January 2009 Newsletter
Zaytoun on January 11th, 2009Dear Zaytoun customers and supporters,
The recent events in Gaza have overshadowed whatever joy or peace one can have at this special time of year. As the terrible suffering in Gaza only gets worse, the world’s leaders are largely complicit in Israel’s ongoing violations of human rights in Palestine through their inaction in pushing at a government level for Israel to adhere to international law. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (www.palestinecampaign.org) has details for anyone wishing to write to MPs, attend demonstrations or otherwise participate in lobbying for political change. War on Want also suggests actions you can take to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza (www.waronwant.org).
As you know Zaytoun’s work in Palestine is of a different kind. Zaytoun is not set up to accept funds for emergency humanitarian aid and has no means to get them to Gaza, quickly or efficiently. Getting anything in or out of Gaza has been almost impossible due to Israel’s brutal siege. Zaytoun was forced to stop importing produce from Gaza in 2005 despite Gazans being ready and willing to produce for international markets.
However, we at Zaytoun would like to support the people of Palestine and especially in Gaza at this time. We therefore urge you to do all you can to make your voices heard and bring attention to what is really happening in Gaza. Many of our supporters will be making donations to reliable charities and NGOs that are working on the ground in Gaza. It is difficult to single out any one organisation that is helping Gazans in this difficult time, therefore we would encourage you to donate whatever you can to support the many appeals that are currently being made.
Some of the charities currently working in Gaza are listed below:
www.muslimhands.org/en/gb - Muslim Hands
www.islamic-relief.com - Islamic Relief
www.map-uk.org – Medical Aid for Palestinians
www.humanappeal.org.uk - Human Appeal International
www.interpal.info - Interpal
www.oxfam.org.uk - Oxfam
www.muslimaid.org - Muslim Aid
There are many sources that are battling the mainstream media in order to get information out about what’s really happening in Gaza. The Free Gaza Movement (www.freegaza.org) has international human rights activists working on the ground in Gaza and have regular updates on their website about what is happening. OCHA’s website has regular reports about what is happening on the ground (www.ochaopt.org) and Al Jazeera’s English news channel and website (http://english.aljazeera.net) are a good news source for those wanting to cut through the pro -Israeli bias of the mainstream news.
Finally, Zaytoun wishes immediate relief to the people of Gaza and a peaceful future for all.
Important Update: Stock clearance
Organic Olive Oil: Best Before End December 2008 50% off (the oil is fine for the coming months as it is sealed and stored well).
Dates: BBE Feb 2009 30% off
These goods can be included in bulk orders or dispatched by the case.
We currently have all goods in stock including all sizes of olive oil with long shelf life. Please be aware that we are trying to maintain our 2008 prices but this is hard given the decreased value of the pound; prompt payment of invoices and order pre-payments are much appreciated.
Zaytoun Deliveries Not Affected By Gaza Attack
So far we haven’t heard of any difficulties in getting produce out of the West Bank. This may change if there is widespread unrest in the West Bank in response to the atrocities in Gaza, and if conflict breaks out in Lebanon the port of Haifa may be affected by closures. We will let you know if deliveries of new stock are affected by the conflict.
Fairtrade Certification and Fairtrade Fortnight
As we write this we are waiting with baited breath to hear about the certification of olives and oil from one of our suppliers, Canaan. There has been coverage in The Observer about the fair-trade mark www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/dec/28/palestinian-fair-traid-olive-oil …although we at Zaytoun would quite like to know where Messrs. Brown, Mandelson, Blair and assorted financiers have been in the 5 years we’ve been working with Palestinian producers…
We’re bringing over three representatives of the olive oil sector in Palestine to the UK for Fairtrade Fortnight; which runs from February 23rd – March 8th. We will send a schedule of events they will be involved in, with the February newsletter. If you are interested in hosting a meeting or event in your area please do get in touch.
Maternity Cover
Zaytoun is happily planning for 2 of our team to be on maternity leave from March this year. We are currently recruiting one full time member of staff to cover for the period mid February – mid December 2009. The job is based in London (possible to work from home for the right candidate), is focused on sales administration & customer liaison but requires flexibility and enthusiasm to participate in many aspects of Zaytoun’s work. Please get in touch if you are interested in receiving a job description and further information.
Regular Events
Zaytoun is planning to update its website with information about regular events/stalls where Zaytoun produce is sold. If you have a regular Zaytoun stall please email contact@zaytoun.org with the following details:
Name of event e.g. Monthly Brighton Farmers Market
Full address where event is held
When the event takes place e.g. Every Sunday at 1pm
Contact if relevant
Latest products and prices
For our latest products and prices see www.zaytoun.org/products
Thanks for your ongoing support,
ZAYTOUN CIC - fairly traded produce from Palestine
