Olive planting program

The JAI-ATG Olive Planting Program, part of the JAI Olive Tree Campaign, lasts for 10 days in February each year, where people of any age and background from all over the world can join.

Participants are given the opportunity to listen to Palestinian farmers’ stories of how their properties are threatened by settlers, the Apartheid Wall, bypass roads or Israeli settlement expansions.

They plant a selection of the trees sponsored that season, usually 4 fields with approximately 400 olive trees in each.

In addition to planting, the participants get a chance to visit the Palestinian towns of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Hebron and Ramallah. They also meet with Palestinian organizations that provide information on conflict-related issues.

Olive Planting Program 2019 concluded successfully

Category: Olive planting program
Created: 20 February 2019

See more photos of the program

Lasted from the 9th to the 18th of February, the JAI together with the ATG organized the Olive Planting Program 2019, with the participation of 21 internationals from 7 countries in the world.

planting2019 t1

planting2019 t2Their program included planting internationally-sponsored olive trees in Palestinian fields, with Palestinian families, that are under high threat of confiscation due to the Israeli colonies (settlements) expansion, israeli apartheid wall, settlers' bypass roads, or Palestinian farmers facing difficulties maintaining their land due to the frequent settlers' attacks. Hence, the presence of internationals was not only to provide physical support, but also to provide protective presence, show solidarity to the farmers' families in order to Keep their Hope Alive.

Besides, internationals learned the difficulties faced by those farmers' families, as well as various issues related to Palestinian life under occupation. Guided tours were organized for the participants into the old cities of Hebron, Jerusalem, Israeli colonies (settlements) and apartheid wall around Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Briefings and presentations were also given on various main topics including the ongoing displacement of Palestinians and their right of return, geopolitical conditions in Palestine, as well as some documentary movie screenings.

planting2019 t3Advocacy campaigns and mechanisms were presented and discussed with the participants for their future engagement in support of peace with justice in Palestine, including the JAI's Olive Tree Campaign, the Kairos Palestine call and initiative, the Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions (BDS) Campaign, and others.

 

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