Ever since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, the boycott movement against certain brands and companies that support Israel has become widely popular. Many people who sympathise with the Palestinian cause and their struggle view the boycott movement as a form of peaceful protest against Israeli policies and actions in the Palestinian territories.
Many prominent brands come on this boycott list like KFC, Burger King, Starbucks, Nestle and so on. The list continues to expand as the conflict prolongs. As Ramadan approaches, another key focus of the boycott movement is Israeli dates—many of which are grown on illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian lands and sold globally under different brand names.
Since dates are an essential part of iftar, it's crucial to ensure that the ones you buy do not contribute to the oppression of Palestinians. This blog will guide you on how to identify Israeli date brands.
Why Boycott Israeli Dates?
The boycott of Israeli products, including dates, has gained momentum, especially following conflicts involving Israel and groups like Hamas. Many Muslims and supporters of Palestinian rights view the boycott as a non-violent means to protest against Israeli policies and actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions), initiated in 2005, is a Palestinian-led effort advocating for:
a) Ending the Occupation: Calling for Israel to withdraw from all occupied Arab lands and dismantle the separation barrier.
b) Equal Rights: Ensuring full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel.
c) Right of Return: Respecting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.
The BDS movement employs non-violent methods such as economic boycotts, divestment from companies operating in Israel, and advocating for international sanctions against Israel. By participating in the boycott of Israeli dates during Ramadan, individuals align themselves with the BDS movement's goals and demonstrate support for Palestinian rights.
Israeli Production of Dates
Israel is a major exporter of dates, particularly the Medjool variety. In fact, 75% of Medjool dates come from Israel and 60% of those dates are grown in the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank. During Ramadan, date consumption increases significantly, and inadvertently purchasing Israeli dates can contribute to the Israeli economy.
In 2023, Israel's date exports saw significant growth, reaching a total value of $272.7 million with a corresponding volume of 6,000 tonnes. This marks a substantial increase from 2017, when the export value was $181 million. The Netherlands is the top importer, purchasing $58.05 million worth of Israeli dates, followed by France ($32.48 million) and the United Kingdom ($24.60 million)
Hadiklaim, an Israeli farmers' cooperative that oversees illegal settler plantations, sells 65% of the country's dates. Its brand names include:
a) King Solomon
b) Tamara Barhi Dates
c) Jordan River
d) Bomaja
e) Shams
d) MTex
f) Desert Diamond Rapunzel
g) Carmel Agrexco
h) Arava
i) Delilah
j) Mehadrin
These brands are linked to Israeli date production and are widely available in international markets. By avoiding these brands, consumers can ensure they are not supporting the Israeli economy during Ramadan.
Response to Boycott of Israeli Dates
A boycott campaign has caused concern among Israeli date producers, especially during the Ramadan season, when date consumption is at its peak. For instance, according to Haaretz, in 2024, a $550,000 advertisement to promote Israeli Medjool dates was halted because of fears of a boycott.
How to Identify Israeli Dates?
You can identify Israeli dates by following these simple steps:
a) Read the label: Make sure you read the label when you buy dates. Don't buy dates that are made or packaged in Israel or its settlements in the West Bank. If the box does not indicate the country of origin, check the retailer's website.
b) Check the Barcode: Israeli products often have barcodes starting with 729. While this is not always a guarantee, it is a strong indication that the product is from Israel. Cross-check with other details on the packaging to be sure. Recent claims have come to the surface that indicate Israel may have changed its product bar code from 729 to 871 and 841.
c) Beware of Hadiklaim: Hadiklaim is one of Israel's largest exporters. The company sells dates under the names King Solomon, Jordan River, Jordan River Bio-Top, and MyJool in supermarkets.
d) Consult Resources: Organisations like Friends of Al-Aqsa provide campaigns such as #CheckTheLabel to raise awareness about Israeli date brands and encourage consumers to make informed choices.
Israeli Dates Being Sold as ‘Made in Palestine’?
Recently it has come to surface that Israeli date exporters have been mislabeling their products to obscure their true origin, often presenting them as Palestinian produce. This practice aims to circumvent international boycotts and appeal to consumers sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
A recent report by Al Jazeera said Israeli companies are exporting dates labelled "Produce of Palestine" to European countries and the UAE. Agricultural export managers in the Mahola settlement in the West Bank confessed that they labelled products as "Palestine - Jericho" so British consumers could not object. He said, "We just don't write 'Israel' on the boxes... we often create special boxes based on client requests... sometimes they request to change the country of origin."
Further reports suggest that some Palestinian merchants are repackaging dates from Israeli illegal settlements and farms and selling under the name of Palestine. Such as the Middle East Monitor reported in 2014 that dates produced in Israeli settlements were sold as "Made in Palestine" by Ariha merchants (Jericho). According to one Palestinian merchant, settlement dates were purchased at 40% below market rates from the settlers, then processed and exported under Palestinian labels.
These practices have led to situations where even dates labelled as "Made in Palestine" may, in fact, originate from Israeli settlements. To ensure authenticity, consumers are advised to purchase dates from trusted Palestinian sources like Zaytoun, Yaffa and many others. Check out this detailed blog regarding where to buy Palestinian dates.
Buy Palestinian Medjool Dates from Riwaya
Alternatively, you can also buy Palestinian Medjool dates from the Riwaya Halal Food Section. We have listed dates from reputable sellers after thorough verification and background checks. Rest assured, any Medjool dates you buy from us will directly support the Palestinian farmers and business owners. Order now in preparation for Ramadan and stock up in bulk.
What Other Ways Can I Support Palestinian Businesses?
Here are some other ways you can support Palestinian businesses:
1. Buy Palestinian Products
Instead of Israeli goods, support authentic Palestinian brands and businesses. Look for Palestinian Medjool dates, olive oil, spices, textiles, handmade crafts, and ceramics from trusted sources like Zaytoun, Yaffa, Canaan Palestine, and Hebron Glass. Websites like Palestine Online Store and Sunbula.org sell fair-trade Palestinian products worldwide.
2. Donate to Palestinian Charities and NGOs
Many organisations provide humanitarian aid, education, and economic support to Palestinians. Consider donating to:
a) Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) – Provides healthcare services to injured Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
b) Palestinian Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) – Offers medical treatment to children in need.
c) Islamic Relief Palestine (IRF) – Provides emergency aid and development projects.
3. Support Palestinian-owned Restaurants & Cafés
Support Palestinian-owned eateries and restaurants in your city, by choosing them over big chains. Enjoy authentic Palestinian cuisine, like maqluba, musakhan, knafeh and falafel, while also directly supporting their businesses.
4. Raise Awareness
Spread awareness about Palestinian struggles by sharing credible news articles, stories, and personal testimonies from Palestinians. Follow and amplify the voices of Palestinian activists, journalists, and organisations like the BDS Movement, IMEU, and Al-Haq.
Participate in peaceful protests and demonstrations in your city to raise your voice about Palestinian suffering and expose the war crimes of Israeli Occupied Forces (IOF).
Check out Riwaya Clothing Section and buy Palestinian-themed shirts and hoodies that you can wear to show your support for the Palestinian cause. Order one for yourself and share it with your friends and family members as well so they can order one too.
Conclusion
Boycotting Israeli dates during Ramadan is a meaningful way to support the Palestinian cause in a peaceful way. By making informed purchasing decisions, individuals can contribute to the non-violent protest against policies perceived as oppressive and support the quest for justice and equality for Palestinians.
Selling on Riwaya
Do you sell premium dates, prayer mats, tasbeehs, or other Ramadan essentials? With the ongoing boycott of global brands, more Muslims are choosing to support ethical, Muslim-owned businesses. Riwaya connects you with a growing community looking for high-quality, trusted products to prepare for Ramadan.
By joining Riwaya, you gain access to a dedicated Muslim audience while benefiting from free marketing, SEO expertise, and secure payments. We handle the technical side so you can focus on selling and growing your business.
With hundreds of Islamic businesses already thriving on Riwaya, now is the perfect time to sign up and get your first month free. Start selling today and be part of a marketplace that supports ethical, values-driven shopping!
