North London's café rivalry exposes deep political divides over Israel-Palestine
A rivalry between two North London café chains has taken on political weight. Gail's, a bakery-café with over 70 branches, now faces criticism over its ties to Bain Capital, which invests in military and Israeli security firms. Meanwhile, Metro's owner, Mahmoud Ismail, rejects claims that his business is under threat, instead condemning attacks on Gail's.
Gail's began in the 1990s as a wholesale bakery, founded by Yael Mejia, the daughter of an English-Israeli couple. Over time, it grew into an upscale chain after receiving investment from Bain Capital. Some now associate the brand with the firm's controversial defence and security holdings.
The tension has split customers along political lines. Ali, a 50-year-old psychologist, frequents Metro in solidarity with human rights causes. Peter Luscombe, a retiree, chooses Gail's to stand against antisemitism. Others, like John, a 62-year-old decorator, argue that cafés should remain neutral spaces for people to connect without ideology. Ismail, Metro's owner, dismisses the idea that Gail's poses a threat. Born in Balata in the West Bank, he has witnessed hardship under Jewish settlements and lost 30 to 40 relatives in the Gaza war. Yet he insists he is not anti-Jewish—his accountant, lawyer, and some customers are Jewish. He avoids generalisations about 'the Jews' and rejects racism. His stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict is firm: he does not recognise Israel and cites the occupation of Palestine, pointing to a higher Palestinian death toll. Still, he condemns hostility towards Gail's, calling for respect between businesses.
The rivalry has turned local coffee runs into political statements. Customers now pick sides based on their views of the conflict, while Ismail maintains that Metro's focus remains on service, not confrontation. The debate reflects wider divisions, but some still hope cafés can stay spaces for simple human connection.
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