Srinagar: In a unique act of protest, Kashmiri shopkeepers have boycotted Israeli dates this Ramadan, expressing their solidarity with Palestine. Instead, businesses are opting for alternatives from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Morocco, and Algeria.
According to Kashmir Times, a local news paper, shopkeepers in Srinagar’s bustling markets have taken a firm stand against Israel’s occupation of Palestine, stating that they refuse to contribute, even indirectly, to Palestinian suffering.
“The streets of Kashmir, usually buzzing with the excitement of Ramadan shopping, now echo with conversations about rejecting Israeli dates,” a shopkeeper from Lal Chowk told Kashmir Times.
Ramadan in Kashmir has always been marked by devotion, charity, and communal warmth. But this year, it carries an added element of political solidarity. The boycott began quietly in the narrow lanes of Srinagar’s old markets, where traders noticed a shift in consumer sentiment. What started as a modest initiative soon gained momentum, leading to Israeli dates disappearing from shelves across the valley.
“We cannot directly solve the problems of Palestine, but we can do this much,” a shopkeeper from Lal Chowk was quoted as saying by Kashmir Times. “If we can’t take direct action, at least we can stop supporting those who contribute to Palestinian suffering.”
Umar Mehraj, a shop owner in Maharaja Bazar, reflected on the growing sentiment among Kashmiri traders.
The news paper quoted him as saying, “Whenever I read or hear about the suffering of Palestinians, especially children, my heart wrenches. The violence, the destruction—it makes you feel helpless.”
With quiet determination, he expressed his resolve to never sell or buy Israeli dates again. “It may not seem like much, but every small act of resistance matters. If everyone around the world did even one thing in support of justice and humanity, we could make a difference,” Umar said.
This year, his shop, like many others, is stocked with Saudi Arabian, Iranian, and Algerian dates, including premium varieties like Kalmi, Mabroom, Ajwa, and Majdool.
As the boycott movement grows, many Kashmiris believe their small act of defiance is a step toward justice. “May Allah bring peace to Palestine and give us the strength to do whatever little we can,” Umar said.
