2010 Sep 3: Notice of Scottish protests against the sale of Israeli dates
Friday 3rd September 2010; NO EMBARGO
Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Media Release
NOTICE OF SCOTTISH PROTESTS AGAINST THE SALE OF ISRAELI DATES DURING RAMADAN
The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) is joining with Muslim groups to protest against the sale of Israeli dates in small shops around Scotland.
The Edinburgh branch will be leafleting outside Edinburgh’s Central Mosque on Potterow from 1pm today, before being joined by worshippers for a mass visit of small shops in the local area from 2pm.
Similar events will take place in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Fife on Saturday.
The groups intend to highlight with customers and store owners that many of the dates being sold during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan actually originate from illegal settlements in Occupied Palestine.
Saddaqat Khan, of Friends of Al Aqsa, Glasgow, who are campaigning alongside SPSC said: “Many Muslims are unaware of this and unwittingly purchase Israeli dates, thereby supporting the Israeli economy.”
Edinburgh’s Radio Ramadan hosted a live discussion of Palestine on Wednesday, which included a call from the station to join the Friday protest and to boycott what they referred to as “blood dates”, and other Israeli produce.
This follows a successful attempt in recent weeks in Glasgow to rid stores there of Israeli produce, including dates. Around 30 stores in Pollokshields, Pollokshaws and Govanhill have supported the drive, with many now displaying signs stating, “No Israeli Produce sold here”.
Mick Napier, SPSC chair said, “Many people go out of their way to buy what they believe are Palestinian dates because they wish to support Palestinian farmers. The unfortunate reality is that Palestinian farmers find it impossible to export almost anything, and that the dates actually originate from illegal settler farms. Fairtrade Zaytoum dates are the welcome exception.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
A REPORT OF TODAY’S EVENT WILL BE POSTED ONLINE FROM 1700 THIS EVENING.
1. The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign started in autumn 2000 in response to the Palestinian second uprising against Israeli occupation (Intifada). The SPSC has branches and supporters throughout Scotland and elsewhere.
For further information, contact:
SPSC Chair, Mick Napier: 0131 620 0052; 07958002591
SPSC Chair, Mick Napier: 0131 620 0052; 07958002591
2. For details of protests throughout Scotland, contact:
3a. Edinburgh branch will be leafleting outside the Central Mosque in Potterrow (map here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=edinburgh+central+mosque+map&wrapid=tlif12833445884772&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Central+Mosque+%26+Islamic+Centre,+50+Potterrow,+Edinburgh+EH8+9BT&gl=uk&ei=zUh-TLi5GZuM4gaFkd2UBg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQ8gEwAA
3b. From 2pm at Nicholson Square (see map above), the group will be joined by worshippers before visiting local shops to raise awareness with customers and shop-owners.
4. Details of illegal settlement dates brands:
5. Report of successful Glasgow campaign:
Sunday Herald, Aug 29 2010:
Muslim shops ban Israeli produce in Palestine protest