Ta’ayush activists have uncovered information that the Southern West Bank settlement of Susya is illegal stealing Palestinian land to increase the production of their Carmel Wine. Last week, under cover of darkness, a group of Jerusalem activists went to explore the vineyards. What they found was that many settlers are in fact stealing land in order to produce wine. This is nothing new however it is important to keep pressure on the settler groups through the dissemination of video and press about their illegal actions. Below is a video of their journey from Jerusalem. While the video is not full of the same type of action as the Friday demonstration videos, it is amazing to see how much work Israel in the middle of the night. Most of the illegal settlement construction, the stealing of land and the creation of the Separation Wall happens in the darkness. What does this country have to hid?
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_leDS5DyKyE[/youtube]
Carmel Wines has responded in an email to Ta’ayush activists:
Thank you for seeking clarification.
1. It is and was our policy that no grapes from over the green line/ West Bank, are used in Yatir or Carmel wines.
2. No grapes from over the green line will appear in Yatir or Carmel wines, now or in the future.
3. There is an internal investigation concerning this particular issue, but even before any conclusions, I can confirm the above two points still apply, now more than ever.
On a point of correction: Harvesting of grapes for wine often takes place at night. Also, Carmel produces 15 million bottles a year and does not seek to increase production.
Regards,
Adam Montefiore
אדם ס. מונטיפיורי
מנהל המחלקה המקצועית ליין
Adam S. Montefiore
Wine Development Director
Tel +972 3–9488806 טל
Mobile +972 54–6458851 נייד
Fax +972 3–9663129 פקס
adam@carmelwines.co.i
