Algerian Dates Adorn Tables Worldwide, Stand Tall Against Morocco’s Falsehoods and Propaganda | Dzair Tube Ramadan Series (09)

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- “Some say ‘all that glitters is not gold,’ yet amidst the gleam lies an Algerian date of the ‘Deglet Nour’ variety. Its golden hue, soft texture, substantial density, spongy consistency, and distinctive elongated shape make it unique. Its transparent appearance reveals the kernel and a hint of honey, embodying the essence of a date ripened under the Algerian desert sun.”

Studies conducted by Algerian and American researchers have affirmed that “Deglet Nour,” the Algerian date variety, cannot be replicated with the same standards, quality, and characteristics in any other region of the world as it is in its primary production areas in Algeria.

In Algeria; as the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, markets and date-selling shops across various Algerian regions witness a significant influx of customers, particularly for the renowned “Deglet Nour” variety. Algerian families, much like Arab and Islamic communities, prioritize breaking their fast with dates and milk.

Besides, there is an increased demand for this product in local markets across the world. Algerian dates, renowned for their quality, are particularly prominent this season, competing with local products in date-producing countries.

Algerian Dates: Symbols of Generosity and Celebration 

There is no doubt that Algerian dates have become a symbol of generosity and a sign of celebration and joy for many. Especially in the local culture, dates have always adorned Algerian tables on various occasions. They are present at the opening of any establishment or when welcoming esteemed guests in Algeria.

Because generosity is synonymous with Algeria, visitors to the country have become accustomed to being greeted with a selection of the finest dates. These dates often become the first choice for travelers to take back to their countries after their stay in Algeria. This fact has been observed by many who have visited Algeria during various cultural or sporting events.

Competition among the finest varieties of dates intensifies during the holy month, especially in Arab and Islamic countries, and even in countries with significant Muslim communities. Algerian dates are considered among the best in international markets, boasting a long history and a renowned reputation both locally and regionally. “Deglet Nour,” one of the most famous varieties of Algerian dates, is hailed as the ideal companion during Ramadan journeys.

With its golden hue and honey-like taste, the Algerian “Deglet Nour” reigns supreme on the tables of many. Numerous activists and consumers from various nationalities take delight in capturing images of this esteemed date variety, flooding social media platforms with praise for its quality and authentic flavor.

Bearing the Original Label “Algeria”

As we navigated through the platform “X” (formerly known as Twitter), we came across dozens of videos praising Algerian dates for their taste and modern packaging methods. One particular video caught our attention: it featured a young Libyan man performing the rites of Umrah in the Holy Mosque in Mecca, holding a box of dates. In the video, Omar, the Libyan man, proudly presents the Algerian dates, stating, “These dates come from Britain and will be consumed by a Libyan and a Saudi in the Holy Mosque. The country of origin for these dates is Algeria.” This video gained immense popularity across digital platforms due to its symbolic significance, showcasing the quality of Algerian products that travel from one country to another, eagerly sought after by consumers wherever they go.

The videos and images of Algerian dates provoke responses from social media users, with many attesting to the quality of Algerian dates. For instance, Rachid, a Sahrawi activist residing in Spain, expressed his appreciation for a wonderful gift he received; Algerian dates, saying, “Thank you, my brother Muhammad, for this precious gift to my heart. Its roots are nourished by the pure blood of martyrs.” There is a stark contrast between genuine products whose roots are nourished by the pure blood of martyrs and deceitful products promoted in some Western and Arab countries to compete with Algerian dates, renowned for their unparalleled quality.

One of the indicators of the quality of Algerian dates is the observation of foreign products attempting to deceive consumers by imitating the label of the Algerian “Deglet Nour” dates to promote these counterfeit products. This was revealed by several activists on social media platforms who discovered some of these deceptive products in European markets.

Ranked Fourth Globally

The website “World Statistics” classified Algerian “Deglet Nour” dates among the top ten fruits worldwide. “Deglet Nour” dates secured the fourth position in the category of best fruits, surpassing over 70 fruit varieties worldwide. On another note, Algerian dates hold a significant place across all Asian, European, American, and African markets. Particularly, African markets have witnessed a substantial demand for Algerian dates, especially following Algeria’s openness to the African continent since President Tebboune assumed office, reflecting the smooth marketing of Algerian products, led by dates, across Mauritanian and Senegalese markets.

This national product managed to enter new international commercial spaces for the first time in 2023, such as Australia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Azerbaijan, as well as Congo, Angola, Senegal, and Ghana, alongside traditional markets like France, Belgium, Britain, Italy, Portugal, Canada, and Mauritania.

360 Varieties of Dates Available in Algeria

Experts confirm that Algeria boasts a rich diversity of dates, comprising a total of 360 varieties. Among these varieties are consumption-oriented types like “Deglet Nour,” which are available in several provinces, including Biskra, Ouargla, Ghardaia, El Oued, Beni Abbes, and across 17 provinces in the southern regions.

Among the diverse range of date varieties cultivated in Algeria are Benglouf, Cheikh, Tifazza, Frana, Aggaz, Ahratanah, Tazrazi, Tinasser, Msaoudiah, Tinqour, Tindakan, Tamlithah, Tandjedel, Tazizao, Akili, Yakhall, Cheikh Ahmed, Assab, Almakentishi, and many more.

On the official level, the Algerian government has emphasized on multiple occasions the importance of organizing its date production to safeguard it as a national product of both economic and cultural value. Authorities are actively working to remove any obstacles hindering exportation and enhance access to international markets. Official statements indicate that the national production of dates is estimated at over 1.4 million tons annually.

#دقلة_نور_الجزائرية🇩🇿 في #ليبيا🇱🇾 الشقيقة
تبارك الله أجود التمور في العالم
تحية للشعب الليبي الشقيق 🇱🇾💚🇩🇿🌴 pic.twitter.com/WeX2NFkVsl

— kameltaouffik (@kameltaouffik) March 9, 2024

دقلة نور الجزائرية من ليبيا الشقيقة 🇩🇿🇱🇾

صحــــا فطوركـــــم 🤍✨#الجزائر pic.twitter.com/mSoIgGemtD

— ᴀʟɢᴇ́ʀɪᴇɴɴᴇ ²¹³🇩🇿 (@Bonoise23Dz) March 21, 2024

اميرة التمور العالمية دقلة نور الجزائرية في مختلف الاسواق العالمية 🇩🇿♥️. #الجزائر pic.twitter.com/pZUlm5tmb6

— Algerie🇩🇿 (@Algerie32393183) March 22, 2024

🔴أميرة التمور ، دقلة نور الجزائرية 🇩🇿 سافرت هذا الموسم إلى كل القارات ولعشرات الدول. pic.twitter.com/91dHbPXpqr

— 𝑨𝑪𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑹 (@scorpionthedes1) March 21, 2024

Moroccan Campaign Against Algerian Dates Falls Apart: A Story of Deception and Backlash

The hostile campaign orchestrated by certain factions in Morocco, often associated with Zionist interests, against Algerian dates has recently escalated. Particularly noteworthy was the peak reached last year just before the holy month of Ramadan, exposing the falsehoods spread by media, political, and religious entities involved in the initiative.

Despite the unprecedented nature of this campaign, Moroccan consumers were kept in the dark about its true motives, largely due to the strained diplomatic relations between Algeria and Morocco in recent years. These factions propagated unfounded allegations and lies against Algerian dates for weeks, exploiting political tensions to advance their agenda. They sought to divert attention from the underlying political motivations by raising purported health concerns about Algerian dates, falsely linking their purchase to support for the Polisario and Algeria’s economy. This fearmongering tactic aimed to dissuade Moroccan consumers from buying Algerian dates.

Moreover, the propaganda efforts escalated, with fake news platforms disseminating fabricated reports of large quantities of allegedly contaminated Algerian dates being withdrawn from circulation. Staged interviews with date merchants praising Moroccan dates as superior were also used to sway public opinion, conveniently overlooking the Moroccan authorities’ responsibility for regulating imported products. Additionally, false claims were made about Algerian dates being smuggled through Mauritania and Mali, urging Moroccan citizens to report their presence, despite the existence of other illicit activities within the kingdom.

The anti-Algerian dates campaign has not been confined to social media platforms or the Moroccan state-controlled media outlets; it has extended to the chambers of the Moroccan Parliament as well. Surprisingly, some Moroccan lawmakers have raised concerns about alleged smuggling operations of Algerian dates into Morocco via Mauritania and Mali, warning of their supposed carcinogenic health risks. These parliamentary voices, which only seem to flex their muscles when it comes to Algeria while remaining largely silent on Zionist vertical and horizontal penetrations into Morocco, falsely claimed that Algerian dates “lack even the minimum safety and health standards” and alleged that “laboratory tests have previously confirmed the presence of carcinogenic substances in Algerian dates exported to European countries.”

A Religious Edict Advocates for Zionist Dates

A religious decree stands in favor of Zionist dates. What’s more alarming than the media and political aspects is undoubtedly the involvement of some scholars and palace clerics in this dirty game. Sheikh Mohammed al-Fizazi, the first normalization sheikh in the kingdom, took the initiative to prohibit Algerian dates and cast doubt on the validity of fasting for those who consume them.

The irony of the situation is that the sheikh, who previously expressed pride in his desire to visit Tel Aviv, meet with Netanyahu, and broadcast live from there to his supporters, openly and unambiguously advocated for purchasing Zionist or Jewish dates, as he put it, while boycotting Algerian dates. He explicitly stated, “If I find Jewish dates and Algerian dates, I will buy the Jewish dates. I say it with full mental clarity. Algerians are real enemies; all we’ve seen from them is killing and bloodshed, while we’ve only seen support and cooperation from the Zionists.” Thus, Moroccans are now saying “Brotherhood to Jews” and “Enmity to Algerians.”

This sheikh, who has been given the green light by Moroccan intelligence agencies, as evidenced by his persistence in repeating this decree with great fervor, concluded his recorded decree on YouTube with this plea, which will remain a stain on his and others’ reputations until Judgment Day: “I implore you by Allah not to buy Algerian dates. We are at war with them, and let it be a war.”

The Triumph of “Deglet Nour” Over Voices of Darkness

Despite the cacophony of darkness emanating from the gloomy corridors of the Moroccan state, Algerian dates, symbolized by “Deglet Nour,” emerged victorious and stood tall in the end, dealing a decisive blow to the forces of malice. Both the Moroccan government and the Moroccan Consumer Rights Association had to concede defeat against the finest dates in the world.

بايتاس يوضح بشأن جدل دخول تمور جزائرية سامة للأسواق المغربية#المغرب #تمور_جزائرية #مصطفى_بايتاس pic.twitter.com/feLiFrTW7z

— Hespress هسبريس (@hespress) March 16, 2023

Algerian dates have proven their worth globally, being imported and cherished by inhabitants of more than 74 countries for their quality. Soon, exports will reach around 150 countries, spanning the globe. They are the number one choice in Europe, America, Canada, and even Gulf countries, commanding the highest prices worldwide. Therefore, they never needed recognition from a marginal state like Morocco.

However, the triumph of Algerian dates, represented by “Deglet Nour,” was not just external but internal within Morocco itself, despite the begrudging attitudes within. Despite the orchestrated campaign and fabricated fatwas, most Moroccans, who recognize the value of Algerian products, persisted in purchasing Algerian dates, especially during Ramadan. This signifies yet another victory for Algeria’s land and history. Algerian dates, led by “Deglet Nour,” are more than just agricultural products; they are a national identity bearing Algeria’s name in every fiber of their being. They thrive and flourish only on land nourished by the blood of martyrs.

The video shows a Moroccan who is full of praise for Deglet Nour, “Algerian dates are the best in the world”, he confided in a video posted on social networks.

Indeed, he described Algerian dates as “the best in the world”. “It is sweet like honey,” the Morrocan, very impressed with the quality of the packaging, assured.

With a solemn tone, he also sent a message of brotherhood to the Algerians.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2341335536049536&t=92

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