Since the Israeli occupation of the West Bank in 1967, Palestinian farmers have lost thousands of acres of land – confiscated for illegal Israeli settlements or by military order for ‘security’ reasons. Hundreds of thousands of olive trees have been destroyed in the process. Many have been deliberately burnt or uprooted by Israeli settlers – as land without a tended crop is easier to claim as vacant and seize.
We’re working to replace trees destroyed by the conflict and prevent more land from being confiscated. Planting saplings on fields at risk of confiscation means Palestinian farmers can continue to work their land, which helps maintain the farmers’ rights to their own land. It also preserves an important source of income and sustenance.
Since 7th October attacks and the war in Gaza, Israeli authorities have taken advantage of the turmoil to further tighten their hold on the West Bank. More land is under threat of seizure and the olive planting and harvesting seasons have become increasingly difficult. Movement restrictions have prevented farmers from accessing their land and in 2023 this left more than 96,000 dunums of olive groves uncultivated. Settler attacks on farmers and their trees have also increased significantly with the UN reporting that hundreds of trees were burned or cut down during the most recent harvest.
Olive trees have long been symbols of Palestinian culture and resilience, and many Palestinians are turning to farming, and planting olive trees, as a direct way to defend their heritage and preserve their land.
The olive tree is a universal symbol of peace. It is also a
powerful symbol of Palestinian rootedness in their land. Olive trees have been
a major source of income for Palestinians for centuries, with the trees
covering over 50% of agricultural land. The olive and olive oil industry
supports the livelihoods of around 100,000 Palestinian families.
But in the political turmoil of the Middle East today, trees
that have survived hundreds of years have become casualties in the
struggle for the control of the land.
One olive sapling, the provision of irrigation pipes and water access, Assistance with planting, as well as classes for farmers, helping them improve production and employ best techniques for olive tree care.
What you receive:
A gift card, to keep or pass on as a gift, which contains details on how to register your tree.
A planting certificate.*
Information about the land and farming community where your tree is planted.
Information on our annual Olive Planting and Harvesting visits – this is your opportunity to visit your tree in person and meet the people whose lives have been changed by your generosity.
Email updates on The Olive Tree Project and related work.
[*NB: Trees sponsored after the end of Jan will not be planted until spring of the following year.
Planting certificates can only be sent once planting season is complete and all information has been collated; those who have registered olive trees throughout the year will usually receive their certificates from summer onwards.]