Agricultural experts in the Holy Land estimate that over a million olive trees have been uprooted and destroyed by Israel since it was created in 1948. Almost half of these olive trees were uprooted since the start of the 2^nd Intifada in 2000 (Palestinian uprising against the Israeli Military Occupation).

Disrespecting its’ religious, cultural, natural, nutritious and economic value, the olive tree has been constantly targeted by the Israeli military occupation under the guise of security, the construction of the Wall on Palestinian lands, and the expansion of Israeli – Jewish only - colonies (settlements). The destruction of olive trees has had intentional and destructive results on the lives of many Palestinian farmers, land owners and the Palestinian population in general.

For these reasons and many others, the Olive Tree Campaign was launched in 2001 as a positive response to systematic destruction by addressing the needs of effected farmers. The Olive Tree Campaign uses the olive tree as a tool to advocate for the Palestinians right to peace with justice. So far eight successful seasons of planting have helped hundreds of Palestinian farmers and land owners, and brought awareness to an expanding international network of friends and partners about the real life of the Palestinians who have been striving for peace with justice for more than half of a century.

Since 2008, the Olive Tree Campaign - Keep Hope Alive has invited friends and partners to plant olive trees as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinians. people came from various corners of the world to show solidarity with the Palestinians and to strengthen our mission to "Keep Hope Alive" for a better future of peace with justice to the oppressed in this ongoing conflict.

Besides olive planting, the program will feature introductory presentations about the current situation in Palestine and the effects of the Apartheid Wall, tours in the old city of Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem, in addition to cultural events and social gatherings.

Past programs: reports, reflections, stories and pictures

Olive Planting Program 2013
2^nd - 11^th February
37internal activistfrm 10 countries. Read daily reports - reflections- pictures - videos

Olive Planting Program 2012
4^th - 13^th February
50 international activist from 10 different countries - read Report - Reflection - see Pictures - watch Video

Olive Planting Program 2011
5^th - 14^th February
50 participants from 10 different countries in the world - read daily report, pictures and reflections

Olive Planting Program 2010
6^th - 15^th February

Olive Planting Program 2009
7^th - 16^th February

Olive Planting Program 2008
2^nd - 11^th February

Past planting days: reports, reflections, stories and pictures

Trees distribution and planting with the Beit Sahour Municipality
4^th, April 2008

Planting event for Eilert's birthday
8^th, November 2007

Local and International volunteers help farmers planting olive trees in Artas
13^th, April 2007

Olive Planting Day 2007 - Day two
3^rd, March 2007

Olive Planting Day 2007 - Day one
3^rd, February 2007