they can't take a pause and move forward with more compassion, grace, and light.