Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) began a campaign Tuesday calling for nationwide supermarkets to implement their own Judea and Samaria, Israel-based sections in stores for Passover, as part of a campaign to speak out against Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS).

This grassroots campaign is reaching out to supermarket store managers from New York to Los Angeles to Miami, calling on stores to commit to these new grocery store sections for Judea and Samaria, Israel products in an effort to stand up against BDS. “The objective here is to have Israel-based products in their own section for Passover. That’s the goal,” said Hikind, who has begun to receive commitments from dozens of major supermarkets spanning the country. The products that are expected to be sectioned off include wines, olive oil, matzoh and other household products that are based out of Judea and Samaria.

This nationwide effort comes as a result of European anti-Jewish sentiments, evidenced by the ongoing effects of BDS. “European countries have consistently undercut Israel through a series of sanctions and boycotts,” said Hikind. “This campaign, to implement sections for Israel-based products in stores, is about giving Klal Yisrael the opportunity to stand up against this rejection. It’s about sending a message that we won’t idly stand by and let the European Union try to undermine the people of Israel.”

Added Hikind, “Many of us who go to our local supermarkets to shop often buy whatever is cheapest or a particular brand we enjoy. Branching Israel-based products off into their own section will only make it more practicable and accessible for those who want to say ‘yes’ to Israel. Together, we can make a difference. Every one of us can help in a unique way by sending a clear message of support to our brothers and sisters in Israel. With supermarkets joining the campaign, they will be joining an effort to thwart the crippling effects of BDS.”

Major announcements of supermarkets joining the effort will be released in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

(YWN Desk – NYC)