Dubai: Five days ago, young entrepreneur Emma Sawko became the focal point of controversy for sharing a pro-Israel video on social media, causing widespread protests within the UAE community. Sawko, co-founder of the vegan restaurants Comptoir102 and Wild and the Moon, intended her post as a call for peace but instead triggered a flood of negative reactions.
The video in question, produced by the right-wing nonprofit PragerU, featured Sophia Khalifa, who praised Israel for providing her with equal rights and protection. However, the video’s content extended to contentious topics including Hamas and the Palestinians, which sparked outrage.
Unaware of the source’s controversial reputation, Sawko admitted her lapse in judgment, emphasizing her responsibility to her followers to share content thoughtfully. Her initial apology seemed insufficient to many, leading her to issue a more heartfelt statement. ‘Disappointing people has been horrible. I am terribly sorry and offer my most heartfelt apologies to those I shocked and upset,’ Sawko expressed.
The incident has had tangible consequences for Sawko’s businesses, with some customers vowing never to return to her restaurants, citing insensitivity and a lack of genuine apology. This reflects broader tensions amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly.
Despite the backlash, Sawko has reaffirmed her commitment to promoting sustainability, organic farming, and inclusivity through her work in Dubai. Her second, more detailed apology aims to mend relations with those offended and to clarify her stance on peace and mutual respect among communities.
Words by Emma Sawko
“My words may not come up right again, because I am in the middle of a storm and totally devastated. I hope I won’t be misinterpreted if you care to read, but I need to speak from the heart.
For all people, the conflict is a source of unspeakable distress. While I’ve always made sure my space was apolitical, I have been longing for peace. I don’t claim to know much about the conflict, and I unavoidably have a western biais, but I also want to promote and amplify voices that speak in favor of peace and the sparing of innocent lives.”
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