Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, mix together the sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Add the date mixture to the sugar mixture and stir well.
Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.