As the holy month of Ramazan approaches, pro-Palestinian supporters are urging Muslims to be vigilant when purchasing dates, warning that Israeli dates continue to flood the market despite ongoing boycott efforts. Advocates emphasize the importance of checking barcodes and verifying the country of origin to ensure that purchases do not support Israeli companies.
Dates hold deep religious significance during Ramazan, as it is a prophetic tradition for Muslims to break their fast with dates and water. However, boycott organizers caution that many dates sold globally originate from Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land. They warn that Israeli products may be repackaged to conceal their true origin, making it crucial for consumers to scrutinize labels.
A key identifier of Israeli dates is the barcode starting with 729, which signifies Israeli products. Activists encourage shoppers to opt for alternatives from countries such as Palestine, Algeria, Tunisia, or Saudi Arabia to uphold the boycott and support ethical sourcing.
The worldwide boycott of Israeli products gained momentum after Israel launched a military offensive on Gaza on October 27, 2023. The Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement continues to lead calls for economic pressure against Israeli companies that profit from occupation and military aggression.
In response to Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, grassroots campaigns have emerged in various regions, intensifying consumer-led efforts to cut financial ties with Israel. Activists argue that purchasing Israeli dates indirectly funds the occupation and military operations against Palestinians.
The push for a boycott comes as part of broader solidarity efforts, with advocates urging Muslims worldwide to make conscious purchasing decisions during Ramazan.
