Land Defense Coalition releases Olive Harvest Program

The Land Defense Coalition, a coordinating body of grassroots movements and organizations, announces the program of collective efforts to safeguard the annual olive harvest and are calling on volunteers to stand in solidarity with Palestinian communities and join in the harvest on October 10 until October 25, 2014.
The harvesting of the olives is becoming more difficult every year as farmers face an intensification of settler attacks, as well as the confiscation, isolation and destruction of Palestinian lands. All of which have led to the strangulation of Palestinian communities across the West Bank. The recent plan of the expulsion of Bedouins, military aggressions against Gaza and continued closures and permit restrictions of Palestine makes your presence particularly important this year to show that we will continue the resistance against the Israeli occupation.
Local farmers have refused to be forced off their land, and continue the harvest each year even though they face violence and repression from both soldiers and settlers. The Palestinian people will continue steadfast in their rights to land and dignity.
Your participation is not only critical to help physically bring in the harvest, but to also be a witness to what is happening on the ground. As the Wall continues to be built and settler violence is on the rise, your presence is needed to witness what is happening, and document it for the international community.
The collective efforts during the olive harvest, a vital season for Palestinian farmers and villages, have become a symbol for Palestinian steadfastness and solidarity. International volunteers are encouraged to join groups of Palestinian students and harvest olives alongside farmers and their families in the threatened villages. For information on local activities, harvesting locations or general queries, please contact the Stop the Wall offices at: freeplestine587@gmail.com 0568885802.