Pura Vida Miami café in Lusail shuts shop after widespread boycott calls following controversy
Pura Vida Miami, a Miami-based cafe which opened a branch at the Al Maha Island in Lusail city last year, has shut shop following recent controversies related to comments made by its owner Omer Horev.
The café, which had been a popular joint for both locals and foreigners, saw its reputation get tarnished after Horev posted pro-Israel remarks on his Instagram handle following recent developments in the area.
He posted an image of the Israeli flag with the slogan “Now and always, we stand with the people of Israel!” and several other posts in the same vein. It led to a strong boycott campaign being initiated by local social media users.
Local media reported that the café’s Qatari partner decided to end his relationship with the establishment in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians, who are now facing incessant bombarding from Israel.
Meanwhile Horev, in a statement on his Instagram handle, acknowledged the controversy and confirmed he was closing down the establishment.
“I want to acknowledge that the situation in the Middle East is complex and sensitive, and my comments may have led to controversy at our restaurant in Doha,” he wrote.
“It is with a profound sense of responsibility and a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to cease the operations of Pura Vida Doha. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the appropriate course of action for the time being,” he added.
The closure announcement was met with a huge wave of support online.
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