Destroying Olive Trees: A Strategy of Dispossession
You might think of Olive Trees as just another crop, but in Palestine, they are the lifeblood of our communities - a vital part of our economy, culture, and history. These ancient trees, some over a thousand years old, are living symbols of our deep connection to the land. Their systematic destruction is not just an attack on our heritage but a deliberate assault to dispossess us of our land.
Over 800,000 Olive Trees have been destroyed by Israeli forces and settlers since 1967. This isn't random vandalism; it's a calculated effort by Israel to erase our presence and claim our land. By destroying our Olive Trees and restricting our access to our own fields, authorities can deem these lands as "uncultivated." Under Israeli laws, such land can be confiscated, paving the way for settlement expansion and further displacing Palestinian communities.
In the occupied West Bank, policies make it nearly impossible for Palestinians to plant new Olive Trees or even access our lands during critical farming seasons. The construction of settlements and the Separation Wall has seized thousands of acres of our agricultural land, fragmenting our communities and isolating us from our resources.
Olive Trees are not just agricultural crops - they're part of who we are. Destroying them is an attempt to sever our connection to the land, erase our history, and displace us from our ancestral homes. The loss of these trees also devastates our economy. Olive farming is a cornerstone of our livelihood, contributing to about 14% of our agricultural income. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Palestinian olive oil production has dropped by up to 50% in some years due to tree uprootings, land confiscations, and restricted access to farmlands. This drastic decline affects thousands of families who rely on olive farming for their income and undermines the stability of our entire community.
"Free the Olive Trees" isn't just about saving trees. It's about resisting a systematic assault to dispossess us, standing up for our right to exist on our land, and preserving our culture against deliberate erasure. By defending the Olive Tree you're taking a stand against injustice and protecting the very roots of Palestinian heritage.
Free the Olive Tree. Free Palestine.
