Eat some bagels, help support immigrant rights
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Given how much chaos and uncertainty the second Trump administration is already fostering, it can be difficult to know how to support those who need help and protection.
Eating a bagel certainly won’t solve any of the crises, but for a few days, it can help raise money for the push to protect immigrant rights.
Between Friday, February 7, and Sunday, February 9, over 100 restaurants and hospitality businesses in and around Seattle will donate a portion of their proceeds to immigration nonprofits as part of the Seattle Hospitality Immigrant Rights Fundraiser. The focus will be on raising money for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), which “promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education.”
Specific to our interests, several Seattle-area bagel shops are participating in the fundraiser, including Backyard Bagel, Oxbow, Rachel's Bagels and Burritos, Sully Eats, Toasted. Bagels & Coffee, Westman's Bagel & Coffee, and Zylberschtein's. There may also be other bagel places added to the list, so keep an eye on social media.
“As a Latine x Women x Immigrant Owned business, we refuse to stay silent in the face of injustice,” read the caption on Westman’s post. “The recent targeted immigration sweeps are a direct attack on our communities, our families, and the very fabric of what makes this country strong: diversity, resilience, and hope.”
Each participating restaurant decides how to participate. Some are offering specials, while others are donating a portion of the sales. So go get a dozen bagels with a couple of schmears and maybe load up on a few extra things, all in the name of helping to protect your neighbors.
This link provides a Google Maps list, a spreadsheet of participating businesses, immigration resources, and more.
In the meantime, you can read more about how the Trump administration’s policies are causing fear in the restaurant community here.
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