Olive harvest initiative reaffirms commitment to justice and peace in the Holy Land

The objective of the initiative is to express solidarity and raise public awareness of the constraints and injustices Palestinians endure, along with continuous threats, harassments and vandalization of their land and property.

« The olive harvest is highly significant for the Palestinian communities of the West Bank. It brings people together in a joyful and festive mood around one of their most important traditional sources of income. Harvesting under safe and peaceful conditions is critical for the lives and livelihoods of Palestinian farmers and their families, » says interim WCC general secretary, Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca.

The WCC invites all member churches, partners and people of good will to join the initiative and come together in prayer for peace and justice, and a rich olive harvest.

While farmers are busy bringing in their harvests, traditionally this is also a time to celebrate and be grateful for the fruits of life that the olive trees provide. What makes this year different is that restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the absence of onsite accompaniers since March, has compounded the vulnerability of Palestinian communities in the occupied territories. Still, the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (WCC-EAPPI) and its partners remain firmly committed to promoting peace and justice for Palestinians living under occupation. The situation on ground for vulnerable communities will continue to be monitored and communicated, while physical accompaniment will be resumed as soon as restrictions are lifted.

« The olive harvest season provides an opportunity to once again remind the world about the hardships and injustices the Palestinian people face under occupation. In a time dominated by concerns around COVID-19, this initiative sends a clear signal that the Palestinian people are not forgotten and that the Christian fellowship will continue to raise its voice against oppression and violations of human rights. It is a vital part of our Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, » Sauca explains.

The olive harvest initiative is launched in close cooperation with ecumenical partners worldwide, as well as local churches and faith communities.

You are cordially invited to the initiative launch webinar!

On Wednesday 21 October the World Council of Churches hosts a webinar open to the public covering the cultural, economic and spiritual aspects of the olive harvest. You can find the details here.

To participate on social media, use #PeacefulHarvest and follow the WCC and EAPPI @worldcouncilofchurches @oikoumene @eappi.

More details about the initiative including a link to a social media kit and other resources can be found here.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE INITIATIVE AND SHOWING SUPPORT TO THE PALESTINIANS!

The original post by the WCC is here.