BDS Morocco Urges Consumer Boycott of Israeli Dates During Ramadan

The BDS movement in Morocco is advocating for boycotts of Israeli Medjool dates during Ramadan, warning consumers about potential repackaging under misleading labels. They emphasize support for local businesses and caution against multinational chains that support Israeli activities. Continuing their call for awareness, BDS aims to underscore the political ramifications of consumer choices in the context of Ramadan.

In Morocco, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is urging consumers to exclude Israeli products, particularly Medjool dates, from their Iftar tables during Ramadan. Activists are raising awareness about the potential repackaging of these products under different labels to circumvent boycotts, emphasizing vigilance in selecting brands. They stated, “We warn that some exporters of Zionist dates package them under Palestinian-Jordanian brands or repackage them in Morocco under local labels.”

BDS representatives noted that this year there have been no explicitly Israeli-branded dates in Moroccan markets, attributing this change to previous boycott initiatives. Israel is a leading producer of dates, notably the Medjool variety, which holds significance during Ramadan. However, a substantial percentage, approximately 40%, is sourced from illegal Israeli settlements that undermine Palestinian rights and livelihoods.

Conditions for Palestinian laborers harvesting these dates are often harsh, involving excessive heat and dangerous climbs. The BDS movement highlights the exploitation linked to date production and its impact on water resources for Palestinian communities. Israeli date producers have reportedly modified product labels to obscure their origin, prompting BDS to advocate for the support of local brands and ethical sourcing practices among consumers.

Furthermore, BDS has broadened its activities to include multinational chains that exploit Ramadan for profit, urging customers to prioritize smaller, more ethical businesses. The organization calls for escalating boycott campaigns to deter Israeli firms and their allies from benefiting from Iftar meals, with a particular focus on companies like Carrefour, which has been accused of collaborating with Israeli settlements.

Legal actions against protesters, such as those outside a Carrefour outlet in Rabat, demonstrate the contentious atmosphere surrounding these campaigns. Fast-food chain McDonald’s has also drawn criticism for its actions, leading BDS to urge continued consumer pressure against corporations perceived as complicit in supporting Israeli actions.

The BDS Morocco chapter is taking a firm stance against Israeli products, specifically Medjool dates, urging consumers to remain vigilant during Ramadan. By promoting local brands and ethical sourcing, BDS aims to highlight the broader implications of Israeli agricultural practices on Palestinian communities. Their campaign against multinational companies affiliated with Israel seeks to draw attention to the political nature of consumer choices during this significant religious period.

Original Source: www.newarab.com