In the aftermath of the devastating attacks by Hamas on October 7th, thousands of foreign farm workers in Israel have fled in fear for their lives. The loss of these workers has left many farmers struggling to maintain their operations. The exodus of these skilled laborers has resulted in a shortage that is severely impacting productivity and jeopardizing the country's agricultural output.
One dairy farm, which became a tragic scene of violence, saw ten foreign workers brutally murdered by Hamas militants. The farm's surveillance camera captured disturbing footage of others being taken at gunpoint and later found executed. This horrifying event has had a lasting impact on the farm's owner, Stevie Marcus. The safe room where ten workers were slaughtered and the living quarters where several others met their end serve as constant reminders of the tragedy.
Marcus, like many other farmers affected by the exodus, relied heavily on foreign workers to run his farm efficiently. With his surviving workers fleeing in fear, Marcus is left with a skeletal staff that struggles to manage the workload. Lamenting the shortage of skilled labor, he describes how the lack of technicians and expertise is hindering their ability to function optimally. Currently, they only have four volunteer milkers, but this is far from enough to maintain productivity levels. Marcus acknowledges that they are doing the bare minimum required to ensure the animals are fed, watered, and milked.
Yossi Inbar, another farmer operating close to Gaza, has faced similar challenges. Half of his farm workers have also fled, leaving him in a precarious position. However, a glimmer of hope shines through in the form of dedicated volunteers who have stepped in to save the crops. Inbar expresses his gratitude and admiration for these individuals who are ensuring that his farm's produce does not go to waste.
The impact of this exodus reaches far beyond the individual farms. According to the Israel Farmers Federation, a significant portion of the vegetables consumed in the country are grown in close proximity to Gaza. Avi Leibovich, who took a day off from his tech job to lend a hand on Inbar's farm, recognizes the critical importance of supporting these farmers. He acknowledges that without their hard work, the markets would run empty, posing a threat to the entire nation's food supply.
Despite the risks posed by rocket fire from Gaza, individuals like Danny Parizada continue to show their unwavering support. Many of these volunteers understand the urgency and are willing to risk their own safety to help the farmers and ensure that Israel's agriculture sector remains buoyant.
However, the reliance on volunteers is a temporary solution. Farmers like Inbar are well aware that once the volunteers return to their regular routines, the struggle will continue. They are acutely aware that time is running out, and without a sustainable workforce, their farms may face an uncertain future.
In light of the ongoing crisis, it is evident that a comprehensive plan is needed to address the shortage of skilled labor in the farming industry. Immediate action must be taken to support these farmers and ensure the stability and resilience of Israel's agricultural sector.
