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Israel’s Lulavim, Made in Gaza

This Sukkot, say an extra blessing for peace

by
Liel Leibovitz
October 03, 2017
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Sukkot is almost upon us, and many Israelis rushing to purchase premium lulavs may be surprised to learn that the fronds they’re about to bless arrive straight out of Gaza: In a one-time shipment, coordinated between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, 20,000 lulavim were shipped earlier this week from the Hamas-controlled strip into the Jewish state.

Uri Madar, who oversees agricultural matters at the Coordination and Liaison Administration to the Gaza Strip said that while Israel imports thousands of tons of fruits and vegetables from Gaza every week, the lulavim shipment was uniquely symbolic.

“This Sukkot,” he said, “thousands of Israelis will say a blessing over lulavs made in Gaza, which is a great example of the steps we take here all year long, collaborations that are good for agriculture and that benefit both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Amen to that, and chag sameach to all.

Liel Leibovitz is editor-at-large for Tablet Magazine and a host of its weekly culture podcast Unorthodox and daily Talmud podcast Take One. He is the editor of Zionism: The Tablet Guide.