Dates come from various countries. They’re all delicious and healthy. But unfortunately, some of them—especially Medjool dates—come from Israel. This is an occupied country where apartheid prevails. So don’t buy these apartheid dates!
Apartheid originated in South Africa. Under the law, white people there had more rights than people of color. Thanks to the global boycott and sanctions, apartheid no longer exists in South Africa.
Apartheid also exists in occupied Palestine (Israel). Jews there have rights that Palestinians are denied. Palestinians are deprived of their land, discriminated against, and oppressed. They are even subject to a different legal system than Jews. That is why we refer to it as Israeli apartheid.
Stop Apartheid! Don’t buy (medjool) dates from Israel.
Spot the fake brands
Below is a list of various Israeli date brands. You can find them in supermarkets, local stores, and at the market. Not sure where the dates you want to buy come from? Then talk to the shopkeeper. Date sellers often don’t know exactly where their products come from. Show them this document so they can learn from it.
Keep an eye out for new brands
Mehadrin is also a major producer and exporter of dates. In addition to dates, Mehadrin also sells citrus fruits and other fruits, such as avocados and pomegranates. So be sure to check where the products come from when you buy them.
Hadiklaim was on the UN blacklist
Hadiklaim Israel Date Growers Cooperative Ltd. was even listed in the database published on February 12, 2020, by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights under the title “Report on business activities related to settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (A/HRC/43/71).” Hadiklaim no longer appears in the most recent list; it is unclear why. WhoProfits continues to list the company as involved in the settlement economy.