Israeli-made products – including those made by Jews living in Judea and Samaria – are back on the shelves of Dutch stores, just in time for Passover. A boycott declared by chains in Holland has backfired, as Christian Zionist groups demanded that they halt their boycott of products from Judea and Samaria – or face one themselves.
At least one chain, Jumbo, has acquiesced, and has announced that it will restore Israeli products to its shelves, including those from Judea and Samaria.
In an interview with Arutz Sheva, Shoshana Hausman, who runs programs for Chabad in the country, said that “this year we will have plenty of Kosher for Passover products, in stores and restaurants. We have brought in cases of wine from Brussels, matzah from Israel, and meat and fish for distribution. And there will also be plenty in markets as well,” she said.
Jumbo, she said, is one of the stores with the most kosher products in Holland. “Last year they decided to boycott Israel, but there were many non-Jews who love Israel who demanded that the products be returned to the shelves. The chain decided to do as they asked,” she said.
Passover is a time not only for Dutch Jews to feel closer to the community, but for Israelis as well. “There are close to 10,000 Israelis here and always before the holidays one sees them in the synagogues – we have 14, of all types. The Israelis call in order to get information about where they can participate in a Seder, where to buy matzah, etc. It is a very nice thing to see,” she added.