Shoppers empty supermarket shelves despite pleas not to let the war cause panic
Aisles display a marked lack of mineral water, canned goods, potatoes, rice, pasta, flour, diapers after official advice to stock up; Defense Ministry says no shortages expected
Supermarkets nationwide were crowded with shoppers attempting to stock up on essentials Monday night and Tuesday, spurred on by a notice from military authorities as the country lurched closer to all-out hostilities that could see millions forced to shelter for extended periods.
Supermarket shelves were quickly emptied of bottled water and nonperishables in many places, after the Israel Defense Force’s Home Front Command issued a notice Monday evening recommending Israelis have at least three days of essential supplies on hand.
At a Rami Levy supermarket in the northern town of Pardes Hannah-Karkur, far from the Gaza border region where Hamas terrorists massacred hundreds of Israelis on Saturday, the aisles were already crowded with shoppers at 8 a.m., their carts piled high with essentials and other food.
“What can I do?” shrugged a man who gave his name as Yitzhak, his cart filled with bottled water, likely the last in the store. “I have three families staying at my house.”
As shortages appeared to pile up, the Defense Ministry issued a statement Tuesday attempting to calm fears that food and other goods would be in short supply.
“There is no need to rush out and empty the shelves,” said Brig. Gen (res.) Yoram Lardo, head of the Defense Ministry’s national emergency management authority. He noted that all supply and manufacturing chains were working as normal, and that no shortages were expected.
The Home Front Command notice, issued just after it told northern residents to enter bomb shelters as Hezbollah readied a mortar attack, had dovetailed with fears that the country could soon be under massive attack on two fronts. Officials insisted that the notice simply reiterated standing recommendations that were yet again relevant and that there was no need to panic, but reports and pictures quickly began showing massive checkout lines and shelves cleaned out, and not only of nonperishables.
אושר עד בעקבות הנחיית פיקוד העורף
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Many had already begun stocking up before the notice, with the country on a war footing since the brutal Hamas attack Saturday morning.
In Pardes Hanna-Karkur, shoppers displayed a stoic pragmaticism about making large purchases, and although some people appeared exasperated and stressed, there weren’t overt signs of panic, pushing or shoving.
In the back of the store, at the meat counter, they were totally sold out of fresh chicken and didn’t expect more Tuesday. “They came yesterday and bought it all,” a worker explained.
Shelves displayed a marked lack of mineral water, canned goods, potatoes, rice, pasta, flour, and diapers, but there were plenty of other items, including milk and dairy products.
Various employees worked furiously restocking. One said that they couldn’t keep up with the demand. “I can’t believe this,” another said, wiping her brow.
“What can you do, it’s wartime,” said Shlomit, waiting in line with her cart filled to the brim.
She explained that her children and young grandchildren were staying with her.
A man immediately ahead of her in the line scoffed. “Why is everyone buying bottled water? We have water from the tap. In 1973 we didn’t have bottled water, we made do without all this,” he said, gesturing vaguely around the huge store.
Shufersal, the nation’s largest chain, announced Tuesday that it would limit purchases of basic goods, including water and eggs, in response to the rush.
“Out of responsibility towards all customers, and due to heavy demand, supply difficulties and a partial lack of products in the branches, we have decided to limit the purchase of basic food products such as water, eggs, bread and milk,” said Shufersal CEO Uri Watermann.
The chain and Carrefour, a French supermarket that recently opened branches in Israel, both announced that they would send aid packages to those directly affected by the fighting. Carrefour also announced discounts for aid organizations or individuals who were making large purchases.
At the Rami Levy, Yesha’ayahu explained that he needed to stock up with all his kids at home from school, and perhaps more coming over.
He didn’t come especially because of the Home Front Command notice.
“It’s better to go shopping than watch the news,” he said.
