The olive tree holds deep meaning for both Palestinians and Israelis.

For Palestinians, it is a powerful symbol of identity, heritage and deep-rooted connection to the land passed down through generations.

The olive harvest is a key source of income for many Palestinian families. Olive oil, pickled olives, and related products support households and local economy. As land in the West Bank faces increasing threat of confiscation and trees are often uprooted, the olive tree has come to symbolize steadfastness (Sumud).

For many years, the harvest season was a joyful time; a social and cultural moment when families and communities gathered to pick olives together, sharing food, stories, and traditions.

In recent years, however, it has also become a time of fear. Increasing violence, restrictions on access to land, and the risk of harassment or attacks have made it dangerous for many farmers to reach and work their fields. What was once a season of celebration is now often marked by uncertainty and the need for protection.

For many Israelis, the olive tree and olive oil hold deep spiritual meaning. Through Jewish texts, the olive branch is widely recognized as a symbol of peace, originating from the story of Noah’s Ark, where a dove returns with an olive leaf after the flood. Olive oil was used in the Temple in Jerusalem for lighting the menorah and for anointing kings and priests, symbolizing holiness and divine presence.

For many, it is a symbol of shared humanity.

Protecting the harvest is not only about this season. It is about protecting a living connection between people, land, and history.