BDS Morocco Urges Ramadan Shoppers to Avoid Deceptive Israeli Products
BDS Morocco calls for the boycott of Israeli Medjool dates during Ramadan, warning consumers of deceptive packaging that may conceal their origins. The movement also targets multinational retailers profiting during the holy month, advocating for support of local brands. Activists highlight labor exploitation and water issues stemming from Israeli date production, framing the boycott as both a moral and political initiative.
In Morocco, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has initiated a campaign urging consumers to exclude Israeli products, particularly Medjool dates, from their Iftar tables during Ramadan. Activists assert that Israeli products may be disguised under different labels to bypass boycotts, prompting a warning to remain vigilant against brands that seem suspicious or unfamiliar.
The BDS group did not find any explicitly labeled Israeli dates in Moroccan markets this year, attributing this change to previous boycott efforts and heightened awareness among consumers. Israel, recognized as a prominent producer of dates, sources approximately 40 percent of its output from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, where labor conditions are notoriously harsh and exploitative.
Activists emphasize that the cultivation of these dates involves significant water diversion, which adversely affects Palestinian communities and contributes to their dispossession. Reports from Israeli media, such as Haaretz, indicate that some companies have altered packaging to mislead consumers regarding the origin of their dates. Therefore, BDS advocates for supporting local brands and businesses committed to ethical sourcing during the holy month.
In addition to dates, the BDS movement has extended its campaign to multinational retailers and fast food chains, which are seen to profit during Ramadan at the expense of smaller ethical businesses. BDS has denounced Carrefour for its ties to Israeli companies and has pressured its Moroccan franchisee, LabelVie, to sever these connections. Recent protests in Morocco against Carrefour have resulted in legal actions against demonstrators.
Moreover, McDonald’s has faced renewed criticism from BDS activists due to its Israeli franchise’s actions that allegedly support military operations. BDS Morocco is advocating for sustained pressure against these companies, framing the boycott as a moral and political imperative in light of the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza.
The BDS movement in Morocco emphasizes the importance of consumer choices during Ramadan, calling for the exclusion of Israeli products from Iftar meals. The organization’s efforts highlight issues such as labor exploitation and water diversion affecting Palestinian communities. By promoting local ethical businesses and challenging multinational companies associated with Israeli operations, BDS aims to foster greater awareness and commitment to the Palestinian cause during this significant religious observance.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
