As Ramadan commences, BDS Morocco urges consumers to boycott Israeli dates, potentially disguised under alternative labels. This year’s absence of explicitly labeled Israeli dates is credited to increased public awareness. BDS emphasizes both the ethical implications of sourcing Israeli dates and the broader boycott of multinational companies that support these products, framing their efforts as critical political and religious actions.
In Morocco, as Ramadan begins, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is actively encouraging consumers to avoid Israeli products, particularly Medjool dates, which they label as linked to “genocide.” BDS Moroccan activists emphasize the importance of vigilance, cautioning that Israeli dates may be disguised under alternative labels or locally repackaged brands to evade boycotts. They advise consumers to steer clear of any brands that appear suspicious or are not well-known.
This year, unexpectedly, explicitly labeled Israeli dates were notably absent from Moroccan markets, a change attributed to increased awareness and prior boycott campaigns. Israel remains a major global producer of dates, especially the Medjool variety, which is commonly consumed during Ramadan. However, approximately 40% of these dates are sourced from farms located in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, raising ethical concerns about their production.
The working conditions for Palestinian laborers, including children, on these farms are reportedly severe, as they face harsh conditions while harvesting dates. Activists further argue that these plantations contribute to the broader oppression of Palestinian communities by redirecting essential water resources away from these populations, exacerbating the existing shortages for essential needs.
Reports indicate that Israeli date producers have attempted to circumvent boycotts by altering product labels to obfuscate the origins of their dates. In light of this, BDS activists advocate for supporting local Moroccan brands and ethical small businesses, framing their boycott as both a religious and political message, highlighting the cultural significance of dates during Ramadan.
BDS has broadened its focus beyond dates to multinational corporations that tend to capitalize on Ramadan through marketing strategies unaffordable for smaller, ethical businesses. Activists particularly criticized Carrefour due to its suspected ties to Israeli firms operating in settlements, as evidenced by its branch closures in Jordan and Oman following boycott efforts.
BDS Morocco has also targeted McDonald’s after its Israeli franchise provided free meals to soldiers, renewing calls for consumer boycotts against the chain and other companies seen as supportive of Israeli actions. The movement encourages consumers to reject all businesses that remain silent when their partners support acts deemed as genocide by the group, urging collective action during Ramadan.
The BDS movement in Morocco is emphasizing a call to action during Ramadan to boycott Israeli products, especially Medjool dates, perceived as connected to the oppression of Palestinians. The campaign highlights the significance of awareness in the marketplace, urging consumers to avoid deceptive labeling practices and to choose local, ethical brands. As BDS expands its focus to multinational corporations, it encourages a collective rejection of businesses that support Israeli actions, framing the boycott as a significant statement of both religious and political intent during this holy month.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
