When a New Settler Road Cut Through His Farm
YOUSEF’S STORY
Just a few months ago, bulldozers tore through 50 meters of Yousef’s land as the Israeli occupying authorities in Palestine built a new road for the exclusive use of Israeli settlers.
Yousef could only watch as his fences were destroyed and many of his beloved olive trees violently uprooted. His small plot of land is just half a hectare in size, but like many in his village, his life revolves around his land.
Devastated by the destruction and loss, Yousef is nonetheless determined to keep going. It is his only source of income and the way he provides for his family.
He’s repaired what damage he can and has rebuilt his fencing. Thanks to Embrace supporters who’ve sponsored trees through the Olive Tree Project, Yousef has been able to plant 40 new trees, helping to replace what he’s lost.
Newly planted olive trees on Yousef’s land.
The destruction is not Yousef’s only challenge. Water is a constant struggle. The Israeli authorities control much of piped water supply in the West Bank, which mostly goes to the illegal Israeli settlements. Yousef has to buy water tanks himself and transport it along rough and dangerous roads to irrigate his land. It’s backbreaking work but he keeps going because without water his trees won’t survive and without them, Yousef will not only lose his livelihood but, mostly likely, his land too.
Sitting only a few metres away from the expanding Israeli settlement of Efrat, Yousef’s land is under increasing threat. Continuing to cultivate it is the best chance Yousef has of protecting his land from being commandeered for settlement.
“If I leave it, I loose it.”
The trees Yousef has received from the Olive Tree Project have strengthened his chance of defending his land.
The Olive Tree Project
Through the Olive Tree Project, Embrace the Middle East supports Palestinian farmers to remain rooted in their land. Discover Olive Tree Sponsorship and Olive Tree Twinning below.
