Indymedia York

We focused on one of York’s two out-of-town Tescos. We devised our own leaflet explaining why the boycott and what goods to look out for. Half a dozen activists arrived at the site before the morning rush, and spread our BIG yellow banner (as seen outside York Minster, and at dozens of other events in the past three years) to alert shoppers to the day’s action. Perhaps the most effective communication was the series of one-to-one conversations with shoppers as they got out of their cars or trundled their trolleys around. People were mostly supportive of boycotting all things Israeli, mentioning the destruction of the Lebanon as a cause of their support. Many people had no idea how oppressive is the occupation regime in the Palestinian territories: we did our best to educate and inform !

It wasn’t only shoppers we preached to: staff working the car park or going off shift were receptive to the message, as were franchisees. But mid-morning management decided they had to regain control, so we were booted off Tesco-land - but managed to set up banner and leafleting operations at the adjoining Park and Ride site. With small numbers it wasn’t really feasible to do more. A gallant attempt to load up Tesco’s trolleys with Israeli goods was pounced on by management. We’ll get them next time !

Nick Hall