The farmers who supply Canaan Palestine, through whom we buy our olive oil, are all about to harvest their olives. There is tension in the air as they wait to see what their volumes are like, having had trees destroyed, or been obstructed from tending their groves during the year. They are also anticipating the increasing number of settler attacks that come at harvest-time. However nothing crushes the resilience and determination of Palestinians to remain living on and caring for their land. Here are the thoughts from just some of them…
“All the challenges we face ultimately point us back to one undeniable truth: the land. It’s the heart and soul of every Palestinian. These tough times are as challenging as ever, but what stands out now is the lack of economic and social opportunities, which only deepen our attachment to the land. Rebuilding it with our own hands, together with our children, is our only refuge and remaining hope.”
Mohammad Saleh Yassin / Anin
“The separation wall continues to block our access to our olive trees. We, who have such deep love for the land—its soil, its trees, its stones—have been prevented for two years now from reaching our land and harvesting its crops. This injustice can’t last forever, and we will find our own Palestinian solutions to these challenges. We will plant wherever we can, and one day, we’ll return to the land we’ve been kept from by force.”
Jamal Alhardan / Arrabeh
“Fair trade has been more than just a concept—it’s been our way of escaping the exploitative world of commerce. It’s given us, as farmers, a chance to regain our dignity and control. Years ago, we embraced this, and it has made a real difference for us and our families. We’ll keep going as long as there’s thyme to grow and olives to harvest.”
Ghassan Abu Malla / Mesliyeh
All the challenges we face ultimately point us back to one undeniable truth: the land. It’s the heart and soul of every Palestinian.
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