Olive Tree as a Palestinian Identity

Olive trees have an ancient presence in Palestine. Some of the trees found in Palestinian orchards today date as far back as 500-1,000 years.

Palestinian farmers work long and hard to build plateaus on the mountain sides to prevent soil erosion. Olive trees are planted in these plateaus. The roots of olive trees spread far and wide also preventing soil erosion.

Palestinian olive orchards are nurtured as part of the family as they are passed on through generations and represent their heritage and connection to the land and to their own personal history. Palestinians consume olive oil daily in their diets and along with Zaa’tar (thyme) is the daily breakfast of almost every Palestinian farmer.

The olive tree has gained an iconic status in Palestinian culture in recent history. As the challenge and denial of a distinct Palestinian identity have lead Palestinians to exemplify themselves in their ancient olive tree entrenched in the land of Palestine for as long as they have been entrenched in Palestine.

Today many Palestinian girls and boys hang the olive trees as a gold pendant around their necks.

Prior to this current Intifada (uprising), Palestinian schools, universities, and some places of employment would close to allow the whole community to participate in the olive harvest season.

Photo Essay:

This post is dedicated to a very close friend, that is very dear to me and their family; from Jenin.