The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) has launched a “Sip For Solidarity” campaign to encourage U.S. support of Israel in its war against the Hamas terrorists responsible for the Oct. 7 massacres that left 1,400 dead and resulted in more than 200 men, women and children taken hostage into Gaza.
In launching the campaign, IWPA noted that Israel’s fight against the Hamas terrorists comes at a time when the harvest of the nation’s wine grape crop occurs. With many Israelis called into military service, production teams at Israel’s wineries are operating on a hollowed-out workforce.
“Winemaking has its own schedule, unlike other industries where you can pause production or run with limited staff,” said Joshua Greenstein, the Westchester-based IWPA vice president. “Grapes grow and ripen when they do; the winemaking process is very hands-on. Without staff, many wineries face an impending crisis. Additionally, wine is usually something enjoyed when you go out to eat or to a party, and people in Israel aren’t feeling particularly celebratory these days. It’s catastrophic not just for this years’ sales, but for the vintages harvesting now that won’t be ready for sale for years to come.”
In the “Sip For Solidarity” campaign, Greenstein urged Americans to buy Israeli wines and to use the hashtag #DrinkIsrael to encourage social media denizens to follow their lead.
“Not only will the purchase help the wineries, but we’re donating 10% of every case shipped from Nov. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023, to Israeli relief efforts. With the wine consuming public’s support, these challenges are surmountable, and wineries will still craft wines that accurately and deliciously reflect the character of the vintage and of Israel, just as they always have.”
Photo: Gilabrand / Wikimedia Commons
