We call upon our international supporters to come join us for the Olive Harvest Campaign of 2018. It will run from the 20th of October to the 10th of November in the olive fields of Tel Rumeida and those close to the Kiryat Arba settlement.

Sign up below at the bottom of this page. You can also email or call info@hebronfreedomfund.org · +972 569 000 488

The olive tree is a symbol of sumud, meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic. The trees in Hebron are some of the oldest in Palestine, dating to the Roman period. This harvest is an ancient tradition which makes up a vital part of the Palestinian cuisine, with many families making enough oil to sustain themselves until the next year. This practice is now threatened by the occupation. 

Families must often to ask for special permission from the Israeli Civil Administration to carry out the harvest. Many of these permits expire after 30 days, although a normal harvest lasts nearly two months. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers frequently burn the trees, throw stones at Palestinian families as they attempt to gather olives, and steal crops. This is one of the ways Palestinian families are pressured to leave their homes. 

Many of the olive pickers are elderly, and each tree can take days if several people do not work together. International support accelerates the harvest process and provides protective presence against settler attacks. By working side by side with the families you can support the financial independence of Palestinians and stand in solidarity with these families. Come to Hebron to support Palestinian resistance and this ancient tradition!

See you soon in Hebron!