Israel's policy of cooperation is dependent on calm from the Arab side, though:A colorful and a bit idyllic picture characterized the busy day that 40 farmers and merchants from the Gaza Strip spend during a professional-agricultural tour in Israel. The tour was coordinated by the agriculture department at the District Coordination Office (DCO) in Gaza, and was accompanied by the DCO Agriculture Coordinator, Mr Uri. Madar and Mr Eli Sadeh, also from the DCO’s Agriculture department.
The merchants came to Erez crossing as early as 8:00 am. For some, it was the first time in Israel, and others who have experienced past tours or seminars organized by the DCO, were warmly received by Eli Sadeh. The group boarded excitedly on the bus waiting for them at the crossing, and started the tour.
During the day, the group members visited agricultural factories around the country, where they were exposed to a variety of technological developments used in the agricultural industry in Israel. Between greetings and light refreshments, the farmers received information about the products manufactured in the factories, which will allow them to acquire the most appropriate products for their crops, and use it correctly. The farmers eagerly listen to every bit of information said by the professionals in the factories. Throughout the tour, the farmers asked questions about issues they encountered at the field, and received substantive and professional response.
"One tomato is enough for an entire family’s salad," marveled one of the farmers during visit in a factory for the production of different varieties of fruits and vegetables, and took a bite of an engineered tomato. Thus, this strain was added to list of products that the farmers planned to order on his return to Gaza. The list included pesticides, types of sheets and other products the farmers heard about during the day. Leaving the factory, the farmers were warmly invited to visit in the summer, during which a selection of watermelons and cantaloupes strains will be showcased.
None of this would have been possible if not for the tranquillity prevails in the Gaza Strip and around the Gaza Strip in recent months since Operation Pillar of Defense and under the framework of the new understandings, allowing Gaza’s farmers frequent visits for professional training and agricultural meetings. The Coordination and Liaison Gaza Strip will continue to promote the issue of agriculture and economy in Gaza as long as the situation will allow, and welcomes the opportunities and initiatives.Indeed, since the rocket fire from Gaza on Monday, Israel closed the Kerem Shalom crossing, sending a message that cooperation is a two-way street. Hopefully the message has been received and goods transfers can resume soon.
This story shows yet again that the groups claiming to represent "Palestinian farmers" who call for boycotting Israel represent no one.