MJCHT has decided to longer certify Israeli products as Halal or deal with Israeli-based companies
South Africa – Africa4Palestine, in collaboration with the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) Halal Trust, has taken a firm stance against Israeli products and services. In a move deemed “groundbreaking and historic” by Africa4Palestine, the MJCHT has chosen not to certify any goods or services originating from Israel. This decision extends to Israeli-based companies and foreign subsidiaries directly controlled by them. This decision is particularly significant in the face of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.
The MJCHT’s refusal to certify Israeli goods carries immense weight due to the global demand for Halal products. Muhammed Desai, the Executive Director at Africa4Palestine, hopes this will set a precedent for other Halal bodies. He spoke with Salaamedia to explain the move’s significance.
“Many Israeli companies who want to export worldwide require certification because of the Muslim population’s sheer numbers across the globe. We hope that it sets a precedent that other Halal bodies, not only in South Africa but also internationally, will take the lead from and really it’s about adding and contributing towards the denormalisation of relations with Israel. Every bit does count. Every action is contributing.”
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, between July 2022 and July 2023 the exports of South Africa have decreased by R1.08 billion (-87.4%) from R1.23 billion to R155 million, while imports decreased by R 69.9 million (-18.3%) from R381 million to R 311 million. While the end goal is to have zero trade relationships with Israel, these decreased figures should be acknowledged, said Desai.
The context of the decision taken by MJCHT
For MJCHT, the decision is more than just a matter of adhering to Halal guidelines. It is about acknowledging business cannot operate as usual when dealing with entities engaged in oppressive, genocidal practices, explained Sheikh Muhammad West CFO of MJCHT and Executive member of the MJCSA CA (SA).
“You can’t have normal economic relations, normal business as usual with an abnormal entity and it was on that basis that we felt the time was right to make our position known. To draw a line in the sand. We hope that other certifiers would follow in that lead and make their positions known as well. We have to think, we have to do the moral thing and we have to consider the broader implications.”
Beyond the immediate financial implications, the decision resonates symbolically. It represents a collective refusal to normalise relations with Israel, thereby strengthening the global denormalization movement. Financially, it puts pressure on businesses dealing with Israeli products, compelling them to reevaluate their associations. Sheik West expressed optimism that the Muslim community will conscientiously avoid products that have lost their Halal certification. If other Halal certification bodies also adopt similar stances, the impact will be twofold: companies selling these products and the Israeli companies themselves will face significant financial consequences.
Calls for boycotting Israeli companies and products have persisted for years, although not everyone supports this movement. Opponents argue that Palestinians are employed by these companies, and boycotting their products could further harm the Palestinian workforce. In stark contrast, Palestinians have explicitly called for international solidarity, urging the world to support their cause through boycotts and sanctions, said Desai.
“The call for the boycott of Israel has come specifically from the oppressed people of Palestine. It is they themselves that have said bring on the boycotts, assist us in this manner, this is the direction we are giving you. It’s a bit like the boycott against Apartheid South Africa. The Black Liberation Movement said that yes in the short term, we may suffer but it’s better than the conditions upon which we are [in]. The freedom that we are seeking and the short term suffering that we may experience is far better than the oppression that we are currently living under and so a similar position has been adopted by the Palestinians.”
The Palestinains have made it known they will not let the Apartheid State of Israel take anymore from them than they already have. Their calls of solidarity must not go unanswered as they continue to fight for their freedom.
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Diplomatic implications
The South African government faces growing pressure from citizens, organisations and political parties to expel the Israeli Ambassador and close down the Israeli Embassy. Protests have taken place across the country as citizens demand the government to take a harder stance on the Apartheid State of Israel. The voices of the people must not go unheard, said Desai.
“The South African government, if it’s a government that is a responsive government, needs to take its direction from its electorate. It needs to take its direction from the people of South Africa. The message and the direction that is coming is very clear, to expel the Israeli Ambassador now. The expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador would be a diplomatic move and a diplomatic signal to Israel. We do feel as an organisation that in some ways, the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador is the very least that South Africa can do, should do and must do as a form of expression on behalf of the South African people. A people that has made clear its position regarding what Israel is currently doing.”
Despite the financial implications not to certify Israeli products, Sheikh West emphasised the move is guided by principles, not just numbers. He urged other Halal bodies to adopt a similar stance, highlighting the importance of collective action. Sheikh West also called on consumers to participate in the boycott. No matter how small or inexpensive a product is, it is about collective pressure. If we all do our part, collective pressure will work and more businesses will cut ties to Israel.
