THE OLIVE TREE PROJECT: 2026 UPDATE
ROOTING OUT INJUSTICE, PLANTING FOR PEACE
This year, settlement expansion has significantly accelerated in the West Bank, meaning that more and more land is being stolen from Palestinian farmers.
By sponsoring a tree through the Olive Tree Project you help Palestinian farmers defend their land and their livelihood.
NEWS FROM THE OLIVE GROOVES
75,000 OLIVE TREES HAVING BEEN PLANTED THIS YEAR
Despite the ongoing challenges facing the West Bank, the Olive Tree Project continues to grow. This year, more than 75,000 olive trees were planted across Palestine through the support of international partners and donors. While international volunteers were unable to travel to take part in the planting season, local volunteers and farming communities ensured that thousands of sponsored trees were planted and cared for. Trees sponsored through Embrace were planted in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jerusalem and Tulkarem, helping farmers strengthen their connection to the land and protect their livelihoods for generations to come.
You can sponsor a tree for next year’s planting season through our webshop.
THE CHALLENGE REMAINS
Muhanad Al Qaisy
While recent measures, including the UK's decision to restrict trade with goods from illegal Israeli settlements are important steps towards greater accountability, the reality for many Palestinian farmers on the ground remains challenging.
New settlements and outposts continue to be established, existing settlements are expanding, and new settler roads are further fragmenting Palestinian land and communities.
Muhanad Al Qaisy, who leads the Olive Tree Campaign at the Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI), says the pressures facing farming communities continue to grow. Restrictions on movement, limited access to land and water, and ongoing settlement expansion make it increasingly difficult for many farmers to cultivate and protect the land their families have cared for for generations.
Yet despite these challenges, farmers continue to show remarkable resilience, choosing to remain rooted in their land and communities. As Muhanad reflects, "Our resistance now is by planting olive trees."
LIVES ROOTED IN HOPE
SAMIR
One of the last Christian farmers in Bethlehem, Samir lost over 200 olive trees.
OMAR
Omar continues to cultivate his land despite increasing intimidation and violence by radical Israeli settlers.
HASSAN
Hassan’s home was recently demolished by the Israeli occupying authorities.
YOUSEF
Yousef’s farmland is under threat from the encroaching Israeli settlement of Efrat.
THE OLIVE TREE COLLECTION
The story of the olive tree doesn’t end at harvest.
This year, we were delighted that Muhanad could join us at Greenbelt festival this summer to launch our Olive Tree Twinning initiative. The scheme offers supporters a new way to celebrate their connection to the Olive Tree Project and the communities at its heart. As Christmas approaches, why not twin your Christmas tree with an olive tree in Palestine? You'll receive a personalised certificate and details of your tree, creating a meaningful connection to Palestinian farmers and the land they work to protect.
Whether twinning an olive tree or choosing a handcrafted olive wood gift, each purchase helps support Palestinian livelihoods and honours the enduring significance of the olive tree in Palestinian life.
Our olive wood products are handcrafted by artisans registered with Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (BFTA), using wood from carefully pruned olive branches. Their craftsmanship reflects generations of skill and tradition, transforming a symbol of resilience into meaningful gifts that can be treasured and shared.
Together, Olive Tree Twinning and our Olive Tree Collection provide practical ways to continue standing alongside Palestinian communities long after the growing season has ended.
STAY CONNECTED TO THE OLIVE TREE PROJECT
SPONSOR AN OLIVE TREE
Palestinian farmers need your help more than ever, so why not sponsor another olive tree? It’s a unique gift to give a loved one and help keep hope alive in Palestine.
WAR IN GAZA LATEST UPDATES
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