As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches in , a growing movement is encouraging Muslims worldwide to be mindful of the origins of the dates they purchase. This year, the focus is on identifying and boycotting dates produced in Israel, a practice gaining momentum as a form of protest against Israeli policies and actions in the Palestinian territories.
Identifying Israeli Dates
The call for a boycott stems from a desire to avoid financially supporting what activists describe as the exploitation of Palestinian land and resources. Several key indicators can help consumers identify dates originating from Israel. According to boycott advocates, a primary sign is the presence of a barcode beginning with the number 729
, which is the country code for Israel.
Beyond the barcode, consumers are advised to look for the names of Israeli export companies on packaging, including Medjool Plus, Carmel Agrexco, Mehadri, and Hadiklaim. However, it’s important to note that not all Medjool dates are necessarily Israeli; careful examination of the producer’s identity on the packaging is crucial. Products lacking clear information about the producer or country of origin should also be viewed with caution, particularly those claiming to be from Palestine without providing detailed contact information.
Price can also be an indicator. Dates exported from Israel are often subsidized by the Israeli government, resulting in lower retail prices compared to dates from other sources.
Tools for Verification
To assist consumers, several resources are available to verify the origin of dates. Activists recommend using apps like the Israeli Product Checker
to scan barcodes or search product names. Checking the label for the company exporting the dates is vital, with Hadiklaim being a major Israeli exporter.
Consumers should also be aware that Hadiklaim dates are often sold under various supermarket brand names, including King Solomon, Jordan River, Jordan River Bio-Top, and MyJool. Conversely, dates originating from Palestine are often labeled with Grown in Palestine
, and brands like Zaytoun and Yaffa are identified as Palestinian producers.
A Growing List of Brands to Avoid
A comprehensive list of brands identified as being linked to Israel, and therefore subject to the boycott, is circulating among activists. This list includes Bomaja, Bonbierra, Brousse & Fils, Carmel Agrexco, Delilah, Desert Diamond, Hadiklaim, Jordan River, Jordan Valley, Jordan Plains, Anna and Sarah, Urban Platter, King Solomon, MyJool, Mehadrin, Nava Fresh, Premium Medjoul, Rapunzel, Red Sea, Royal Treasure, Fancy Medjoul, Kalahari, Tamara Barhi, Urban Platter, Paradise Dates, Shams, Star Dates, Mehadrin, Food to Live, Star Dates, Sincerely Nuts, Erel Dates Ltd, Agrofood Marketing, Star Dates, Yoffi, and Karsten Farms.
Context and Motivations
The boycott movement gained significant traction following the start of the Israel-Gaza war in . Advocates view boycotts as a non-violent means of protesting Israeli policies and demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The focus on dates is particularly significant as they are a traditional and essential food consumed during Ramadan, making this a key opportunity to exert economic pressure.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has actively promoted the boycott of Israeli dates, emphasizing the importance of checking labels and avoiding products produced or packaged in Israel or its settlements in the West Bank. The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has also released a guide to help consumers identify dates to buy or boycott, offering a four-step process for informed purchasing decisions.
This year’s call for a boycott builds on previous campaigns and reflects a broader trend of consumer activism aimed at influencing geopolitical events. By carefully considering the origins of their purchases, consumers are seeking to align their spending with their values and contribute to a more just and equitable outcome for Palestinians. The IHRC highlighted a video released on to raise awareness about the issue.
The boycott is not simply about dates; it represents a growing global movement to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to support the Palestinian people. As Ramadan approaches, the call to boycott Israeli dates serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing conflict and the power of consumer choices to effect change.
