In the heart of Dublin’s bustling shopping district, visitors to Bewley’s Grafton Street this September will encounter more than exceptional coffee and pastries. They’ll come face to face with “Al Di Là” (Beyond) – a profound bronze sculpture that serves as both artistic expression and urgent humanitarian appeal.

Art as a Catalyst for Change

Created by renowned Irish artist Paddy Campbell, this powerful piece depicts a woman cradling the world in her hands – a poignant representation of maternal strength amidst unimaginable suffering.

The sculpture’s title, “Al Di Là,” meaning “beyond,” captures the essence of what’s happening in Gaza: circumstances beyond comprehension, cruelty beyond the lowest forms, yet not beyond our capacity to help.

The artist speaks with profound emotion about his work:

“As I was creating this piece a year ago, I was thinking about how destruction of our world is being targeted at women and children. We feel frustrated and helpless – but as an artist, I feel I have a responsibility to move people to act with generosity.”

Campbell’s sculpture captures the complex emotions of witnessing suffering from afar:

“My sculpture, Al Di Là, means ‘beyond’ in English. The woman looks away, her face expressing grief, despair, terror, disgust, but not defeat.”

The Humanitarian Crisis

A bronze sculpture by Paddy Campbell which evokes the burden women carry during war at Bewleys, Grafton Street, Dublin.
Photo: Gareth Chaney

Peter Power, UNICEF Ireland Executive Director, emphasises the urgency of the situation:

“The scale of suffering in the Gaza Strip is truly catastrophic; over half a million people are enduring famine conditions with 320,000 children under five at risk of malnutrition. UNICEF is on the ground in Gaza, working tirelessly to deliver lifesaving support, including emergency therapeutic food for malnourished children, clean water and maternal and newborn health services.”

He continues:

“Patrick’s sculpture is a deeply moving tribute to the strength and sorrow of mothers and children in Gaza, compassionately underscoring the human cost of this crisis. This support could not come at a more critical time for the people of Gaza. Every euro raised will help us reach more children with the urgent support they need.”

How You Can Help

Throughout September, Bewley’s Grafton Street is matching all weekend tea and coffee sales, directly contributing to the €20,000 fundraising goal. But the initiative extends beyond the café’s own contributions – guests are invited to donate directly through prominent QR codes displayed throughout the venue, or by visiting our dedicated fundraising page.

Every contribution, regardless of size, makes a tangible difference. Your donation could provide:

• Emergency therapeutic food for malnourished children
• Clean water for displaced families
• Medical supplies for overwhelmed healthcare facilities
• Essential hygiene kits for vulnerable households

Why This Matters to Bewley’s

For Bewley’s, this fundraiser reflects values deeply embedded in the company’s heritage. The original Bewley’s founders were Quakers, a religious community historically committed to peace, social justice, and humanitarian causes.

By providing this platform, Bewley’s enables its community to extend their compassion across continents to those most in need.

Campbell’s final words resonate with particular power:

“When we think about that word ‘beyond’ – what’s happening in Gaza is beyond our comprehension – beyond the lowest form of cruelty – but not beyond our capacity to help.”

Take Action Today

Visit Bewley’s Grafton Street throughout September to witness “Al Di Là” in person, enjoy your favourite tea or coffee knowing that weekend purchases directly support the appeal, and consider making an additional donation through the QR codes displayed in the café.

Alternatively, donate directly at our dedicated page.

In a world where suffering can feel distant and overwhelming, “Al Di Là” reminds us that whilst we may be far from Gaza, we are never beyond the reach of compassion. Every cup of coffee, every euro donated, every moment of awareness brings us closer to a future where no child goes hungry, no mother grieves unnecessarily, and hope transcends borders.

Update October 30th 2025

Total raised: €27,163.49

We’re delighted to share that we have not only reached but surpassed our €20,000 fundraising goal for UNICEF’s Gaza Appeal — and in less than a month. This incredible result was only possible thanks to so many contributions thanks to the following:

• Artist Paddy Campbell, for sharing Al Di Là (Beyond) — such a powerful sculpture that moved our guests and gave this initiative its heart.
• Our Bewley’s Grafton Street Team for matching every tea and coffee sale at weekends, which made such a huge impact.
• And of course, to all of our guests, who donated so generously — both in person and via iDonate.

This has been a truly collaborative effort, and the funds raised will go directly to supporting UNICEF’s lifesaving work for children and families in Gaza. – Bewley’s Grafton Street

Making a Difference

UNICEF funds for Gaza mean that donations provide life-saving aid to children and families, addressing immediate needs and supporting long-term recovery. This includes humanitarian assistance like safe water, food, and medicine, as well as support for essential services such as healthcare and more.

Take a look at what this really means to people in Gaza.

• €200 provides 2 weeks supply of lifesaving ready-to-use emergency therapeutic food for 20 malnourished children.
• €500 lipid-based nutritional supplements for 103 children.
• €1,000 supplies 505 maternity and neonatal kits to support the delivery and health of newborn babies and their mothers.
• €2,500 helps 712 children to receive a single dose of oral polio vaccine.
• €5,000 buys 97 cartons of therapeutic biscuits to help 97 children at risk of malnutrition for 3 months.
• €10,000 supports 53 households (318 people) with humanitarian cash assistance to help them buy food and essentials directly.
• €15,000 provides P6 high-performance 70sqm tents to provide shelter for up to 432 children as winter approaches.
• €20,000 (our goal) buys 2 weeks’ supply of lifesaving ready-to-use therapeutic food for 2,000 children suffering acute malnutrition.

Once again thank you to all who helped in making such a difference, showing that together, we can truly go beyond.