Invitation
YOUR PRESENCE IS NEEDED FOR THE OLIVE HARVEST IN PALESTINE
Resisting the Occupation by Insisting on Life
Throughout the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinian land has been and continues to be confiscatedby the Israeli government. Illegal Israeli colonies are built on occupied Palestinian land;more land is confiscated to build roads that encircle Palestinian villages but are not for useby Palestinians; Palestinians are locked up in their towns and villages as Israeli soldiersstand guard; Palestinians are not allowed to access their own property; crops go bad and thePalestinian economy worsens; oppression is ingrained but not accepted.
Since October 2000, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian trees have been bulldozed,uprooted or set ablaze by Israeli soldiers and settlers – 200,000 of these olive trees. Olivetrees are a symbol of the life of the Palestinian, and their destruction by Israeli forces is anattempt to de-root the Palestinians from their land.
The economic impact of Israeli policies on the olive sector has been massive – over 10 milliondollars lost to damage in the past two years, and millions more to Israel’s barring farmersfrom their land. And these policies are designed to have impact not just now, but for years tocome – olive trees produce for generations.
This year we are calling on you to join us for the olive harvest in Palestine.
With international accompaniment, we can help ensure that Palestinian farmers andlandowners are not met with brutal and sometimes lethal violence as they attempt to till.
With your help and participation we will undertake a campaign to highlight to the world theinjustice of Israeli occupation that has stolen life, not only from Palestinians but alsofrom Israelis.
The Olive Harvesting Campaign, part of the people’s nonviolent resistance to theoccupation, will be from October 15 – November 15, 2002. Orientation and training will be heldon October 13 and 14. Please register to join us at www.palsolidarity.org . For moreinformation, please contact info@palsolidarity.org or see: www.palsolidarity.org,www.rapprochement.org , www.palestinemonitor.org .
The olive is the lifeline of the Palestinian people. Come to Palestine and help Palestiniansendure by joining them in concert with their land.
Important Notes:
- It is recommended that you stay for at least two weeks, though if this is not possible, your presence anytime throughout the duration of the campaign is appreciated.
- It will cost you approximately $150 per week for food, accommodation and travel in Palestine.
- Training and orientation is mandatory for participation.
More information available on website – www.palsolidarity.org