19th, February 2008
Last day:
This day was the last day of the Olive Planting. The people were full of energy and ready to plant their last trees. For the first time the group was on the eastern side of Bethlehem, where the Israeli Occupation has constructed a bypass road to link the settlements on the eastern and southern parts of Bethlehem to Israel.
Filed and farmer' family:
Our planting day was hosted by a family of four generations who live just outside of the Palestinian town Tequ. Over the past two decades the family has found itself circulated by settlements and settlers’ caravans from all the sides. The first was the settlement Tequa which first started in 1982 and continued expanding since then. On another side there is the settlement Nikodim known as the residence of right-wing Zionist Avigdor Lieberman, a member of the Israeli Parliament, born in Moldova (USSR), who continues to advocate for transfer and ethnic cleansing of the non-Jewish citizens of Palestine. Also there are another 4 outposts surrounding the family that have been expanding on the expense of the Palestinians’ property.
Trees transfer and planting:
After the group arrived into the field they all cooperated to get the trees into the field by forming a line to pass on the trees. The olive planting experience was good enough to let everybody know how the planting process is done. Together with the family the group managed to plant 100 olive trees with wishes and prayers that the trees survive and produce in such a harsh but real situation under the Israeli Military occupation.
The planting of the last tree was a ceremonial one where each and every member of the Olive Planting Group participated in the digging and the planting.
Appreciation and evaluation:
After the planting was over, the group thanked the family for the opportunity to come and learn about them and help in planting olive trees at their field.
The group went back to the hotel for lunch and evaluation of the program where all participants shared their written feedback. The group got some free time to get to do their final things in Bethlehem before they proceed with the knowledge they got and the priceless experience they went through over the past few days.
Farewell dinner with cultural concert:
In the evening, every one attended the music evening and farewell dinner at the Jadal Centre, bringing to an end a trip in Palestine that will remain in the hearts and minds of each and every one of the first Olive Planting group.
The quote of the day: let justice roll down like waters and righteousness. like a mighty stream.
