A program for Civil International Solidarity with Palestinians

17^th - 26^th October 2009

See photos of the 2009 program.

Read participants personal reflections on the 2009 program.

Read about the program background.

For the sixth continuous year, the Joint Advocacy Initiative of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine (JAI) and the Alternative Tourism Group (ATG) organize the sixth Olive Picking Program 2009 in Palestine from 17^th to 26^th of October 2009. This agricultural event is of special significance to the Palestinian economy when all energies and efforts are mobilized.

Olive picking was conducted in 15 different fields in Beit Jala, Jaba'a, Al-Khader, Nahhalin, Al-Walaja and Wad Rahhal in the Bethlehem area. Beside olive picking, the program features introductory presentations about the organizing institutions, the current situation in Palestine and the effect of the Apartheid Wall. Presentations were given by:

• Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ):  on the Apartheid Wall and land confiscation.
• Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD): Settlements and demolished houses tour around Jerusalem.
• Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC): the unique situation in Hebron.
• BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugees' Rights: the refugee questions.

Nevertheless, tours were organized to the olive press cooperative, Ibrahimi Mosque, Aqsa Mosque and Holy Sepulture Church in Jerusalem, Nativity Church in Bethlehem, beside the old cities of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Hebron.

More than 100 international participants from more than 18 different countries in the world have joined the program this year. They were divided into three groups with similar programs but switched days and times.

Participants received first hand information, witnessed facts on the groups, socialized with and helped farmers Keeping Hope Alive and enjoyed the social and cultural life in Palestine. Post the program, many of the participants joined the International Seminar on Economic Perspectives and Advocacy Strategies, organized by OPGAI and the AIC for two days in Bethlehem.

To learn more about previous seasons please go to:

Olive Picking Program 2008
Olive Picking Program 2007
Olive Picking Program 2006 , Please watch a short film about the event
Olive Picking Program 2005

Also, you can see a Short film about the Olive Tree Campaign

To learn more about other programs please go to

Olive Planting Program 2009
Olive planting Program 2008