The IDF intends to import produce from the Gaza Strip on a trial basis ahead of the upcoming shmita (sabbatical) year, when Jewish farmers are forbidden by Halacha to harvest the land.Apparently Israel will talk directly with the Palestinian farmers and merchants themselves and with Fatah in Ramallah who are in charge of the Gaza crossings--and with Palestinian Arabs in the West Bank, near Jericho.
Since Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip in June and the closure of the Karni crossing, the IDF has refrained from importing Palestinian goods into Israel. In past shmita years, Israel relied heavily on produce grown in Palestinian territory.
Technorati Tag: Israel and Shmittah.
It is ridiculous that Shmita brings huge income to Israeli enemies in Gaza and the Palestinian territories. Whatever are the religious overtones, they cannot excuse purchases from HAMAS voters. What do you think of Obadiah Shoher interpretating Shmita as charity obligation rather than agricultural rule? (Here, for example http://samsonblinded.org/blog/shmita-year-is-about-charity-not-agriculture.htm ) Anyway, I'll better buy from atheist kibbutzim than from Gaza.
ReplyDeleteWhile the title of his article is "Shmita year is about charity, not agriculture"--one does not preclude the other.
ReplyDeleteThe only comment about charity is at the end:
The Israeli farmers may work their land during Sabbatical years with a single restriction: all surplus produce or profits from its sale must go to charity.
I'm not sure to what degree Gaza is helped by this, but your point is good.
Now what is to be done about it?