Dates!

A must during Ramadan, marking the end of each day’s fast with a burst of sweetness. But hold on just a moment before you reach for any old box of dates this year. There could be something very dark behind where you chose to buy your dates from. Here is why you should avoid Israeli dates!

Breaking Fast with a Bite of Tradition:

Picture this:

The sun dips below the horizon, and the call to prayer echoes through the air, signaling the end of another day of fasting. It’s time to break your fast, and what better way to do it than with a succulent date? Dates aren’t just a snack; they’re woven into the fabric of Ramadan tradition, cherished for their nutritional value and symbolic significance. They’ve been a part of our Ramadan rituals for centuries, gracing our tables with their rich history and heavenly taste.

The Thorny Issue of Israeli Dates:

But let’s peel back the layers of that date palm, shall we?

Beneath the surface lies a thorny issue: the sourcing of dates by Israel on occupied Palestinian land. In recent years, awareness has grown about the ethical concerns surrounding these dates, which are often cultivated and cleverly marketed by Israel to the world. The Palestinian land, resources, and labor involved in their production are subject to exploitation and injustice, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of conscientious consumers.

As Israel continues its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, it is more important than ever before to be conscious of where we spend our money.

So, how can we avoid Israeli dates this year?

  1. Always check the labels and packaging to ensure they are not sourced from Israeli settlements.
  2. When purchasing look out for the country of origin on the package and avoid products with a barcode beginning with 729 to ensure that the dates you buy have not been repackaged or re-labeled with some exporters even going to the extent to hide their place of origin.
  3. Tell your retailers that you will not be buying Israeli dates as Israeli dates help fund settlements and continue the genocide of the Palestinian people.
  4. Tell your family and friends which products to stay away from and provide them with better alternatives.
  5. Share this article and this video on your social media to spread awareness about Israeli dates.

Get The Right Date This Ramadan

As the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air and the sound of laughter fills our homes, let’s not forget the true essence of Ramadan.

It’s about more than just abstaining from food and drink.

So, this Ramadan, let’s break our fast with dates that nourish not only our bodies but also our souls and conscience.

Let’s savor the sweetness of solidarity and the richness of ethical consumption.