Americans who support Israel are being urged to take a “Sip for Solidarity” by buying wine produced in the Jewish state — with 10% of sales from major US distributors going toward humanitarian relief efforts there.
Israel’s 300 wineries — mostly in historic areas such as Nazareth and the Galilee — were badly affected by the October 7 invasion of the country by the terrorist group Hamas, according to representatives of the vintner industry.
The war broke out during the end of the harvest season there, and many of the operators and workers at the wineries were reservists called up by the Israel Defense Forces, said Joshua Greenstein, vice president of the Israel Wine Producers Association.
Greenstein, an Albany native who now resides in Westchester County, has been the leading distributor of Israeli wines in the United States for 15 years.
“Winemaking has its own schedule, unlike other industries where you can pause production or run with limited staff,” Greenstein said. “The grapes grow and ripen when they grow; the winemaking process is very practical. Without staff, many wineries face an impending crisis.
After the annexation of Hamas on October 7, the IDF called up Israeli military reserves, causing staff shortages for many Israeli wineries.Getty Images
“Besides, wine is usually something enjoyed when you go out to eat or to a party, and Israelis are not feeling very festive these days. It is a disaster not only for sales this year but for the current vintage harvest that will not be ready to sell for years to come.”
Asked what people can do to help, Mr. Greenstein said, “Buy a bottle of Israeli wine.
“Not only will purchases help the winery, but we’re donating 10% of every case shipped from Nov. 1. 2023 to 31 Dec. 2023 to the Israeli relief effort. With the support of the wine-drinking public, these challenges can be overcome, and the wineries will continue to produce wines that accurately and deliciously reflect the character of the vintage and Israel, as they have always done,” he said.
Some Israeli winemakers donated a percentage of their wine sales to Israeli relief efforts.Getty Images
“You’re supporting the economy, the people and the winemakers,” Greenstein said.
For those who are religious, there is a bonus. Bottles and containers sold by the distributor are from 40 wineries in Israel that are halal.
The Old Testament refers to Israel as “a land flowing with milk and honey.” But Israel is also considered one of the oldest wine regions in the world, although the product was a relatively local secret — until recently.
Many Israeli wineries are in the biblical land.Getty Images
“Israel has been making wine for 5,000 years. Now they are more and more known for their good quality,” said Greenstein.
Most of the wineries are located in areas with rich religious and historical significance.
The Galilee in northern Israel, which includes the birthplace of Jesus in Nazareth, is home to many wineries including the Carmel vineyard, the largest wine producer founded in 1882 by Edmond James de Rothschild.
The Galilee is home to the Carmel vineyard, founded in 1882 by the Rothschilds.Getty Images
Tulip Winery, also in the Galilee, employs people with autism, Down syndrome and others with special needs, Greenstein said.
More wineries have developed in this region, which also includes Jerusalem and the Judean Hills where the earliest Jewish settlements were located.
Greenstein, who is Jewish, said Hamas’ slaughter of Israel on Oct. 7 and the effect was “crushing me.
“I raised a proud 10-year-old Jewish boy. I tried to tell him what happened. I want him to have a Bat Mitzvah in Israel. It will happen,” he said.
“We in the United States must support Israel. Everyone needs to be safe here. We need to make sure it exists not just for Jews but for everyone.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
