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Today we worked in the olive groves of the village of Hares.
It was a revelation to find out what well-tended olive groves look like. All the
groves I had seen before today belonged to the farmers of Mas-Ha and were beyond
the Annexation Fence (a "Security Fence" if you're Israeli!). They were
overgrown with thistles and weeds, and the terrace walls and boundary walls were
in a poor state of repair. It made the work of picking the olives much more arduous
and dangerous.
In my ignorance I had just assumed that Palestinians don't pay
a great deal of attention to these things, after all it's not unusual for farmers
anywhere in the world to allow groves and orchards to grow quite wild. It seemed
a little strange though, since at some point in the past they had obviously taken
the trouble of building the walls, but having no way to find out more I was left
with my assumptions.
The olive groves of Hares revealed not only my ignorance of
how much the farmers care for their land, but also my lack of understanding of
the impact of the Annexation Boundary Fence on the farmers of Mas-Ha. The groves
of Hares are those classically beautiful terraced groves, rambling down the hillside,
with lovely sandstone terrace and boundary walls, and ploughed and weeded dry
earth. They look so tidy in a very organic and ancient way. They have been here,
looking like this since antiquity. Omar, the man we were working with today, said
that his fields had been in his family for generations, and the trees we were
picking were at least one hundred years old.
The farmers
of Hares do not have to contend with the Annexation Fence, so they can access
and tend their land more often than the farmers of Mas-Ha, who before this week
hadn't been allowed to get to their land for nine months. The farmers of Hares
who have land near the settlement of Revava still cannot get to it as often as
they would like. Omar, the farmer we worked with today, said that he had only
been on his land twice this year, once to plough and repair walls, and the second
time was now - to harvest. His land abuts the settlement boundary fence. Well,
actually the settlement has been built on his land and the land of other farmers
of Hares - stolen from them by the settlers with the complicity and assistance
of the Israeli government. more..
Products: Embroidered placemats, cushion covers
and bags. Beneficiaries: 150 women from villages and refugee camps in Bethlehem
area.
The Bethlehem Arab Women's Union (BAWU) has a long history
of community service, dating back to 1947 when it was founded as a first aid center
to care for refugees from the first Arab-Israeli war. Located in the Old City
of Bethlehem, the Union strives to meet the needs of the Bethlehemites of all
ages, organizing luncheons for senior citizens, activities for youth, and income-generation
projects for women through food and craft production. It also runs the Bethlehem
Museum, where one can learn about local cultural heritage.
The Union’s embroidery project aims for the preservation
and revival of Bethlehem heritage and for meeting the economic needs of women
in the area. When the embroidery project was established in 1968 to respond to
worsening life conditions with the beginning of the Israeli occupation, the women
began by collecting old dresses and studying the local embroidery tradition.
According to Elen Eloussie, who runs the embroidery project,
the Christian and Muslim women in Bethlehem historically shared the common heritage
of embroidery. Women identified themselves by their village of origin rather than
the religion, by wearing an embroidered dress with the distinct patterns and colors
of each village. more..
Spate of road accidents across Israel kills 5, including 2 children Ha'aretz 10 Mar 2010 - Five people died in car accidents throughout Israel on Wednesday, including an eight-year-old boy who was hit by a car in Jisr az-Zarqa. Around the same time, a tractor overturned in an olive grove in Jadeidi-Makr, killing the driver. ... Israel sets up trial program to expedite PA export process Jeruslalem Post 9 Mar 2010 - Palestinians in the West Bank mostly export agricultural goods such as olives, tomatoes and peppers, valued currently at around $50,000 a year. random violence In Gaza: 7 Mar 2010 - * the destruction begins as far as 700 metres from the border It was senseless, random, gratuitous violence against the farmers and their hopes. Bulldozer treads dug through bean and onion crops, in zigs and zags, seemingly without direction. Swaths of land were eaten by the military bulldozers’ blades, also seemingly randomly: the wheat crop which might mature to waist high if not bulldozed was left to grow, but the calf-high beans and onions were mowed, not fully but insultingly so. The 100 or so olive trees that had escaped the winter 2008-2009 Israeli massacre of Gaza and prior and later military invasions this time went with the 4 towering military bulldozers and 3 tanks. Tracks spat out earth in unwieldy clumps, not to be worked again this year, difficult to calm and smooth next year, in an area (near, but still outside of the Israeli-imposed 300 metre no-go zone,... random violence In Gaza: 7 Mar 2010 - * the destruction begins as far as 700 metres from the border It was senseless, random, gratuitous violence against the farmers and their hopes. Bulldozer treads dug through bean and onion crops, in zigs and zags, seemingly without direction. Swaths of land were eaten by the military bulldozers’ blades, also seemingly randomly: the wheat crop which might mature to waist high if not bulldozed was left to grow, but the calf-high beans and onions were mowed, not fully but insultingly so. The 100 or so olive trees that had escaped the winter 2008-2009 Israeli massacre of Gaza and prior and later military invasions this time went with the 4 towering military bulldozers and 3 tanks. Tracks spat out earth in unwieldy clumps, not to be worked again this year, difficult to calm and smooth next year, in an area (near, but still outside of the Israeli-imposed 300 metre no-go zone,... Journalists, residents hurt in Beit Jala anti-wall rally 3/7/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Three journalists and several demonstrators were injured by Israeli forces at a protest against Israel's construction of the separation wall in the town of Beit Jala, north of Bethlehem, on Sunday. Some 200 local protestors attended the rally, with residents attempting to plant 30 olive tree seedlings on land overturned by Israeli bulldozers. They were prevented by Israeli soldiers and border guards deployed in the area. Clashes ensued when young Palestinian men began hurling stones toward Israeli forces, who responded by firing rubber-coated bullets and tear-gas canisters. The march began from the city center on the road toward the Cremisan monestary, where Israeli bulldozers began overturning land to make way for the separation wall. Palestinian Legislative Council members Mustafa Barghouthi and Fayez As-Saqa joined the protest, as well as members of the Beit Jala. . . French heart team completes week of surgeries in Jerusalem 3/7/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - A French surgery team left Jerusalem at the end of February having completed a number of pediatric cardiac surgeries in occupied East Jerusalem, supported by the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Professor Dominique Metras, chief of pediatric cardiac surgery at the Hopital d'Enfants de la Timone in Marseille, France, completed a week of providing life-saving open heart surgery on over a dozen babies from the West Bank and Gaza Strip at Makassed Hospital on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem, a statement read. Metras has led several past missions to Makassed with the PCRF, in cooperation with the French consulate in East Jerusalem. Also on the mission again was Patrick Siclis, a perfusionist who has been on past missions to Palestine. This was the fourth cardiac mission to Palestine in 2010 and dozens of sick babies with congenital heart disease have already had life-saving surgery through these teams. Fayyad : Olive trees more deep-rooted than settlements 3/7/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - "The newest olive tree in our country is more deep-rooted than the fragile walls and settlements," said caretaker Prime Minister Salam Fayyad Saturday, as he met with members of the popular committee against the wall in Beit Jala, Bethlehem. Fayyad spoke with international activists and Palestinian committee members at the site of wall's latest construction in Beit Jala, condemning the Israeli annexation of land and uprooting of olive trees to build the separation wall. "Deep in the roots of these olive trees, there is something that reminds us that our people lived here from the beginning and will continue to the end," he told the gathered crowds of protestors. " We will continue to work and build in all Palestinian territories occupied in 1967, paying no attention to the unjust classifications and the so-called C zones. " PA holds olive branch in one hand, stone in the other Ha'aretz 7 Mar 2010 - Discussing a final-status agreement while allowing a mini-intifada to unfold gives the PA leverage. random violence In Gaza: 7 Mar 2010 - * the destruction begins as far as 700 metres from the border It was senseless, random, gratuitous violence against the farmers and their hopes. Bulldozer treads dug through bean and onion crops, in zigs and zags, seemingly without direction. Swaths of land were eaten by the military bulldozers’ blades, also seemingly randomly: the wheat crop which might mature to waist high if not bulldozed was left to grow, but the calf-high beans and onions were mowed, not fully but insultingly so. The 100 or so olive trees that had escaped the winter 2008-2009 Israeli massacre of Gaza and prior and later military invasions this time went with the 4 towering military bulldozers and 3 tanks. Tracks spat out earth in unwieldy clumps, not to be worked again this year, difficult to calm and smooth next year, in an area (near, but still outside of the Israeli-imposed 300 metre no-go zone,... PA wields olive branch in one hand, stone in the other Ha'aretz 6 Mar 2010 - Discussing a final-status agreement while allowing a mini-intifada to unfold gives the PA leverage. My grandmother’s trees changed the face of Palestine Mondoweiss - 6 Mar 2010 - Peter Belmont writes: Here’s an interesting (if a bit long-winded) PDF file law-professor article on the Israeli government and Israeli settlers’ attacks on Palestinian olive-trees, including a discussion of the cultural meaning of olive-trees to Palestinians. A note: the millions of "trees" planted by Zionists, including... Activists work to stop wall construction and uprooting of olive trees in Beit Jala 3/5/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Beit Jala Popular Committee, 4 March - In the early morning on March 2, 2010, Israeli bulldozers started uprooting ancient olive trees in the garden of a Palestinian family in the town of Beit Jala, North-West of Bethlehem, in order to make room for the construction of yet another section of the Apartheid Wall. Wednesday morning, the family, which had already lost a significant portion of its lands when Israel seized them to build the "by-pass road" 60 that connects the equally illegal settlements, found the little playground for the children in the garden destroyed and three olive trees directly in front of the house chopped off. A red cross was painted two meters away from the front door to signal where the Wall is designed to pass. The remaining olive trees had been marked with yellow-tags, to be uprooted another day. Anti Wall Protest Continue At Beit Jala Town, Southern West Bank. IMEMC - Thursday March 04, 2010 - 13:07, Residents of Beit Jala town, southern West Bank, along with Israeli and international supporters chained themselves to olive tree in protest of the Israeli built wall on their land. In photos: Protests continue in Beit Jala 3/4/2010 - MaanImages / Luay Sababa - 1-6: Palestinians and foreign activists replant uprooted olive trees during a protest against Israel's separation wall in the West Bank village of Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, on 4 March 2010. Israeli forces were uprooting the trees to extend Israel's contentious West Bank separation wall. 7-17: A day earlier, Israeli border police clashed with Palestinian protesters as bulldozers continued work near Route 60 on the edge of town. The area includes over 2,000 olive trees, all owned by Palestinians in the predominantly Christian town between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. [end] Israeli bulldozers return to Beit Jala 3/3/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Dozens of Palestinians and foreign solidarity activists rallied near Bethlehem on Wednesday, in protest of the bulldozing of olive trees near a section of Israel's wall, which weaves through the occupied West Bank. Witnesses said Israeli forces used limited force against protesters who attempted to prevent the bulldozers from approaching the trees, planted in Beit Jala. Several demonstrators were dragged on the ground as they refused to leave, but no serious injuries were reported. Marwan Sha'ban of the local Popular Committee Against Settlements in Bethlehem said "we came here with our solidarity friends to say: stop attacking the land, uprooting trees, and forcing people out of their houses. "Sha'ban termed any construction on privately owned land as illegal, but said the Beit Jala construction flaunted the law, noting previous remarks by Fayyad Nasser, a lawyer who represents the Beit Jala municipality. Israeli bulldozers enter Beit Jala for wall construction 3/3/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli forces enforced a closed military zone in Beit Jala, Bethlehem, on Tuesday, to assist bulldozers in overturning land in the area to make way for further construction of the separation wall, witnesses said. The bulldozers began operating on lands near the Cremisan Monastery road, said Leila Awad, whose home is the only one in the area. Awad told Ma'an she was surprised to see Israeli bulldozers, accompanied by police, enter her land and begin uprooting olive, walnut and lemontrees. Israeli forces previously confiscated one and half dunums of her land, Awad said, to build a tunnel connecting Jerusalem settlement blocs with the Kfar Etzion settlement in Bethlehem. The remainder of her land was confiscated to build the rest of the separation wall, only five meters from her home, she added. Awad said her family of nine is threatened with eviction. Journalists and cameramen were prohibited from accessing the area, as Israeli forces enforced a closed military zone. . . . . In photos: Confrontation in Beit Jala 3/3/2010 - MaanImages / Luay Sababa - Israeli border police clash with Palestinian protesters at a demonstration against the separation wall in the West Bank city of Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, on 3 March 2010. Bulldozers continued work on Wednesday near Route 60 on the edge of town. Israeli authorities were operating in an area that includes over 2,000 olive trees, all owned by Palestinians in the predominantly Christian city between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The operation threatens 35 family homes, municipality officials said. On Tuesday, Israeli forces enforced a closed military zone order to assist the ongoing operation. Journalists and photographers were prohibited from accessing the area, as the frequently employed designation also applies to press coverage. In photos: Fayyad replants uprooted olive trees 2/28/2010 - MaanImages / Rami Swidan - Salam Fayyad, caretaker prime minister of the Ramallah-based Palestinian government, plants an olive tree in the northern West Bank village of Burin on 25 February 2010, two days after 45 trees were destroyed by Israeli settlers from the nearby Yitzhar settlement. An Israeli military spokesman told Ma'an that the Civil Administration, a branch of the country's Defense Ministry in the occupied territories, received a complaint about the incident, and that Civil Administration officials were dispatched to the crime scene to investigate. Last Sunday, settlers smashed windshields of cars driving along the Nablus-Jenin road and assaulted a Palestinian doctor. "Attacks by settlers on Palestinians in the Nablus district continue, almost every day," said Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian Authority official. Moshe Dayan's widow: Israel doesn't know how to make peace Ha'aretz 28 Feb 2010 - She turned 93 last Friday, according to the Hebrew calendar. On Thursday, Herzliya awarded her honorary citizenship. Ruth Dayan doesn't rest for a moment. In the Bedouin town of Segev Shalom and in the Palestinian village of Kharbata, she founded an arts and crafts workshop for women. Once every week or two she drives to these places by herself. She's also busy with countless humanitarian issues in the territories. A few months ago she flew to Malta to meet the daughter of Yasser Arafat, the granddaughter of her soulmate, Raymonda Tawil. ... Four decades of occupation in Hebron Uruknet February 25, 2010 - I have been to Hebron three times, but each visit was like entering a different city. In May of 1967, the entire West Bank including Hebron was under Jordanian rule. A Palestinian family living in Jerusalem had invited me to visit their village south of Hebron, where they owned acres of land with olive trees they'd... King Solomon Undermines Silwan Refugees Palestine Monitor: 24 Feb 2010 - A recent flurry of demolition orders in Silwan have raised fresh tensions between Palestinian residents and the ever-growing settler community. The settlers' claim to the land derives from the alleged presence of King Solomon's treasures, buried deep beneath Wadi Hulwah, a densely populated suburb of Silwan. Today an archaeological site, the ‘City of David', threatens to drive yet more Palestinians from their homes. We went to find out more. Written and photographed by Valentine Van Vyve. The City of David is located in the very centre of Silwan, East Jerusalem. It uncomfortably co-habits with 5,500 Arab refugees in the neighbourhood of Wadi Hulwah, based on the slope of a hill running from the Mount of Olives. It was here that the old Jerusalem centre, circa 1000 BC, was discovered, making it a holy site for Judaism as well as a justification for deepening occupation of this area. Now that the... Settlers Uproot Olive Trees In Northern West Bank IMEMC - Tuesday February 23, 2010 - 17:18, A group of Israeli settlers uprooted, on Tuesday at dawn, olive trees that belongs to Palestinian farmers from the village of Burin, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus. PA official: 45 olive trees chopped down near Nablus 2/23/2010 - Nablus - Ma'an - Israeli settlers cut down dozens of olive trees in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, a Palestinian Authority official said. Ghassan Daghlas, who holds the PA's northern settlements portfolio, said residents of the illegal Yitzhar settlement chopped down 45 olive trees on land belonging to Burin, a Palestinian village near Nablus. The trees were planted on property owned by cousins Suhail Najjar, Murad Ma'roof Najjar, and Issa Mahmoud Najjar, the official said. Daghlas denounced what he termed the continuous aggression, particularly in villages near settlements. He urged human rights organizations to immediately intervene on behalf of affected farmers. An Israeli military spokesman told Ma'an that the Civil Administration, a branch of the country's Defense Ministry in the occupied territories, received a complaint about the incident. Settlers cut down 45 olive trees in Nablus 23 Feb 2010 - West Bank, February 23, 2010 (Pal Telegraph)- A Jewish group from Yitzhar settlement near Nablus, in north West Bank, cut down 45 olive trees belonging to residents of Bourin village on Tuesday morning. Ghassan Douglas, an official at the Nablus office of the Palestinian Authority, said some settlers of Yizhar settlement truncated 45 olive trees belonging to the Najjar family:... Bil’in village plants 200 trees next to apartheid wall: existence as resistance! 2/23/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Bil'in Popular Committee, 22 February - Palestinian and internationals help plant olive trees in Bilin to replace those destroyed by Israeli troops and settlers. At 9:30am residents of Bil'in village, Palestinian political representatives, and International activists gathered in Bil'in to plant olive trees and almond seeds for 20 farmers who own land besides Israel's Apartheid Wall. Approximately 200 trees were planted as part of the ongoing popular resistance to the Israeli apartheid wall and settlements. Bil'in has organized weekly and sometimes daily actions against the wall for the past five years, gaining international attention for the struggle and becoming a symbol for nonviolent, creative, popular struggle around the West Bank of Palestine. An hour into the planting, an Israeli soldier appeared on the other side of the wall and gave a warning shot. Jerusalem's Old City an unexpected haven for rare animal and plant life Ha'aretz 23 Feb 2010 - The millions of visitors to Jerusalem's Old City every year are usually seeking the sacred - a prayer at the Western Wall, the Temple Mount or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre - or more earthly pursuits, like a good price on a rug or an olive wood camel. Few imagine that between these ancient walls they can also enjoy the beauty of nature. ... Jewish settlers cut off 45 olive trees PIC 24 Feb 2010 - Jewish armed settlers cut off 45 olive trees in the village of Burin, south of Nablus city, on Tuesday, local sources reported. Footnotes in Gaza – Book Review Palestine Chronicle: 23 Feb 2010 - By Robin Yassin-Kassab Footnotes in Gaza: A Graphic Novel. Joe Sacco. Metropolitan Books, 2009. This is not what you expect: an accomplished and self-reflective work of history enclosed within a layer of war reportage – in comic book form. But Joe Sacco's "Footnotes in Gaza" is just that, an unusually effective treatment of Palestinian history which may appeal to people who would never read a ‘normal book’ on the subject. The writing, however, is at least as good as you’d expect from a high quality prose work. Here, for instance, is page nine: “History can do without its footnotes. Footnotes are inessential at best; at worst they trip up the greater narrative. From time to time, as bolder, more streamlined editions appear, history shakes off some footnotes altogether. And you can see why… History has its hands full. It can’t help producing pages by the hour, by the minute. History chokes on fresh episodes and swallows whatever old ones it can.” The pictures – aerial shots, action shots, urban still lifes, crafted but realist character studies – work as hard as the words. Sacco depicts fear, humiliation and anger very well indeed, and often achieves far more with one picture than he could in an entire newspaper column. The cranes at work on a Jerusalem skyline are worth a paragraph or two of background. So is the fact that almost every Palestinian male has a cigarette in his mouth. And when dealing with historical process – the changing shape of... Israeli forces cross into Gaza Strip 2/19/2010 - Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli forces entered the Gaza Strip on Thursday after a soldier was injured by a bomb planted at the border, the military said, confirming reports of an incursion following a blast hours earlier. "This morning, an IDF soldier was lightly injured when an explosive device was detonated against a force patrolling the Israeli side of the central Gaza Strip's security fence," a military spokesman told Ma'an. "While searching the area, IDF soldiers discovered a second explosive device, which was detonated in a controlled manner by IDF sappers," the spokesman added. "The IDF holds Hamas responsible for maintaining the peace and quiet in the Gaza Strip. " Bulldozers demolished two homes belonging to Ali and Salem Suleiman Ibn Said northeast of Deir Al-Balah, both on the outskirts of Al-Masaddar, and large swaths of olive groves, relatives said by phone. PA customs agents continue to enforce settlement goods ban 2/18/2010 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Approximately one and a half tonnes of cardboard two tons of processed pastry dough produced in settlements built on Palestinian lands in the West Bank were seized by Palestinian police said customs officers on Thursday. The public relations and information office said it was waiting for the go-ahead from the Internal Market Organizing Committee for the destruction of the goods. During the raids, officers also found 28 gallons of oils marketed as olive oil but not meeting minimum health or quality standards, officers said. [end] Planting trees, building bases in Bethlehem Stop The Wall - February 16th, 2010-- Last week, Occupation forces act on their intentions to re-establish a military base in Beit Sahour. Despite the protests of residents, soldiers declared the area a closed military zone, bringing in heavy machinery to begin work. Also around Bethlehem last week, activists planted olive trees near the Wall in a symbolic display of steadfastness and a refusal to be uprooted from their land. [ Gaza: Life in the "Buffer Zone" Uruknet February 13, 2010 - The Israelis call it the "buffer zone." Gazan NGOs often call it the "hot zone." But to the Palestinians who live near this wide swath of land alongside the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, it is fertile land where their children played and they made a decent living by raising wheat and olives. That... 250 Olive Trees Planted By Volunteers Near Osh Grab 2/12/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - International Middle East Media Center, 12 February - Following the beginning of construction of a new watchtower at the site of the former military base, this week, residents of Beit Sahour and international volunteers gathered at the surrounding farmlands, on Friday, to cultivate the land, planting 250 olive trees. The former military base at Osh Grab was abandoned by the Israeli military in April 2006, and part of the site was transformed into a public park and centre for the residents of Beit Sahour by the town's municipality. The land private land reverted to its original owners, including the sites worked on today. Part of the site has remained abandoned, though, as it falls inside of zone C, as designated by Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, also referred to as Oslo 2, signed in 1995. Part of the accords divided the land in the West Bank into 3 sections; areas A, B and C. Collective Wall-Building Effort Baffles IOF in An-Nabi Salih 2/13/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - ISM, 12 February - Israeli army and border police used tear gas, stungrenades, rubber- and plastic-coated bullets, live ammunition and "stinky water"to disperse close to 150 Palestinians who tried to reach their village wellin An-Nabi Salih. The villagers were accompanied by over 20 Israeli and international solidarity activists. Following mid-day prayers, protesters marched towards thewell and their agricultural lands but were immediately confronted with tear-gasand rubber-coated bullets. A group of 50 settlers from the neighboring settlement of Halamish watched as theIsraeli Occupation Forces attacked the Palestinians. In total, 14 protesters were injured, including one hit in the face with a tear gas canister. The march began in its usual fashion. Villagers, Israelis and internationals descended the hillside to attempt to plant olive trees in the settler-occupied land. Life in the "Buffer Zone" Palestine Monitor: 13 Feb 2010 - The Israelis call it the “buffer zone.” Gazan NGOs often call it the “hot zone.” But to the Palestinians who live near this wide swath of land alongside the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, it is fertile land where their children played and they made a decent living by raising wheat and olives. That is, until Israel declared it off limits. The so-called ‘buffer zone' is a military no-go area that extends along the entire northern and eastern Gazan border with Israel, as well as its southern border with Egypt (known as the Philadelphi Corridor).) The creation of a 50-meter-wide buffer zone was agreed to as part of the security arrangements included in an interim Palestinian-Israeli agreement signed in 1995. Following the start of the second Intifada in September 2000, the area of the buffer zone was increased to 150 meters wide. In May 2009, the Israeli military... 250 Olive Trees Planted By Volunteers Near Osh Grab IMEMC 12 Feb 2010 - Friday February 12, 2010 - 17:10, Following the beginning of construction of a new watchtower at the site of the former military base, this week, residents of Beit Sahour and international volunteers gathered at the surrounding farmlands, on Friday, to cultivate the land, planting 250 olive trees. Palestinians rally against settlers at Mount of Olives 2/12/2010 - Jerusalem - Ma'an -Jerusalem residents and Fatah official Hatem Abdul Qader interfered with a group of Israeli settlers as they attempted to claim lands on the Mount of Olives on Thursday morning. The leaders of Beit Orot, an illegal Israeli settlement on the hill north of the Old City of Jerusalem, are aggressively expansionist. According to their website, "Beit Orot is at once defending the sacred traditions of our nation, the physical security of Eretz Yisrael and the integrity of Yerushalayim as the undivided capital of Israel and the Jewish people. " According to Abdul Qader, the group of Jerusalemites went to the location where Beit Orot settlers were working. He said the lands were registered to Palestinian families living in the city, and that he went to warn the settlers against continued colonization of the lands. Tree planters say soldiers used riot dispersal methods on volunteers 2/10/2010 - Hebron - Ma'an - International and Palestinian tree planters were dispersed with tear gas and sound bombs as they attempted to work land belonging to local farmers on Wednesday, the Palestinian solidarity project said. Media spokesman for the project Mohammad Awad said the volunteers, participating in the "voluntary day to protect lands under threat of confiscation" brought 500 olive tree seedlings to lands registered to Hasan Awad, Husam Ahmad Bahar and Ibrahim Abed Al-Hamid Abu Maria. Shortly after the group started planting, Israeli soldiers descended on the area from near the Karmi Zur settlement, 19% of which is built on Palestinian owned land, according to Peace Now, and residents say much of the rest of the land belonged to the village of Beit Ummar. Awad said soldiers attacked the group and fired teargas as well as sound bombs at them until they retreated from the area. Abu Taima’s land In Gaza: 9 Feb 2010 - It’s like spring and we’re visiting the Abu Taima region. The different Abu Taima brothers and cousins speak of their land, all in or near the Israeli-imposed “buffer zone” (officially 300m in which Palestinians cannot enter without fear of being shot, killed; but in reality a land-annexation which extends even up to nearly 2 km, driving farmers off their land and rendering land un-used…a waste of space in a Strip that has no space to waste). Mohammed, the 14 year old son of one of the discouraged me, knows the land and its history. He tours us around, points out vacant plots where almond, fruit and olive trees once stood,... Israel to adjust wall’s route in Bil’in 2/5/2010 - Ma’an News Agency - Ramallah – Ma’an – Attorney of Bil’in local council, Michael Sfard, said on Saturday that Israeli authorities informed him of the new route of the separation wall, adjusted according to a decision by the Israeli Supreme Court of Justice in 2007. “We were not convinced that it was vital for security reasons to maintain the existing route that passes through a topographically low area of Bil’in land and that there was no fitting security substitute to the construction of the barrier in order to protect the residents of Modi’in Illit,” Justice Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch wrote in her decision. Once the adjusted route is implemented, residents of Bil’in are expected to restore almost half of their 2,300 donums confiscated during the construction of the wall’s original route. However, as the portion of the wall already built will be removed, farmers will expect significant damage to their olive groves located in the area. Israel to adjust wall’s route in Bil’in 2/6/2010 - Ramallah - Ma'an - Attorney of Bil'in local council, Michael Sfard, said on Saturday that Israeli authorities informed him of the new route of the separation wall, adjusted according to a decision by the Israeli Supreme Court of Justice in 2007. "We were not convinced that it was vital for security reasons to maintain the existing route that passes through a topographically low area of Bil'in land and that there was no fitting security substitute to the construction of the barrier in order to protect the residents of Modi'in Illit," Justice Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch wrote in her decision. Once the adjusted route is implemented, residents of Bil'in are expected to restore almost half of their 2,300 donums confiscated during the construction of the wall's original route. However, as the portion of the wall already built will be removed, farmers will expect significant damage to their olive groves located in the area. Popular resistance expands in An Nabi Salih 2/5/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 10 people were injured by rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas cannisters in today's demonstration in An-Nabi Salih village, in the north Ramallah region, against the expansion of the illegal Halamish settlement on to village lands. The storm clouds and cold temperatures did not deter demonstrators, as some 100 locals (approximately a fourth of the village), both male and female, were joined by 20 Israeli and international activists in the village square following the midday prayer. Protesters then marched towards the lands south of the village where stands Halamish settlement, built on the stolen lands of An-Nabi Salih, and where Israeli occupation forces awaited their arrival. Demonstrators chanted songs of protest and carried baby olive trees in the hopes of planting them on the seized land as a peaceful assertion of their rights to be there. Lasting Agriculture Versus Lasting Occupation Palestine Monitor: 1 Feb 2010 - The village of Battir, North West of Bethlehem, was once a haven for farmers. Its rich soil, water resources and favourable climate produced abundant harvests of olives and vegetables. But since the start of the occupation, Battir's 4,000 inhabitants have faced tremendous difficulties. The farmland of Battir. The village straddles B and C areas, falling under administrative and military Israeli control. It is surrounded on one side by the separation wall and on the other by two settlements, Bitay Illet and Walja. If the settlements continue to expand at their current rate, they will soon merge, further isolating Battir. The village is one of fourteen such ‘blockations' in the West Bank. Available land has been steadily decreasing since 1949, when the Israeli Government began building a railroad through the village. Despite these restrictions, Battir's farmers retain faith that with determination and effective use of their natural resources, the good years... Soldiers prevent farmers from planting olive trees near Bethlehem IMEMC 1 Feb 2010 - Monday February 01, 2010 - 13:36, The Israeli military prevented, on Monday, Palestinian farmers and their international supporters from planting olive trees near the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem. Lasting Agriculture Versus Lasting Occupation Palestine Monitor - 1 Feb 2010 - The village of Battir, North West of Bethlehem, was once a haven for farmers. Its rich soil, water resources and favourable climate produced abundant harvests of olives and vegetables. But since the start of the occupation, Battir's 4,000 inhabitants have faced tremendous difficulties. The farmland of... Sheikhs and rabbis in pursuit of peace – on Mount of Olives The National 29 Jan 2010 - Yerushalom, a group founded by Jewish settlers, says it is trying to build bridges with Palestinians – and help them realise their dream. Military uses live ammunition on Burin demonstration 1/30/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - A demonstration against the Israeli order to halt construction of a nearly-completed mosque today, on threat of demolition, drew local, regional and international supporters in addition to attendance by the Palestinian Authority Minister of Religion. The demonstration was met with violent resistance by Israeli occupation forces, including the use of tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets and. 22 ammunition. One local protester was removed from the area by ambulance when he was shot with a rubber-coated steel bullet. The demonstration follows yesterday's incursion, in which Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and a sound grenade at villagers as they attempted to plant olive trees on village land close to the nearby settlement of Yitzhar. The order was issued three days ago to the village, declaring that the village must halt construction of the mosque, on consequence of demolition. Soldiers ’attack’ journalists near Nablus 1/29/2010 - Nablus - Ma'an - A group of Palestinian photojournalists documenting tree-planting near Nablus on Thursday afternoon said they were accosted by Israeli forces, who declared the area a closed military zone. The tree-planting, on the edges of Burin village, was set to see 250 olive saplings dug into the soil under a new "Green Palestine" project in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Agriculture. Journalists, including Ma'an photographer Rami Swidan, said soldiers descended on the group, insisting that because they were in a closed military zone, no photographs could be taken in the area. Swidan said soldiers approached the group and ordered them to stop filming, but that they refused. He said a soldier hit him on his chest and tried to take the camera by force. Several journalists reportedly interfered and separated the two. Israeli soldiers 'attack' journalists near Nablus Uruknet January 28, 2010 - A group of Palestinian photojournalists documenting tree-planting near Nablus on Thursday afternoon said they were accosted by Israeli forces, who declared the area a closed military zone. The tree-planting, on the edges of Burin village, was set to see 250 olive saplings dug into the soil under a new "Green Palestine" project in cooperation with the... Settlers attack Palestinians in retaliation for outpost demolition 1/27/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an/Agencies - Several dozen Israeli settler youths attacked the village of Beit Ilu on Tuesday, north of Ramallah, in response to Israeli forces razing the Gush Talmonim outpost, Israeli media reported. The attack was coordinated by text message, the Israeli daily Haaretz said, and the settlers began chanting "The police destroy nothing that belongs to Arabs. ""The rule of evil is persecuting the settlements. ""In 24 hours, we will set this place up anew. ""We will not be broken. "According to the daily, the assailants cut branches from nearby olive trees to make improvised weapons and began hurling stones. One of the settlers was appointed "security guard" to ensure no journalists were able to record the incident, Haaretz wrote. Rioters broke into the home of the Mazar family, trying to set fire to the car of family members trying to escape the violence and then. . . Nilin Protest Photo Wins Silver Camera Award PNN 26 Jan 2010 - Holland –Cris Toala Olivares, a Dutch citizen of Ecuadorian origin, has won the “Silver Camera Award” in the Foreign News category for a photo taken during a protest in Nilin Village in the West Bank in October 2009. The image is of a cluster of tear gas grenades exploding over a grove of Olive trees while demonstrators take cover.A private Twitter released... Jewish settlers uproot olive trees, IOF soldiers detain West Bankers PIC 26 Jan 2010 - Jewish settlers cut off 15 olive trees in Palestinian land in Deir Nizam village to the north west of Ramallah while Israeli occupation forces (IOF) abducted 7 Palestinians overnight. Settlers Uproot 15 Olive Trees Near Ramallah IMEMC 25 Jan 2010 - Tuesday January 26, 2010 - 00:49, A group of fundamentalist settlers uprooted on Sunday evening fifteen olive trees that belong to a resident of Dir Nitham village, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah. Nil’in photo takes top prize at Dutch contest 1/26/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - A Dutch photographer has won the Silver Camera Award in the foreign news category for his shot during a weekly demonstration against Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank village of Nil'in. The award is widely considered the foremost prize for press photography in the Netherlands. The photographer, Cris Toala Olivares, took the shot in October 2009 when he was in the West Bank for its annual olive harvest. He captured this moment when dozens of tear-gas canisters were shot at Palestinians in an olive grove in Nil'in. Olivares, a Dutch citizen originally from Ecuador, also visited the Gaza Strip in January 2009 and produced a series of photos during Israel's assault on the coastal enclave over the winter. . . . . Rula Halawani PNN 25 Jan 2010 - any of us see the relationship between the photographer and his/her subjects as if the camera were an extension of the photographer’s eye. In the case of Rula Halawani (1964), an internationally renowned Palestinian photographer who was born, raised, and continues to live in the Mount of Olives neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, the camera is not only an extension of her eye,... Israeli forces detain three journalists across the West Bank 1/23/2010 - Nablus - Ma'an - Israeli forces detained three journalists in separate incidents across the West Bank, as they complied news reports near settlements on Saturday. Al-Quds TV representatives said that a journalist and a cameraman were detained near the illegal settlement of Ariel, south of Nablus. Correspondent for Al-Quds TV Mus'ab Al-Khatib, 25, and Ahmad Al-Kilani, 23, who works for Pal Media, were arrested whilst preparing a news report about a university near the settlement that was recognized recently by Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers detained a Pal Media journalist on Saturday reporting on a demonstration organized by farmers from the At-Tuwani village to protest the recent destruction of an olive grove near the Israeli settlement outpost of Havot Ma'on, the Christian Peacemaking Team said in a statement. Demonstrators plant olive trees at al-Ma’asara, one arrested 1/24/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 22 January - This week's Friday demonstration in al-Ma'asara celebrated the Palestinian Day of the Tree. Some 70 demonstrators, Palestinian, Israeli and international, marched from the centre of the village towards the route of the Apartheid fence, carrying young olive trees to be planted in the lands near the fence. Amongst the demonstrators were Palestinian Minister of Agriculture Ismail Du'eik and other officials from the Bethlehem area. Shortly before reaching the soldiers who awaited the protest, demonstrators stopped to watch the minister plant two olive trees at the end of the built area in the village. The march then proceeded to meet with the larger than usual number of border policemen and soldiers, some of whom had taken over the rooftops of nearby houses, aiming guns at the demonstration. The minister and other demonstrators gave speeches in Arabic and Hebrew, and left two plants near the fence. Journalist arrested at peaceful tree-planting action 1/23/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Christian Peacemaker Team - On 23 January, Israeli soldiers declared Palestinian land south of the Israeli settlement outpost Havot Ma'on (Hill 833) a closed military zone, then arrested a Palestinian journalist from Pal Media. The journalist was reporting on a demonstration organized by Palestinians from the village of At-Tuwani after the recent destruction of an olive grove. Despite the Israeli military interventions, the Palestinians successfully planted 20 olive trees during their demonstration. While Palestinian farmers, accompanied by internationals, were planting olive trees, fifteen settlers approached the area, some carrying slingshots. Israeli soldiers and police also entered the area. The soldiers informed the Palestinians that the area was a closed military zone, showing them a map that encompassed a large area south of Havat Ma'on outpost. Tree-planting action to be held in At-Tuwani 1/20/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Christian Peacemaker Team - On Saturday 23 January Palestinians will demonstrate against the recent destruction of a grove of olive trees and plant new trees, in order to show their determination to continue accessing and cultivating their land. On the afternoon of 14 January Palestinians discovered that a family-owned olive grove in Khoruba valley had been destroyed. Twenty mature olive trees were broken at their trunks. The family believes that Israeli settlers from the Ma'on settlement and Havot Ma'on outpost are responsible for the vandalism. This is the fifth time since 1997 that settlers have destroyed the olive trees in this grove. This most recent attack on Palestinian agriculture follows a month of Israeli settler violence and harassment aimed at preventing Palestinian farmers from plowing their fields and thus earning their livelihoods. Palestinian film forum breaking the cultural siege on Gaza 1/17/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Bianca Zammit & Rada Daniell, ISM Gaza - The Palestinian Film Forum (the Forum) was established in 2004 as a branch of the Pal estinian Artists Union covering both Gaza and the West Bank. In the last couple of months it has intensified its activities aiming to achieve an ambitious list of tasks and ensure development of Palestinian cinematography and its networking with the other world cinematographies. The Forum recently organised the first film festival in Gaza in many years. The International Al Quds Film Festival took place between 21 and 23 December ‘09 and film makers from 11 Arab countries showed 52 documentary and feature films, two of which were made in cooperation with Spanish and Dutch filming associations. All films focused on Al Quds or Palestine and explored issues of life under siege and occupation and five of them were awarded Gold Olive prices. An Nabi Salih: resistance to settlement expansion met with military violence 1/16/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 15 January - Israeli forces must have anticipated the large response to the An Nabi Salih Popular Struggle's call out for international solidarity in their 4th consecutive Friday demonstration on January 15th. Three International Solidarity Movement (ISM) activists were turned away from the seldom-staffed partial checkpoint of "Atara, between Ramallah and An Nabi Salih. Fortunately, a back route was established and the group made it to the village, joining 10 other internationals, a dozen journalists and over 300 Palestinians. The hilltop village of An Nabi Salih has a population of approximately 500 residents and is located 30 kilometers northeast of Ramallah along highway 465. The demonstration protested the illegal seizure of valuable agricultural land and the January 9th, 2010 uprooting of hundreds of the village resident's olive trees by the Hallamish (Neve Zuf) settlement located on highway 465, opposite An Nabi Salih. " Palestinian Olive Grove Destroyed in the Night 1/16/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 15 January, Christian Peacemaker Team - In the afternoon of 14 January Palestinians discovered that a family owned olive grove in Khoruba valley had been recently destroyed. Twenty mature olive trees were broken at their trunks. The family believes that Israeli settlers from the Ma'on settlement and Havot Ma'on outpost are responsible for the vandalism. A Palestinian farmer informed internationals who documented the destruction that this was the fifth time since 1997 that settlers have destroyed the olive trees in this grove. He also stated that the trees would not be able to bear olives for at least three years. This most recent attack on Palestinian agriculture follows a month of Israeli settler violence and harassment aimed at preventing Palestinian farmers from plowing their fields and thus earning their livelihoods. Will you marry poor me 1/15/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - Eva Bartlett, Inter Press Service, 14 January - "If we had money we'd get married right away," says Samir*, 23. He has found his bride, but not the money to hold the wedding. The Israeli siege imposed shortly after Hamas's election in early 2006 has ruled out marriage for many. Palestinians traditionally marry young, between 18 and 25, but more and more now pass their mid-twenties single. With unemployment levels above 45 percent, and the price of most goods doubled or more, living, and marrying, are becoming unaffordable. Worsening living conditions under the siege are changing relationship patterns. While salaried work has traditionally been the man's role, many women have been adding to the family's income – or have sometimes been the sole provider – by selling hand-stitched embroidery. Groups such as Oxfam, the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee, and other social organisations have provided some of the poorest women with small gardens, sheep, rabbits or chickens to tend for food and for income. "This is life:" remembering earlier massacres in Gaza Uruknet January 14, 2010 - It's a sunny day in the border region east of Beit Hanoun. Aside from a glaring absence of the citrus and olive trees which for decades abounded on this fertile land, finally razed by Israeli military bulldozers, all seems idyllic. "This is the first time I've returned here since my friends were killed," Ahmad Hammad says.... Israeli bulldozers destroy agricultural land near settlement 1/13/2010 - Hebron - Ma'an - Israeli troops bulldozed four dunums of agricultural lands in Safa village north of Hebron Tuesday night, following an effort by Palestinian farmers to plant olive trees in the valley near Beit Ummar. Earlier Tuesday, troops advanced on the farmers planting trees, who responded to the encroachment by throwing rocks. According to an Israeli military spokesperson, the troops responded with "riot dispersal" mechanisms. Locals said a five-year-old planting trees suffered from shock when a tear gas canister detonated beside him. Media spokesman for the Palestinian solidarity project Muhammad Awad said troops uprooted trees and destroyed land on property belonging to the Abu Maria family and his brothers. An Israeli military spokeswoman said construction equipment did enter the area, but that it was there "extracting a stuck IDF vehicle. " . . . . Getting to the root of the conflict
Mondoweiss - 13 Jan 2010 - On January 11, the delegation I’m traveling with visited with Mohammed Jaradat of the BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights. He speaks in a deep, resonant voice and has sparkling olive green eyes that twinkle as he presents. He explains to the delegation... Israeli forces prevent farmers from planting trees with riot gear 1/12/2010 - Hebron - Ma'an - Two Palestinians and one child were injured on Tuesday as Israeli forces prohibited farmers from tending to their land in Safa village in the northern Hebron governorate, solidarity workers said. "While the farmers were planting olive trees, Israeli forces attacked them and clashes erupted between both sides," said media spokesman for the Palestine Solidarity Project Mohammad Awad. Two men sustained injuries from rubber bullets used by Israeli forces and Hisham Al-Khlayel, 5, was taken to hospital to undergo treatment for shock as a result of tear gas used by forces to disperse those present, Awwad said. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed the incident, saying troops responded to the group of farmers with "riot dispersal means," after youth threw rocks at the encroaching soldiers. He said there were no reports of injuries or damages, however. IOF troops bulldoze land in Gaza, detain Jerusalemites for planting olives Uruknet January 12, 2010 - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) advanced east of Shujaia suburb in Gaza city afternoon Tuesday and bulldozed Palestinian plantations, local sources said. They told the PIC reporter that the IOF troops escorted three military bulldozers, noting that the IOF soldiers fired three projectiles at cultivated lands east of Shujaia inflicting material damage. Meanwhile, IOF soldiers detained three... IOF troops bulldoze land in Gaza, detain Jerusalemites for planting olives PIC
12 Jan 2010 - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) advanced east of Shujaia suburb in Gaza city afternoon Tuesday and bulldozed Palestinian plantations, local sources said. IOF troops block planting olive trees, shoot at Palestinian driver PIC
12 Jan 2010 - Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Tuesday blocked Palestinian farmers and foreign solidarity activists from planting olive trees in Safa area to the north of Beit Ummar village, Al-Khalil district. Israeli forces demolish 17 buildings in northern West Bank 1/11/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 10 January - Israeli military forces have demolished 17 buildings in the Palestinian community of Khirbet Tana for the second time. This is the only the most recent chapter in a long struggle for the small agricultural community to keep their lands. The Israeli army arrived this morning to the village in a convoy of jeeps and bulldozers and razed 17 buildings to the ground. The demolished structures included family homes, children's classrooms and shelters for the village's livestock. Several olive trees were also razed to the ground. In a statement issued by the Israeli military, the buildings were had demolished due to the fact they were "illegally constructed structures" built on a military training ground, "endangering the lives of those present". Khirbet Tana centered around two natural springs, lying 7km east of Beit Furik in the Nablus area of the West Bank. Why Oliver Stone believes Hitler was an 'easy scapegoat' Ha'aretz
11 Jan 2010 - Director's new documentary seeking to put historical villains 'into context' has viewing world up in arms., Activists: Army prevents tree-planting near Hebron 1/11/2010 - Hebron - Ma'an - Israeli forces reportedly prohibited Palestinian farmers from planting 1,500 olive trees in the Abu Ar-Rish area of the Beit Ummar village near Hebron on Monday. "Despite the decision by an Israeli court allowing Palestinian farmers to work on their lands, Israeli troops banned farmers today from planting [olive trees]," said Muhammad Awad, media spokesman for the Palestine Solidarity Project. "The troops said that it is a closed military area," Awad said. The spokesman added that four journalists and three American activists were detained, as Israeli forces used stun grenades and closed off the area leading to the agricultural land in question. An Israeli military spokesman said he had no knowledge of the incident. . . . . Support Ahmad Mesleh & support independent media in Israel/Palestine
Mondoweiss - 11 Jan 2010 - (Photo: Ahmad Mesleh ) Last week I posted on the kick off of a new website from Israel/Palestine called The Daily Nuisance . The post featured an incredibly striking photo of a Palestinian protester holding an enormous Palestinian flag jumping off the stumps of a destoyed olive tree... Settlers desecrate olive groves in Burin Uruknet January 8, 2010 - 20 olive trees belonging to the Sufan family of Burin village were destroyed by settlers this morning. Burin, located in the northern West Bank, comes under frequent attack from the settlements of Yitzhar and Bracha enveloping the village. Under the cover of dark, settlers entered the olive groves of the Sufan family home at around 3am... Settlers desecrate olive groves in Burin 1/8/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - 20 olive trees belonging to the Sufan family of Burin village were destroyed by settlers this morning. Burin, located in the northern West Bank, comes under frequent attack from the settlements of Yitzhar and Bracha enveloping the village. Under the cover of dark, settlers entered the olive groves of the Sufan family home at around 3am and began chopping the trees. The attack is the third of its kind in the last two months, with the family losing 96 trees in November. The family's home sits on the southern tip of the village towards the hill ascending to Yitzhar settlement, and bears the brunt of their violent neighbours' attacks. It is the third attack of its kind in the last two months alone, with the family losing 96 of their olive trees in November directly after the harvest. The Sufan family has experienced harassment from the settlement almost from the. . . Army harassment at peaceful tree-planting in Qaryut 1/8/2010 - International Solidarity Movement - An overwhelming force of Israeli military soldiers converged on farmlands outside Qaryut today as villagers attempted to replenish their endangered lands with water and new olive trees. Despite the overbearing army presence, residents' convictions were strong enough for them to stand their ground and finish work for the day. Villagers entered the Qaryut's eastern farmlands following the midday prayer, carrying 200 baby olive trees donated by Palestinian Agricultural Relief and the Ministry of Agriculture. Facing the busy Nablus - Ramallah Road 60 route, and the Israeli settlements of Shilo and Eli behind them they set to work planting the new trees in the land oft neglected by farmers from fear of settler or army reprisal. As residents worked the land, others began clearing the large earth mound that had been constructed across the small dirt road serving as Qaryut's sole link to Road 60. Hanan’s eight-year battle with Yitzhar settlers 1/7/2010 - Nablus - Ma'an - On 5 May 2002, dozens of armed settlers from the Yitzhar settlement attacked the Safwan family, setting fire to their home, sending dogs into the home and damaging most of the furniture. Hanan Safwan, 49-years-old, recounted that her husband died on the spot that day in May, "ever since then," she lamented, "the attacks against this family have never stopped. "The family lives in the village of Burin, south of Nablus, a kilometer north of the Yitzhar settlement. "I can remember how my kids stood in panic and fear watching the fierce settlers' attack and seeing their father Adnan suffering a heart attack. . . he couldn't stand to see the home he build destroyed before his eyes," Hanan said. The most recent attack came last week, when a group of settlers snuck onto her family's property before sunrise, and uprooted 18 olive trees. De facto government opens Bissan Village, latest Gaza park 1/7/2010 - Gaza - Ma'an - A small zoo, swimming pool, park and picnic area make up the new Bissan Entertainment Village in northern Gaza, opened for families on Wednesday by the de facto government. Animals from the rapidly closing smuggling tunnels brought to Gaza via Egypt roam fresh pens in the 14 dunum area next to picnic areas and barbecue pits, as well as two new buildingshousing a shop and small recreation center. The park opening was attended by the local government's Minister of the Interior Fathi Hammad, Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Al-Agha, PLC member Ahmad Bahar and de facto police Chief Jamal Al-Jarrah amid a large festival to celebrate the event. The park is the first built since Israel's war on Gaza in December and January of 2008-9. A newly planted forest in the park includes dozens of olive trees with plaques dedicating each tree to a child from the northern neighborhood killed during the war. Israel approves Jerusalem settlement expansion 1/6/2010 - Bethlehem - Ma'an - The Israeli government approved on Wednesday the construction of a new settlement in the Palestinian town of Shufat, in occupied East Jerusalem. Israel Radio reported that the plan includes three new five-story buildings on a 5,000-meter plot of land, funded by Jewish American gambling tycoon Irving Moskovitz. On Tuesday Israel's Jerusalem Planning and Building committee approved the construction of four new settler buildings on the Mount of Olives, in the heart of East Jerusalem. Moskovitz was also behind the Mount of Olives project, which is intended to house 24 settler families adjacent to a Jewish religious school. Moskovitz caused a diplomatic storm last year when he obtained a permit to bulldoze East Jerusalem's historic Shepherd Hotel in order to build a settlement. Last week, the US, Europe, and other world powers condemned a plan announced. . . Hamas holds out olive branch to Fatah The National 5 Jan 2010 - On Gaza's streets – and even among its own ranks – the sentiment is rising that it is time for Hamas to reconcile with its secular rivals in the West Bank. Desmond Tutu calling for immediate release of Bil’in activist Abdallah Abu Rahmah 12/25/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 24 December - Elders' chair, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, has expressed his deep concern about the arrest and indictment of Abdallah Abu Rahmah of Bil'in and has called for his unconditional release. Abu Rahmah is a school teacher and coordinator of the Bil'in Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlements, which has carried out a five year campaign of non-violent protest and legal challenge against the wall that separates Israel from the West Bank. "My fellow Elders and I met Abu Rahmah and his colleague Mohammad Khatib in August when we visited Bil'in," said Desmond Tutu. "We were impressed by their commitment to peaceful political action, and their success in challenging the wall that unjustly separates the people of Bil'in from their land and their olive trees. I call on Israeli officials to release Abu Rahmah immediately and unconditionally. . . " [uruknet.info] Bethlehem's modern nativity scene - crib, wise men and separation wall Uruknet December 23, 2009 - The shelves of Bethlehem's tourist shops this winter are filled with the gifts you might expect. There are countless carved olive-wood crucifixes, angels and last suppers. But there are also unexpected nativity scenes complete with Joseph, Mary, crib, wise men and large Israeli concrete wall with military watchtower. Israel's vast separation barrier is at its most... Bethlehem's modern nativity scene – crib, wise men and separation wall PNN
24 Dec 2009 - Israel's security barrier, complete with looming watchtowers, has found its way into the nativity scenes on sale to tourists. The shelves of Bethlehem's tourist shops this winter are filled with the gifts you might expect. There are countless carved olive-wood crucifixes, angels and last suppers. But there are also unexpected nativity scenes complete with Joseph, Mary, crib, wise men and large Israeli... Peaceful olive harvest yields little 12/22/2009 - IRIN, Huwwara/Tel Aviv - Three hundred olive trees in Shaer's plot near the village of Jit in the West Bank's Nablus region are almost bare. There will be hardly any olives for his family this year, let alone any for sale. "We will pray for rain and wait," he said. He reckoned this year's crop would be less than a quarter of last year's "and last year it was not good at all. " Ahmed, an olive farmer form the Qalqiliya region, about 30 minutes drive from Tel Aviv, said the meager crop was not worth harvesting. "I can only hope for the future," he said. Palestinian olive farmers have been hit by a third consecutive bad or poor harvest. Normally, in this region, you get a good crop one year followed by a smaller yield the next year, but the two-year cycle appears to have been broken - exacerbated by a dry winter in 2008-2009, according to some experts. Demonstration outside Jelemeh prison in solidarity with arrested Palestinian grassroots activist 12/17/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - 16 December - A demonstration was held outside Jelemeh prison in Haifa today in protest against the arrest and imprisonment of grassroots activist Wa'el Al Faqeeh Abu As Sabe. Demonstrators planted olive trees and hung Palestinian flags and banners outside the prison gates, calling for the release of Palestinian political prisoners. The night that the army arrested Wa'el Al Faqeeh, they also arrested 8 other grassroot activists from Nablus and surrounding areas. 15km out of Haifa sits the notorious Jelemeh prison, known for its interrogation and ill-treatment of Palestinian political prisoners. International and Israeli activists gathered under grey skies outside the prison yesterday, beating drums and chanting pro-Palestinian slogans. Activists planted three olive trees outside the gates of the prison, in tribute to similar actions organised by Al Faqeeh in numerous West Bank villages. [uruknet.info] What did the trees do? Uruknet December 16, 2009 - Another incident of olive tree vandalism occurred in West Bank. Akram Na'san, a resident of the village of al-Mughayyir, north-east of Ramallah, discovered on Monday morning that approximately 260 Olive seedlings which he planted recently were uprooted and destroyed. Of them, approximately 190 were newly planted, and the rest were planted last year... Die on my Palestine land 12/16/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - Jody McIntyre, Ctrl. Alt. Shift - Fatima Mohammed Yassen, aged 49, is a farmer from Bil'in. Despite the crippling Israeli occupation of her village, she continues to work her land, along with her husband, on a daily basis. Jody McIntyre spoke to Im Khamis, as she is known to local villagers, in her home in Bil'in: Did you have land behind the Wall? Yes! BeforeIsrael started construction of the Wall in Bil'in, my family had 45 dunams (1 dunam = 1000 square metres) of land, all of them filled with olive trees. My husband's family had 50 dunams, which were a mixture of olive groves and vegetable patches, as well as another 50 dunams of land which was stolen after 1967 (after the war of this year, Israel began it's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza). When the Israeli army were building the Wall on our land, they stole land. . . Lives and Livelihoods at Stake: Palestinians Again Confronted by Violence and Repression During the Annual Olive Harvest 12/16/2009 - Al-Haq - Al-Haq is pleased to present its report on the 2009 Olive Harvest: ‘Lives and Livelihoods at Stake: Palestinians Again Confronted by Violence and Repression During the Annual Olive Harvest. The report provides an overview of incidents that occurred during this year‘s harvest season collected by field workers on the ground in the West Bank. It presents a synopsis of the violations of international law committed by Israeli settlers and Israeli Occupation Forces during the months of the harvest, and in one case of land confiscation, before the start of the season. -- Link: Click here to read the report (PDF) [end] Al-Habbash calls mosque arson ’war crime’ 12/12/2009 - Nablus - Ma'an - Palestinian Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Mahmoud Al-Habbash visited the mosque set on fire allegedly by settlers early Friday morning in the northern West Bank village of Yasuf, and described the incident as a "war crime"¯ in a statement issued on Saturday following his visit. The minister further asserted that the arsonists necessitated prosecution and punishment in international courts, he said. Al-Habbash accused the Israeli government of supporting the "terrorism of settlers who are corrupting the West Bank, burning Palestinian olive orchards, and attack Palestinian villages with the support and protection of the Israeli army,"¯ he said in a statement. The minister added that the "Yasuf village suffers from constant attacks by settlers. " ¯During his visit, Al-Habbash relayed President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority's praise. . . Demonstrators to protest arrest of prominent grassroots activist Wa’el Al Faqeeh Abu As Sabe 12/13/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - A demonstration will be held outside Jelemeh Prison in Haifa at 12pm, Monday 14 December 2009, to protest the arrest of prominent grassroots Palestinian activist Wa'el Al Faqeeh Abu As Sabe. Al Faqeeh, renowned throughout the Nablus region for his tireless campaigning and non-violent action against the Israeli occupation, was kidnapped from his home by Israeli Occupation Forces in the night of Tuesday, 8 December. Al Faqeeh is now being held at Jelemeh Prison in Haifa, Israel. The prison is notorious for its ill-treatment of prisoners, in particular Palestinian political prisoners. Protesters will gather outside the prison at 12pm, Monday 14 December, to protest the persecution and imprisonment of Al Faqeeh. Protesters plan to plant olive trees outside the prison, in celebration of Al Faqeeh's organisation of numerous tree-planting actions in Palestinian villages close to settlements. IOF demolish eight homes, number of tents in Negev region PIC
9 Dec 2009 - The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Monday demolished eight Palestinian homes as well as tents and uprooted dozens of olive saplings in different areas of the occupied Negev region. Israeli Occupation Forces Demolish Eight Homes, Tents In Negev Region 12/8/2009 - Political Theatrics - PIC - The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Monday demolished eight Palestinian homes as well as tents and uprooted dozens of olive saplings in different areas of the occupied Negev region. Different Palestinian local sources reported that Israeli bulldozers knocked down seven homes and uprooted dozens of olive saplings in Al-Araqeeb village and demolished another home in Umm Mitnan village. They also said that the Israeli troops tore down tents of Palestinian citizens in the village of Taweel Abu Jarwal for the 37th time and delivered 13 demolition orders against homes in an area near the village of Umm Numeila. “We rebuild as soon as the troops who demolish leave the area. We will not leave our land for it is our life or be deterred by demolitions in all circumstances, though we were left in the rain and cold,” Mohamed Talalqah, one of Taweel Abu Jarwal residents, said. [Uruknet 60831 07-dec-2009 15:46 ECT] Rabbi allows stealing Palestinian crops and water Uruknet December 7, 2009 -- The PA agriculture ministry has strongly condemned Sunday a new religious edict issued by a rabbi allowing Israeli settlers to steal Palestinian olive crops and to poison Palestinian water. Mohsen Abu Eita, the ministry's under-secretary for natural resources, asserted in a statement that Israeli rabbis permit the settlers to steal the Palestinian olive trees and crops... Rabbi allows stealing Palestinian crops and water PIC
7 Dec 2009 - The PA agriculture ministry has strongly condemned Sunday a new religious edict issued by a rabbi allowing Israeli settlers to steal Palestinian olive crops and to poison Palestinian water. Bostoner Rebbe Levi Yitzhak Horowitz dies at 88 Jeruslalem Post
5 Dec 2009 - First US-born hassidic master brought many closer to Judaism, laid to rest at J'lem's Mount of Olives. [Uruknet 60780 05-dec-2009 02:07 ECT] Report: 14000 Palestinian olive trees subjected to Israeli aggression in 2009 Uruknet December 4, 2009 - A Palestinian research centre, specialised in monitoring Israeli violations, revealed that the Israeli occupation authorities destroyed 14000 olive trees in the Palestinian territories during 2009. Such assaults included the uprooting of thousands of olive trees, for the sake of expanding the Israeli settlements, and the burning and cutting of thousands more by settlers. In a report... Sailors return to UK after Iran detention Daily Star
4 Dec 2009 Four British yachtsmen seized by Iran returned to Britain on Friday, saying it was "great to be back," as they planned a trip to the pub. Oliver Smith, 31, Oliver Young, 21, Sam Usher, 26, and Luke Porter, 21, flew back into London Heathrow Airport from Dubai. Along with David Bloomer, a Bahrain-based radio journalist, they were detained by Revolutionary Guards on November 25 and freed Wednesday. Middle East conflict played out in the olive groves PNN
3 Dec 2009 - Akram Imran says the Jewish settlers came at night. I came to work in the early morning. It was a horrible sight, a massacre of trees, he said. Some of them are at least 70 years old. Climbing over a heap of withered branches in his olive grove on a rocky hillside near the village of Burin, the Palestinian farmer said they... Craftsmen carve out their corner in Egypt
LA Times 30 Nov 2009 - With almost no unemployment, Damietta, a center of handmade furniture, is an anomaly in Egypt. But the $1-billion industry, reliant on exports, is feeling the squeeze of the global downturn. Chisel, scrape, chisel, scrape. Olive harvest 2009: army better prepared AlJazeera
25 Nov 2009 - This year, security forces were better prepared to protect farmers from settler violence during the olive harvest in the West Bank. However, they continued to limit Palestinian farmers' access to land lying near settlements or on the other side of the Sep Expired olive oil and produce confiscated in Hebron 11/26/2009 - Hebron - Ma'an - Palestinian officials confiscated 50 containers of expired olive oil and a significant quantity of expired produce in downtown Hebron, according to the Committee of Local Market Officials on Thursday. The committee, consisting of various Ministry of Economy departments including the Department of Consumer Protection and the Economic Department of the Palestinian security police, conducted an investigation into the produce sold in Hebron markets to ensure that groceries were consumable for the Eid Al-Adha holiday, the committee told Ma'an. The committee added that they will further investigate all Hebron markets on Thursday to guarantee the Palestinian consumer is not at risk of consuming perished produce. The inquiry follows a long line of similar inspections conducted across the West Bank where large quantities of expired goods have been confiscated by the Ministry of Economy. [uruknet.info] Rights group: 69 cases of Palestinian olive trees destroyed, but no prosecutions Uruknet November 25, 2009 - The human rights organization Yesh Din says not one of the 69 complaints filed during the past four years on damage to Palestinians' trees in the West Bank has resulted in an indictment. The organization released a report on the matter Tuesday and makes specific reference to damage caused to olive groves, central to the livelihood... OPT: Harvesting olives in the West Bank - Not as simple as it sounds Relief Web
25 Nov 2009 - Source: ICRC Harvest under Fire 11/1/2009 - This Week in Palestine - November 2009 - Compiled by the Palestinian Grassroots - Immatin is a small village of nearly 2,500 people that is nestled in the hills east of Qalqilia. Like so many other villages in Qalqilia, Immatin’s recent history is marred by stories of confiscated lands, uprooted olive trees, and the approach of the Wall, which threatens to isolate 10,000 of the village’s 27,000 dunums. To make matters worse, the people of Immatin have the misfortune of living just south of the Qedumim settlement. Founded by the religious settlement movement Gush Emunim in 1975, Qedumim is populated by settlers infamous for their violence, which inevitably increases during the olive harvest. These settlers were responsible for nearly a dozen attacks during last year’s harvest, when they burned and blocked access to fields and attacked farmers with sticks and stones. In just two weeks last October, Qedumim settlers perpetrated three attacks in Immatin. -- Links: This Week in Palestine (PDF) Twilight Zone / Mourning uprooted olive trees in West Bank villages Ha'aretz
20 Nov 2009 - The old tractor sputtered up the hill, its engine seemingly about to expire, but its big wheels bumping across the rocky terrain. We stood in the back, swaying wildly, holding on for dear life. On the hilltop loomed the big antenna of the settlement of Yitzhar, whose houses lay on the other side of the hill. The very knowledge of their presence inspired dread. It was a glorious sunny day, the spectacular valley sprawling below. The houses of the Palestinian village of Burin lie in this valley, which lies between two hills: on one stands Yitzhar; on the other, Har Bracha, outside Nablus. ... West Is East, When Israel Decides 11/19/2009 - Antiwar.com - The family received no compensation for the takeover. - JERUSALEM — Along a wall not about to come down — a hotel no longer a hotel, but an outpost. The three-story, 36-room Cliff Hotel used to be a favorite for Western pilgrims in search of the "authentic Holy Land flavor" because of its extensive gardens; it was a favorite also among Jerusalem Palestinians for wedding parties. Perched on a hillock opposite the biblical Mount of Olives, The Cliff offered (still offers) imposing views — eastward through the Judean desert down to the Dead Sea and up the mountains of Moab across the Jordan River; southwards to the church spires of Bethlehem; and westwards to the walled Old City and the Golden Dome of the Rock. Five years ago, in the wake of the Palestinian Intifadah uprising, Israel began to build its concrete security wall to fend off would-be bombers coming into Jerusalem. al-Ma’sara demonstrates against the Apartheid Wall 11/17/2009 - International Solidarity Movement - The al-Ma'sara Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements, 13 November - In memory of the fifth year since the death of Yaser Arafat, who was poisoned by the Israeli army, villagers of Al-Ma'sara gathered today along with Israeli and international activists in protest against the illegal Apartheid Wall and settlement building. The protesters raised Palestinian flags and banners demanding that farmers be allowed to access their lands to pick olives. As every Friday for the past three years, they were intercepted by Israeli soldiers who had put up a fence of barb wire at the entrance to the village, effectively cutting off the villager's access to their lands. Demonstrators chanted against the discriminatory policies of the occupation and reminded that only this morning, farmers who were picking olives on their lands in the surrounding villagers were harassed by settlers while Israeli soldiers stood by.
Palestinians to sell first fair trade product
Nick Mathiason, The Observer, The Guardian 12/28/2008
The glimmers of an economic revival for Palestinians will grow early next year with the launch of their first fair trade product. Fair trade olive oil will hit the shops in 2009 as tourist numbers in Bethlehem reach their highest levels for a decade. Israeli and Palestinian officials report economic growth for the occupied territories of 4-5% and a drop in the unemployment rate of at least three percentage points. [sic] Palestinian farmers face barriers to carrying out normal agricultural activities caused through restrictions in movement and water shortages. Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said: "We hope this will be the first of many more fair trade products coming from the world’s conflict zones and least-developed countries. If so, it will help to catalyse markets and make a real economic difference to the communities that need it most. more..e-mailPalestinian olive farmers welcome decision of not importing foreign olive oil
Palestinian Information Center 9/6/2008
RAMALLAH, (PIC)-- News on the decision of the agriculture ministry in the legitimate PA caretaker government of premier Ismail Haneyya of halting the importation of foreign olive oil have relieved Palestinian olive farmers in the Gaza Strip. For their part, Palestinian olive farmers in the West Bank considered the report as good omens for them, hoping that they could be included in the decision as importation of foreign olives and olive oil badly affected the local products. Dr. Mohammed Al-Agha, the agriculture minister in Gaza, asserted that the decision was meant to protect the local product of olives and olive oil in order to enhance the steadfastness of the Palestinian farmer on his land. The ministry also specified specific dates for harvesting and processing olives in both Gaza Strip and the West Bank governorates. more..e-mailExpired dates and pickled olives seized in Nablus
Ma’an News Agency 9/2/2008
Nablus – Ma’an – The Palestinian Preventive Security forces on Tuesday afternoon seized 46 tons of dates and pickled olives with expired validity dates. The goods were confiscated from a warehouse in the eastern neighborhood of Nablus. The director of the Preventive Security’s operations, Yasser Al-Bulbul, told Ma’an, “The economic department of the Preventive Security service received information about a truckload of pickled olives coming from Egypt. After inspections, we knew where the truck was unloaded and we stormed the place accompanied with representatives of the Ministry of Health. ”A Ministry of Health employee told Ma’an’s reporter that 16 tons of dates and 30 tons of pickled olives were seized. more..e-mailOxfam, Palestinian farmers discuss project to improve olive oil quality with An-Najah University
Ma’an News Agency 5/30/2008
Nablus - Salfit - Ma’an - A delegation from Oxfam and the Union of Palestinian Farmers’ Societies visited An-Najah National University on Friday to discuss a project to improve the quality of Palestinian olive oil for the local and export markets. The delegation included Thomas Kazalis, coordinator of the Oxfam’s olive oil quality project, as well as Haitham Hassassneh and engineer Mahmoud Abu ’Assba. The delegation was received by Dr Sulaiman Khalil, general coordinator of the scientific centers at An-Najah, along with Dr Hassan Abu Qa’oud and Dr Munqeth Shtayeh from the Faculty of Agriculture, and Dr Nidal Za’tar, director of the Chemical and Biological Analysis Center. The attendees discussed coordination of the project, which aims to develop the quality of Palestinian olive oil in order to better market it for export to other countries. more..e-mailArtas Lettuce Festival
Kristen Ess, Palestine News Network 4/10/2008
Hundreds of Palestinians spent Thursday afternoon in Bethlehem’s Artas Village, surrounded by the mountains and an Italian-built monastery. The occasion was the annual "Artas Lettuce Festival. "Also on display are tradition crafts. An elderly woman cuts huge heads of lettuce from both outside and inside greenhouses. On a makeshift stage is the Governor of Bethlehem, Salah Tamari, and several other dignitaries. Speeches denounced the occupation and its measures to destroy Palestinian life. Others spoke of the persistence of the Palestinian farmer and the beauty of showcasing local goods. The elderly woman, who says she does not like to talk about politics, said that she sells her lettuce in Bethlehem, and when it’s not lettuce season she does the same with cucumbers and eggplant. This is a pesticide free zone, with organic farming practices being the norm. more..e-mailUnique glass mosaic unveiled after restoration in Caesarea
Nadav Shragai, and The Associated Press, Ha’aretz 1/28/2008
Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) has restored a unique 1,400-year-old glass mosaic, which was discovered in 2005 during excavation of the ancient Bird Palace in Caesarea, Haaretz has learned. Yael Gurin-Rosen, head of the IAA’s glass department, said that the mosaic panel is the first of its kind to be excavated in Israel, and due to the quality of its preservation, given its age, and its gleaming, gilded craftsmanship indicating Christian origins, it is most likely the only one in the world. "It’s a unique find, a piece of art," Joseph Patrich, professor of Archaeology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. "It’s in its original state," Patrich said, "because the panel fell face down, protecting its green, blue and gold facade from debris and damage." "The mosaic is particularly important because the small colored tiles forming... more..Bethlehem makes best of Christmas despite Israeli policies
Middle East Online 12/19/2007
BETHLEHEM, West Bank - Bethlehem souvenir store owner Mike Canawati is gearing up for his merriest Christmas in years.
A steady stream of pilgrims are trickling into his shop, snapping up olive wood crosses and nativity scenes as keepsakes from the town revered as Jesus’s birthplace.
Business isn’t booming. But sales are brisk, which is good enough for Canawati, who was forced to shut up shop altogether for two years when tourism slumped during the early years of a Palestinian uprising -- or Intifada -- that erupted in 2000 as reaction to Israeli policies and long occupation. The Israeli army exercised excessive use of force to silence Palestinian protest. But this Christmas they showed less hostility against the West Bank.
"More peace means more tourists," said Canawati, wrapping a plastic cherub for a customer as a jazzed-up version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" filtered through the loudspeakers with its message of pilgrimage to Bethlehem. more..Fires rage throughout western Galilee; arson suspected in some cases
Jack Khoury, Ha’aretz 6/24/2007
Dozens of dunams of fields and groves burned Saturday as brush fires raged throughout the western Galilee. The high temperatures made it difficult for firefighters to put out the blazes, and in some cases the teams were assisted by planes. Fires broke out near the communities of Sakhnin and Karmiel, Dir el-Assad and Abu Sna’an, but did not pose any danger to residents. Amir Levy, spokesman for the firefighter squad in the western Galilee, said that in some of the situations, arson was suspected, but a formal investigation has not been opened yet. In the Kiryat Ata forest and in the olive groves belonging to Kibbutz Yochanan, 60 dunams were ruined. Arson is suspected because of an ongoing dispute between the kibbutz and shepherds from the area over usage of the nearby fields. more..Iran to buy 5,000 tons of Palestinian olive oil, Palestinian agriculture minister reveals
Ma’an News Agency 2/22/2007
Ramallah - The Palestinian minister of agriculture, Dr. Muhammad Ramadan Al-Agha, has described the agricultural sector as "the backbone of the Palestinian economy". Al-Agha’s statements came during a speech he delivered over the phone in a meeting of the Palestinian Council of Olives and Oil, held in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Wednesday. Al-Agha also described the Palestinian olive oil as a strategic commodity of the national economy due its high quality taste, color and odor. Consequently, the agriculture ministry has placed great importance on planting olive trees and producing quality olive oil products. He added that the ministry has succeeded, through its communication with local, regional and international bodies, to market large quantities of the Palestinian territories’ surplus olive oil for this year. more..Winter Traditions in Palestine
By Wilhelmina & George Baramk, This Week in Palestine 2/7/2007
Dear Kyoto, In reply to your letter which we received a few days ago and in which you wrote at length about the traditions of your country, Japan, mainly the ceremonial way of preparing tea, the arrangement of flowers in their simple yet elegant way, and the traditional dishes that accompany religious festivities, we would like to tell you about the many culinary and cultural traditions that we, in Palestine, have. In the cold and gloomy winter season we have a variety of traditional dishes, starting with the crushed lentil (adas majroosh) soup prepared by slightly browning chopped onion in olive oil and then adding the crushed lentils, stirring for a few minutes, adding water, salt and boiling the mixture till well cooked. The accompanying side dish for this soup is the rayyaneh, prepared from simple bread dough cut into 2” balls and spread by hand... more..Olive season absorbs unpaid employees, reducing unemployment in the 4th quarter of 2006
Ma’an News Agency 2/7/2007
Bethlehem – The report of the "Labour Force" quarterly survey for the fourth quarter of 2006 has been published. During the period of mass worker’s strikes and school closure, many Palestinians found work helping with the annual olive harvest. The full report now follows: Data was collected between 7/10/2006 and 5/01/2007, representing the 4th quarter, 2006. The survey sample of this round is based on the 1997 census (updated 2003). 7,563 households were selected to represent Palestinian society, of which 6,571 questionnaires were completed. Main changes in the labour market: The 4th quarter 2006 testified to dramatic changes in the labour market, which occurred due to the strike of the public sector employees, and at the same time the closure of schools. Countering this, the olive season was prosperous... more..Economic statistics in the Palestinian territories, sampled during the fourth quarter of 2006
Ma’an News Agency 2/7/2007
Bethlehem - The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, has released the results of its labour force survey, conducted from October to December 2006. The olive season produced jobs, which reduced unemployment in the fourth quarter of 2006. The survey sample of this is based on the 1997 census (updated in 2003); 7,563 households were selected to represent the Palestinian society, of which 6,571 questionnaires were completed. Main changes in the labour market: The 4th quarter of 2006 experienced essential changes in the labour market, which occurred due to the strike in public sector and the closure of schools. Conversely, the olive season was lucrative, which was substituted lost incomes and provided temporary employment to families. more..Opening "the blessed tree" exhibition at the Plaza marketing center
Ma’an News Agency 1/25/2007
Ramallah - Chief of the union of Palestinian chambers of commerce, Ahmad Hashim, has on Thursday opened an exhibition of products of the olive tree, entitled "the blessed tree". The general manager of the Palestinian organization of marketing centers, Zuheir Al-Eseily, also took part in the opening ceremony. The exhibition has been organized by the Palestinian center for economic and social development, in cooperation with other institutions, such as Care international, the Australian agency for development and the Swedish cooperative center. The director of the marketing department in the Palestinian center, Fadi Mousa, said that the exhibition aims to support rural production "and to strengthen the Palestinian attachment to the blessed olive tree." [end]
Palestinian social fund supporting Gaza Strip women and traditional embroidery
Palestine News Network 1/25/2007
The Social Responsibility Fund and the Palestinian Communications Group are making gestures in solidarity with women and traditional crafts. -- The project is based in the Gaza Strip to “protect cultural heritage” and is providing sewing machines, embroidery materials and other essentials for the traditional embroidery sewn by generations of Palestinian women. A delegation included official from the Gaza Social Responsibility Fund, Mohammad Saleem, Rafiq Falouji from the company that supplies the fabric, head of the solidarity mission, Maha Abu Ramadan, and Director General of Cultural Contributions in the Communications Group, Anwar Mahila. The donation comes in support of the cultural sector and for job creation in the sector of heritage and women’s development. more..Ramallah municipality plants one thousand olive trees
International Middle East Media Center 1/15/2007
Ramallah municipality and the Palestinian pharmaceutical company Bier Ziet organized a campaign on monday to plant one thousand olive trees in the city of Ramallah in the central West Bank. Janet Micha’el, the Mayor of the city said that this action is being taken in order to maintain the healthy and balanced environment of the city, and she added that the action is a part of campaign to make the city green. Micha’el thanked the Palestinian pharmaceutical company Bier Ziet for the donation of the trees and everyone who helped in the action and encouraged the residents of the city to protect the trees and help in keeping them alive. Palestinian pharmaceutical company Bier Ziet sarted a national level campaign recently to plant olive trees all over the Palestinian areas under the slogan of "Lets make Palestine green." more..The olive harvest in the West Bank and Gaza - Oct 2006
ReliefWeb/United Nations 11/3/2006
31 Oct 2006 -- Olives, a centuries-old mainstay of the Palestinian economy, are in peak season for harvest from the middle of October to the beginning of November. Forty-five percent of Palestinian agricultural land (228,560 acres/914,235 dunums) is planted with olive trees. This year’s olive harvest is a source of hope for a community with over 2/3 of its population living in poverty (less than $2. 7/day). As a bumper crop year, the olive industry promises to contribute over 118 million USD (based on 2003/4 figures) to the fragile West Bank economy - 22 percent of total agricultural production.... Israeli movement restrictions, like the closures and the Barrier, which Israel has stated are meant to protect Israeli citizens, raise concerns over the ability of Palestinian farmers to complete this cycle.... Destruction and Uprooting of Trees... more..West Bank rain welcomed by olive farmers
Ma’an News 10/27/2006
Qalqiliya - Welcome rain continued to fall in the northern West Bank on Thursday following storms on Wednesday. Following the rain, local farmers in the Qalqiliya governorate were optimistic about the current olive harvest, hoping that the price of olive oil would rise in response. They said that they hoped that the price of one kilogram of olive oil would be between US $3. 5 and $ 4. 5 this year. For most Palestinians farmers, the olive harvest is their primary source of income for the year and the price of olive oil has a significant impact on their livelihood for the whole year. [end]
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