Portland Coffee Shop Withdrew from Gaza Project
Heretic Coffee canceled its partnership with a Delaware nonprofit after significant online backlash.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Coffee
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A two-year-old Southeast Portland coffee shop, Heretic Coffee, has pulled out of a proposed Gaza coffee shop project following community scrutiny. Owner Josh White announced the withdrawal just days after initially disclosing the collaborative effort.
Why it matters
The decision follows intense online feedback regarding the past employment history of the founders of the Humanite Peace Collective, the nonprofit leading the project. The incident highlights the tensions small businesses face when navigating international humanitarian partnerships.
The project had secured $40,000 in funding, which the Humanite Peace Collective will retain despite the withdrawal of the Southeast Portland-based business. The total amount raised serves as the initial capital for the Gaza-based initiative.
The players
Heretic Coffee
A coffee business based in Southeast Portland that has operated for two years.
Josh White
The owner of Heretic Coffee who served as a field correspondent for the Humanite Peace Collective.
Humanite Peace Collective
A Delaware-based nonprofit founded by Jeremy and Jessica Courtney in 2022.
Jeremy and Jessica Courtney
The founders of the Humanite Peace Collective who were previously fired from the nonprofit Preemptive Love.
The details
Josh White, who had served as a field correspondent for the Humanite Peace Collective since February 2025, ended the partnership amid public concerns over the nonprofit founders' previous tenure at Preemptive Love. The nonprofit, based in Delaware and founded in 2022, stated it will move forward with the project independently. Heretic Coffee had publicly announced the joint venture on its website on September 18 before reversing course.
Timeline
2022: Humanite Peace Collective was founded.
February 2025: Josh White began working with the organization.
September 18, 2026: The partnership was announced.
September 24, 2026: The withdrawal from the project was announced.
Beyond the Bridges
The controversy follows historical reports of a hostile work environment at Preemptive Love, where the nonprofit's founders were previously employed. The withdrawal marks a significant departure from the original partnership plan announced just days prior.
Local patrons of the Southeast Portland business will see no changes to the shop's daily operations or menu following the cancellation. The funds previously raised for the project will continue to be managed by the Delaware-based nonprofit.
The takeaway
Business owners often face community backlash when aligning with organizations that have documented leadership controversies. Customers should monitor the official websites of local establishments for updates on active philanthropic partnerships.
Further reading
For more on the local coffee scene, visit the Coffee section.
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