The International Red Cross was on hand on Tuesday morning, at the Golan Heights Quneitra Crossing to Syria, supervising the fifth annual transfer of apples from area Druse communities. This year’s harvest is a record-breaking, 10,000 tons of apples being sold to Syria, netting a cool $8-10 million, with the apples selling for NIS 4-6 a kilogram, depending on color, size and quality.

From Syria, the apples are also shipped to other Arab nations. On hand Tuesday was IRC representative Ron Goldstein, who told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) host Razi Barkai that this is the biggest of the five transfers that have taken place since 2005. The trucks being used to transfer the goods originate in Jordan.

Security concerns are part of the reality but Goldstein explains there is simply a “wonderful atmosphere” existing between the IDF, Syria and others, making the operation a pleasant and uncomplicated one.

Asked how the money makes its way to Druse farmers, Goldstein stated he does not know how the funds are transferred from Syria back to the northern area farmers.

Goldstein adds that from his perspective, what is noteworthy is there is a connection between the Druse community and Syria, despite reports to the contrary.

Asked if such a modest business transaction requires Syrian President Assad’s approval, he stated that he believes so but he cannot state with certainty, advising Barkai to check with government officials for a definitive response.

Asked about captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Goldstein added that “all efforts to visit Gilad Shalit during the past 3.5 – 4 years or receive a message or act as a intermediary between the soldier and his family have simply failed”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)