The BDS movement in Morocco is calling for a boycott of Israeli Medjool dates and other products during Ramadan, citing their links to alleged genocide and exploitation of Palestinian labor. The organization warns that such products may be repackaged under different labels. They also target multinational companies like Carrefour and McDonald’s for their ties to Israel, urging consumers to support local and ethical businesses instead.
In Morocco, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement is urging consumers to exclude Israeli Medjool dates and other products associated with alleged genocide from their Iftar meals during Ramadan. The Moroccan chapter has cautioned that Israeli dates might be disguised under various labels to evade boycotts, recommending consumers to be wary of unidentified brands.
This year, no Israeli-branded dates have been detected in Moroccan markets, which BDS attributes to increased awareness and prior boycott initiatives. Despite this, Israel remains a leading producer of dates globally, particularly the Medjool type, which is popular during Ramadan. Approximately 40 percent of these dates are harvested from illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian laborers, including children, work under dire conditions.
Moreover, these date farms exacerbate the displacement of Palestinians by diverting vital water resources from local communities. Activists claim that such practices not only illustrate labor exploitation but also highlight a systematic appropriation of Palestinian land. According to Haaretz, Israeli producers have attempted to bypass boycotts by altering product labels to conceal the origins of their dates.
In response, BDS advocates for supporting local brands and ethical small businesses. The organization emphasizes that the boycott transcends economics, serving both religious and political purposes as dates hold traditional significance during Ramadan. Furthermore, BDS has extended its campaign to multinational corporations that capitalize on Ramadan while overshadowing smaller, ethical enterprises.
The BDS movement has specifically blacklisted Carrefour for its affiliations with Israeli firms operating in settlements and has previously succeeded in shutting down Carrefour branches in Jordan and Oman due to persistent boycott efforts. In Morocco, the franchisee LabelVie operates numerous stores, facing pressure from activists to cut its ties with Carrefour. Moreover, McDonald’s has also been scrutinized after its Israeli franchise provided free meals to soldiers, prompting calls for continued consumer action against companies perceived as complicit in wrongdoing.
BDS Morocco has reiterated the need for collective action against such companies to uphold ethical consumerism during Ramadan, thereby advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The BDS movement in Morocco is intensifying its efforts to keep Iftar tables free of products linked to Israeli genocide, particularly focusing on Medjool dates. The activism highlights the political and ethical implications of consumer choices during Ramadan. With ongoing calls to boycott companies perceived as complicit, the movement aligns religious practices with broader humanitarian concerns for Palestine. Mobilizing local support and ethical sourcing remains a priority as the campaign expands.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
