The Moroccan BDS movement urges consumers to avoid Israeli dates during Ramadan, labeling them as ‘genocide-linked.’ Activists warn against repackaging practices to bypass boycotts and promote local brands instead. The group also expands its campaign to multinational chains, including Carrefour and McDonald’s, advocating for sustained boycotts of companies seen as complicit in Israeli actions against Palestinians.
As Ramadan commences, the Moroccan branch of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement calls upon consumers to refrain from purchasing Israeli Medjool dates, which they label as ‘genocide-linked products.’ The activists assert that these dates may be deceptively repackaged under various labels to evade boycotts, highlighting the necessity for consumers to remain vigilant and avoid any unfamiliar brands.
The BDS movement stated that this year, there have been no explicitly Israeli-branded dates identified in Moroccan markets, attributing this success to heightened awareness and previous boycott initiatives. Notably, Israel ranks among the largest global producers of dates, especially Medjool dates, which are a Ramadan favorite. However, approximately 40 percent of these dates are sourced from settlements in the occupied West Bank, as reported by The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign.
The harvesting of Israeli dates often involves Palestinian laborers, including minors, who are subjected to harsh working conditions. Additionally, activists claim that Israeli date farms contribute significantly to the broader dispossession of Palestinian communities, as settlement agriculture diverts water supplies essential for drinking and irrigation, exacerbating shortages.
To counter boycotts, some Israeli producers have been known to alter product labels to mask the origins of their dates. Consequently, BDS is encouraging Moroccan consumers to favor local brands that are committed to ethical sourcing. The movement frames the boycott of dates as a significant political and religious act, particularly during Ramadan, given the fruit’s importance in related traditions.
Furthermore, the BDS movement is broadening its campaign against global chains that exploit Ramadan for profit, often at the expense of smaller ethical businesses. They have specifically targeted Carrefour for its connections to Israeli enterprises operating in settlements, leading the company to close branches in Jordan and Oman amid growing boycott pressures.
In Morocco, the franchisee facing scrutiny, LabelVie, has over 70 stores, and activists are urging the company to disassociate from its parent group. There have been protests, including recent legal actions against demonstrators outside a Carrefour outlet in Rabat. The fast-food chain McDonald’s is also facing renewed criticism after its Israeli franchise offered free meals to soldiers. BDS Morocco has called for continued consumer boycotts against corporations perceived as complicit in supporting Israeli actions in Gaza, urging shoppers to avoid establishments that do not condemn violence against Palestinians as part of their corporate ethos.
In summary, the BDS Morocco movement encourages consumers to abstain from purchasing Israeli dates and products during Ramadan, emphasizing the ethical implications associated with their sourcing. The movement highlights the importance of supporting local and ethical brands while condemning multinational companies that profit from and enable ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians. The solidarity efforts aim to foster awareness and prompt action against complicity in perceived exploitation and oppression.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
