Unusual Trade: Israel Exports Surplus Apples To Syria

Using the United Nations (UN) as an intermediary, Israel exported about 10,000 tons of apples from the Golan Heights to Syria this spring, double the amount exported last year. The growing trade in apples between the two countries,

which are technically at war with each other, is an interesting anomaly in a region riddled with violence and conflict. The Syrians, apparently short on apples, unexpectedly agreed to the deal, brokered by the UN on behalf of the Israel Agriculture Ministry.

Ironically, Israel’s apples are grown mainly in the Golan Heights, which Syria has considered occupied territory since the 1967 Six Day War. The produce will come from Druze apple growers. The deal is expected to help Jewish growers by stabilizing prices on the local market, said Giora Sela, Director of the Israel Farmers’ Federation.

In another twist, Sela said Israel’s surplus of apples stems from the inability of growers to market the produce in Gaza due to the prolonged closure of Karni border terminal, shut down for security reasons. Syrian consumers may not be able to taste the Israeli apples as the importers will probably resell the apples to states in the Persian Gulf, where produce prices are much higher.