Israeli, Palestinian Farmers Unite at Agricultural Expo, Defy BDS Claims
by Lea Speyer
Israeli and Palestinian farmers gathered in Tel Aviv this week to share and learn innovative farming techniques and technologies.
According to a statement posted on Facebook by Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) unit — which carries out and implements Israeli civilian policy in the West Bank and Gaza Strip — farmers from across all sectors of Israel took part in an international agriculture exhibition.
The 2016 Fresh Agro Mashov Fair is, according to its organizer, the “largest and most significant international agricultural event in Israel.”
Agricultural delegations from all over the world — including Africa, Egypt, Jordan, Cyprus, India, China, Indonesia, Turkey, South America and more — attend the annual exhibition each year, which took place June 28-29.
COGAT — who arranged the participation of the Palestinian farmers — said, “Here, an opportunity was presented to create ties with Israeli farmers, network with experts in the industry and learn about advanced innovations in the agricultural market.”
“With the help of this exhibition, Israelis and Palestinians can together boost the economy and increase business production together,” COGAT stated.
The participation of Palestinian farmers in an Israeli agricultural runs counter to claims by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, according to which Israel systematically hinders the work of Palestinian farmers.