Chocolate and Coffee Day

Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony

On December 15th, 2014, what started as an ordinary day in Sydney turned tragic when patrons of a popular chocolate café were suddenly taken hostage by a gunman claiming allegiance to a religious cause. Tragically, two innocent lives were lost. As the nation held its breath, a remarkable moment of unity began to emerge.

In the wake of this tragedy, Sydney’s Muslim community felt vulnerable and fearful of retaliation, with many removing their religious attire and questioning their safety. In response, Australians spontaneously united, expressing solidarity through the hashtag #Iwillridewithyou. What began as a simple tweet transformed into a powerful nationwide movement. Australians stood together, declaring unequivocally:
“You don’t have to hide who you are. We accept you. We stand with you.”

Witnessing this beautiful display of unity deeply moved me. This was the Australia I dreamed of—one where compassion triumphs over fear, and love drowns out hate. To honor this spirit and perpetuate its essence, Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony was created.

Why Chocolate and Coffee?

The ritual of sitting down over a beverage—be it coffee, tea, chocolate, or another favorite drink—is universal. In Australia, “let’s have a coffee” often signifies more than enjoying a drink; it symbolizes connection, openness, and shared experience. Having a cup in hand, across a shared table, removes barriers, creating a sense of equality and comfort that invites genuine conversation.

Research psychologist Arthur Aron of Stony Brook University in New York discovered that just one hour of engaged listening could dissolve deep-rooted prejudices, fostering understanding that extends far beyond individuals to influence entire communities.

Expanding the Vision

While Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony initially addressed religious and cultural barriers, Chocolate and Coffee Breaks expands this transformative practice. Today, we’re dedicated to dismantling all forms of prejudice—be they racial, cultural, religious, or related to disability. Wherever misunderstandings or exclusion exist, it’s time for a Chocolate and Coffee Break.

Chocolate and Coffee Breaks creates spaces where meaningful dialogue flourishes, and individuals from all walks of life can feel heard, understood, and embraced. It’s about more than connection—it’s about cultivating compassionate communities, fostering belonging, and empowering everyone to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Introducing the TV Show

Taking our vision further, Chocolate and Coffee Breaks now expands into the inspiring TV show Chocolate and Coffee Break: A Compassionate Proposition. This show brings diverse voices together to share powerful stories, promote understanding, and showcase the incredible impacts made possible through compassion and meaningful conversation. Each episode encourages viewers to engage deeply with one another, breaking barriers and building bridges through the simple yet powerful act of sharing chocolate, coffee, and conversation.