Campaigners outside Feltham Mosque.
The build-up to persuade and remind Muslims to boycott Israeli and settlement dates has started well in advance of Ramadan. Dates are traditionally used to break the fast and sales of dates in the UK increase enormously during this period.
Israel produces huge quantities of Medjoul dates which are grown in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Jordan Valley. Buying these dates will mean that consumers are indirectly supporting the theft of Palestinian land and the oppression of Palestinians.
In the run up to Ramadan which falls on August 1st, we are taking this message to as many local Mosques as possible.
So far, we’ve visited London Central Mosque, West Ealing Islamic Centre, Manor Park Shajalal Mosque, East Ham Mosque and Leyton Mosque.
If you’d like to be involved in this campaign, please email us using our contact form or join us this Friday, 8 July between 1:00 – 3:00pm outside East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, 46 – 92 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1JQ.
Here are two short reports from Mosques previously visited:
Friday 1 July 2011 – Feltham Mosque. Middlesex TW14
Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) members gathered outside Feltham Mosque to talk with worshippers about boycotting Israeli and settlement dates, bringing along a large, eye-catching ‘Disappearing Palestine’ banner.
As a result campaigners had a steady stream of people who came to have a closer look at the banner – which shows that only 12% of historic Palestine remains; the remainder having been stolen by Israel and its illegal settlements.
Campaigners enjoyed an enthusiastic reception from worshippers; almost
everyone took a flyer and many stopped to give warm words of support for the Don’t Break Your Fast With Israeli Dates Campaign.
Many people said that they always ‘check the label’ before buying and boycott Israeli and West Bank settlement produce. In the space of only about 30 minutes over 1,000 flyers were handed out, with some asking for small bundles to further distribute to their family and friends.
One worshipper presented campaigners with two large freshly baked
Algerian breads as a token of his support for their presence. After thanking him
profusely, everyone shared and ate the bread – but only after the leafleting
finished!
Friday 24 June 2011 – Acton Mosque. London W3
Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) members distributed flyers and spoke to worshippers leaving Acton Mosque in West London. The attractive colour flyers were produced jointly by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al Aqsa and the Palestinian produce company Zaytoun.
The flyers show which brands (together with their logos) to avoid and encourages people to buy Palestinian dates. Campaigners were met with an enthusiastic response; outstretched hands sought flyers and people were eager to read them.
About four out of every five people took leaflets – young and old alike – and within thirty minutes over 1,000 flyers were distributed. Many people confirmed they already boycott Israeli dates and most were very supportive of the campaign.
Boxes of chicken biryani were distributed to worshippers by the Mosque and campaigners too were also offered food and drink as a token of thanks and appreciation.
