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. Olive trees are a symbol of the life of the Palestinian, and their destruction by Israeli forces is an attempt to de-root the Palestinians from their land.
The economic impact of Israeli policies on the olive sector has been massive - over 10 million dollars lost to damage in the past two years, and millions more to Israel's barring farmers from their land. And these policies are designed to have impact not just now, but for years to come - 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 and landowners 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 the injustice of Israeli occupation that has stolen life, not only from Palestinians but also from Israelis.
The Olive Harvesting Campaign, part of the people's nonviolent resistance to the occupation, will be from October 15 - November 15 2002. Orientation and training will be held on October 13 and 14. Please register to join at http://www.palsolidarity.org
The olive is the lifeline of the Palestinian people. Come to Palestine and help Palestinians endure by joining them in concert with their land.
Those people interested in training in Manchester should email uksolidarity@yahoo.co.uk for more information.